If you have a sweet tooth and a love for bananas, you are going to adore this Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of fluffy banana-infused cake wrapped around a creamy, dreamy caramel cream cheese filling that’s truly irresistible. This recipe perfectly balances sweetness with a touch of cinnamon warmth, making every bite a delicious journey. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to desserts to wow friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to making this Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe shine. Each element plays a crucial role, from creating the light, airy texture of the cake to delivering that rich, luscious filling and caramel drizzle that ties everything together.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s soft and tender crumb.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully with a gentle lift.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warm spice that complements the banana flavor perfectly.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness naturally.
- ¼ tsp baking soda: Works with the acidic components for a light texture.
- 3 large eggs: Provide structure and richness for a moist cake.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough to let the banana shine.
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract: Gives a fragrant, cozy aroma to the batter.
- ½ cup mashed bananas (about 1 medium-sized banana): The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moistness.
- ½ cup powdered sugar, divided: Used both for dusting the cake and sweetening the filling.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth, tangy base for the filling.
- â…“ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel-like depth to the cream cheese mixture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Blends beautifully into the filling for layered flavor.
- ¾ cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Lightens the filling for creamy, fluffy goodness.
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering.
- 3 tbsp caramel sundae topping: That luscious drizzle that makes this cake roll truly special.
How to Make Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15x10x1 jelly roll pan with parchment paper and give it a good spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until evenly mixed. This dry mix is what’ll help your cake become perfectly tender and spiced.
Step 2: Whipping Up the Batter
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed for 4 to 5 minutes. You want the mixture to become frothy and pale yellow – that’s where the magic begins to happen. Gently fold in the mashed bananas next, adding a natural sweetness and moisture that makes the cake irresistible.
Step 3: Bringing the Batter Together and Baking
Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light. Spread this batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven to bake for 12 to 13 minutes. The cake should spring back lightly when touched.
Step 4: Rolling the Cake
Once out of the oven, immediately transfer the cake onto a clean tea towel that’s generously dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake up gently in the towel while it’s still warm and set aside to cool completely. This step ensures the cake cracks less and rolls smoothly later on.
Step 5: Making the Creamy Filling
Beat together the softened cream cheese, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Fold the whipped topping and powdered sugar in gradually, creating a fluffy, rich filling ready to be spread over the cake.
Step 6: Assembling and Chilling
Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake without the towel, then place it in the fridge to chill for at least one hour. Chilling helps the filling set and makes slicing cleaner.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Right before serving, dust the outside with powdered sugar and drizzle generously with caramel sundae topping. This final flourish makes the Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe not only taste incredible but look stunning too.
How to Serve Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling powdered sugar is a classic choice to give that snowy effect, but feel free to add chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and an extra nutty flavor. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a few banana slices on top also adds freshness and indulgence.
Side Dishes
This cake roll pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to keep the dessert feeling light. For a more refreshing side, fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad help cut through the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices on pretty dessert plates with a sprig of mint for a pop of color. You can also create mini individual rolls by slicing the cake into smaller portions and assembling with extra filling for parties. Another fun idea is to lay the slices flat and top them with additional caramel and banana slices for a deconstructed sundae vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your cooled Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying over a couple of days without losing its charm.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy after refrigeration or freezing, let the cake come to room temperature naturally. If you want a softer filling, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can melt the cream cheese filling lightly, but be cautious not to overheat.
FAQs
Can I use ripe bananas that are very soft?
Absolutely! Riper bananas actually add more sweetness and moisture, which enhances the flavor and texture of the cake perfectly. Just mash them well before folding into the batter.
Is it necessary to roll the cake while warm?
Yes, rolling the cake while it’s still warm helps prevent it from cracking later on. It’s more pliable, so it shapes beautifully and holds its roll when cooled completely.
Can I substitute the whipped topping with fresh whipped cream?
You can! Fresh whipped cream adds a lovely natural flavor, but make sure it’s stabilized if you need the filling to hold firm, otherwise it might flatten over time.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Lining the pan with parchment paper and spraying it well with nonstick spray is essential. This makes it easy to lift the cake out without damage after baking.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
With some swaps, yes! Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup can give you similar results. Just be mindful of the texture and bake times, which might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to bring smiles at any gathering. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, I promise it will quickly become one of your favorites. So grab those bananas, get rolling, and treat yourself to this sweet delight!
Print
Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful and moist Caramel Banana Cake Roll combining the flavors of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and a creamy caramel-infused cream cheese filling. This rolled cake is perfect for dessert or a special occasion, featuring a light sponge rolled with luscious cream cheese filling and topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup mashed bananas (about 1 medium-sized banana)
For the Filling:
- 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
For Garnish:
- ½ cup powdered sugar, divided (for dusting)
- 3 tbsp caramel sundae topping
Instructions
- Prepare and preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray it with nonstick spray to ensure easy cake release.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Beat wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and pale yellow. Then fold in the mashed bananas gently.
- Combine wet and dry: Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet banana mixture until just combined, taking care not to deflate the batter. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared jelly roll pan.
- Bake and roll: Bake the cake for 12 to 13 minutes until set. Immediately remove from the oven and invert it onto a clean tea towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel while still warm. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape to set the form.
- Prepare filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, packed light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping and powdered sugar until well incorporated.
- Fill and chill: Once the cake is fully cooled, unroll it gently, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, and then re-roll the cake tightly. Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the filling firm up.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the cake roll lightly with powdered sugar and drizzle with caramel sundae topping for a beautiful and delicious finish.
Notes
- Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracks and helps it hold its shape.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- The whipped topping in the filling keeps it light and fluffy.
- Chilling the cake roll before serving makes slicing easier and enhances flavor melding.
- Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese, are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
