If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that brings together the cozy warmth of bananas and the irresistible charm of caramel, this Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine a soft, tender cake swirled with a luscious cream cheese filling, kissed with cinnamon, and finished off with a glossy, decadent caramel drizzle. Perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or just a sweet moment to savor with a cup of tea, this cake roll will wow everyone with its flavors and looks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this cake roll. Each one is simple but contributes to the final texture, taste, and lovely golden color, making the baking process straightforward and rewarding.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: The base of our cake, providing structure and tenderness.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy texture.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice that enhances the banana flavor.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- ¼ tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for proper rise and crumb.
- 3 large eggs: The key to a rich, airy batter with that perfect sponge consistency.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract: Brings depth and sweetness to every bite.
- ½ cup mashed bananas (about 1 medium-sized banana): Adds moisture and that signature banana flavor.
- ½ cup powdered sugar, divided (for dusting): Provides a delicate finishing touch and helps with rolling.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, tangy filling that complements the banana perfectly.
- â…“ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel notes to the filling, boosting richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Amplifies the filling’s flavor with sweet fragrance.
- ¾ cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Lightens the filling for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling with a smooth finish.
- 3 tbsp caramel sundae topping: The star drizzle that crowns this dessert with sticky, buttery goodness.
How to Make Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go. Line a 15x10x1 jelly roll pan with parchment paper and give it a good spray with nonstick spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures they’re evenly distributed, which helps the cake rise just right and taste balanced.
Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar Until Frothy
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is light and frothy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving the cake its delicate texture. Then, gently fold in the mashed bananas to add moisture and banana flavor.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture so you don’t deflate all that lovely air you just whipped in. Spread the batter evenly across your prepared pan to ensure a uniformly baked cake.
Step 5: Bake and Roll the Cake
Bake the cake for 12-13 minutes until it’s springy to the touch and the edges begin to pull away from the pan. The moment it’s out of the oven, turn it out onto a powdered sugar-dusted tea towel and roll it up while still warm. This gentle rolling trains the cake to hold its shape without cracking once filled.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese with the brown sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. Then fold in the whipped topping and powdered sugar, creating a luscious, airy filling that contrasts beautifully with the tender cake.
Step 7: Assemble and Chill
Unroll the cooled cake carefully, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, and roll it up again snugly. Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to let everything set perfectly.
Step 8: The Finishing Touch
Before serving, dust the cake roll with powdered sugar for a pretty, snowy look, then drizzle generously with caramel sundae topping. This final caramel layer adds a sticky sweetness that elevates the whole dessert.
How to Serve Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
Adding your personal garnishing touch turns this cake roll into a piece of art. Fresh banana slices or chopped toasted pecans work wonderfully, adding texture and freshness that complement the cake roll perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cake roll pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream if you want the indulgence factor turned up. A cup of bold coffee or warm chai tea also balances the sweetness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the roll into thin spirals for a charming party platter or layer slices in a trifle dish with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a fun twist. You could also serve individual slices with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this cake roll in advance, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer a little warmth, let slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or microwave briefly for 10 seconds. The caramel topping will soften delightfully.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal for this recipe as they are sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the cake’s banana flavor and moistness beautifully.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A similar sized baking sheet or a rimmed baking tray will work just fine. Just make sure it’s shallow enough to spread the batter thinly so the cake bakes evenly and rolls easily.
Can I make the cream cheese filling dairy-free?
Yes, using a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and non-dairy whipped topping can achieve a similar creamy texture and taste, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Why is it important to roll the cake while warm?
Rolling the cake warm prevents cracks and makes it flexible enough to form the perfect spiral shape with the filling. If it cools first, it becomes brittle and harder to roll.
Can I substitute caramel sundae topping with homemade caramel?
Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce will add a personalized touch and richer flavor. Just drizzle it lightly to avoid overpowering the delicate balance of the cake and filling.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe enough for anyone who loves a dessert that feels both comforting and a little special. It combines simple ingredients in a way that feels truly indulgent and rewarding to make. Trust me, once you try it, this cake roll will be one of those homemade treats you keep coming back to and sharing with everyone you love.
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Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Banana Cake Roll is a delightful dessert combining a light, fluffy banana-flavored sponge cake rolled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a luscious caramel drizzle, it’s a perfect treat for special occasions or a sweet indulgence any day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup mashed bananas (about 1 medium-sized banana)
Filling and Topping
- ½ cup powdered sugar, divided (for dusting)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- â…“ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp caramel sundae topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray it with nonstick spray to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until well mixed. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Mix wet ingredients and bananas: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy and pale yellow. Then, gently mix in the mashed bananas to incorporate them evenly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet banana mixture just until combined to keep the batter light and airy. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until the cake is springy to the touch and toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven immediately.
- Roll the cake: Transfer the hot cake to a clean tea towel that has been dusted liberally with powdered sugar. Carefully roll the cake up in the towel from the short side and let it cool completely in this rolled shape to prevent cracks.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping and 1 tablespoon powdered sugar to lighten the filling.
- Unroll and fill the cake: Unroll the cooled cake carefully, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake surface, and then re-roll the cake tightly without the towel. Chill the assembled cake roll in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, dust the top of the cake roll with remaining powdered sugar and drizzle with caramel sundae topping for a beautiful presentation and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use a clean kitchen towel and dust generously with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking while rolling.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Chilling the cake helps the roll hold its shape and makes slicing easier.
- If desired, substitute whipped cream for the whipped topping for a fresher taste.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
