Velvety Banana Cake Roll Recipe

Homemade Banana Cake Roll Recipe: Fluffy Dessert Joy

Soft, pillowy banana cake roll with a delightful cream cheese filling will make your taste buds dance with joy.

This classic dessert brings together the rich warmth of ripe bananas and smooth, tangy cream cheese in one elegant swirl.

Delicate and light, the cake roll melts in your mouth with each perfect bite.

The recipe combines simple ingredients that blend seamlessly into a showstopping treat.

Every slice promises a delectable balance of fruity sweetness and creamy texture that feels both comforting and indulgent.

You’ll love how easily this dessert comes together, impressing everyone at the table.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to create a dessert that turns an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 206 kcal

Servings: 9

Banana Cake Roll Ingredient Checklist

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our tender cake, selecting fresh, sifted flour ensures a smooth, delicate texture.
  • Baking Powder: Magical rising agent that helps create a light, airy cake structure with perfect softness.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that adds depth and a cozy flavor profile to the banana cake.
  • Baking Soda: Helps activate other ingredients and provides extra lift to the cake's delicate crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Binding superhero that provides structure and richness to the cake roll.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetness enhancer that also helps create a smooth, glossy cake texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Flavor-boosting ingredient that adds a classic, aromatic essence to the dessert.
  • Ripe Bananas: Moisture-packed fruit that delivers natural sweetness and creamy texture.
For Filling and Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Tangy, smooth base for the filling that creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
  • Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy component that makes the filling airy and decadent.
  • Powdered Sugar: Elegant finishing touch for dusting, adding a beautiful visual and subtle sweetness.
  • Caramel Topping: Indulgent drizzle that provides a rich, golden accent to the cake roll.

Equipment You’ll Need for Banana Cake Roll

  • Jelly Roll Pan: Essential for creating the thin, even cake base with the perfect shape.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cake removal.
  • Kitchen Towel: Crucial for rolling the cake without cracking.
  • Mixing Bowls: Large and medium sizes for combining dry and wet ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer: Helps beat eggs, sugar, and cream cheese to smooth consistency.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients evenly.
  • Spatula: Helps spread batter and filling smoothly.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool without getting soggy.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.

How to Make a Perfect Banana Cake Roll

  • Banana Batter Preparation

Mix dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs with sugar until creamy and light. Blend in vanilla and mashed bananas to create a smooth mixture.

  • Pan and Baking Setup

Prep a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and light grease. Pour cake mixture evenly across surface. Bake in a preheated oven until cake gently springs back when touched.

  • Cake Rolling Technique

Once baked, quickly transfer cake onto a sugar-dusted kitchen towel. Carefully roll cake with towel from short side, allowing it to cool completely while maintaining its curved shape.

  • Creamy Filling Creation

Whip cream cheese with brown sugar and vanilla until silky. Gently fold in whipped topping to create a luscious, smooth filling.

  • Final Assembly

Carefully unroll cooled cake. Spread filling across surface, then roll cake without towel. Refrigerate to set and firm up the roll.

  • Serving Elegance

Before serving, dust cake with powdered sugar and drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent finishing touch.

Banana Cake Roll Filling and Flavor Ideas

  • Replace ripe bananas with applesauce or pumpkin puree for unique flavor twists that transform the classic roll.
  • Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth, crack-free cake roll when unfolding.
  • Enhance the filling by mixing in chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a dash of cinnamon for extra texture and depth of flavor.
  • Wrap the finished cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks, making it perfect for make-ahead dessert preparation.
  • Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce, sprinkle with toasted nuts, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate this classic dessert for special occasions.

Ways to Serve Banana Cake Roll with Style

  • Serve with Creamy Companions: Pair this luscious banana cake roll with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
  • Caramel Lover's Dream: Enhance the rich flavors by drizzling additional caramel sauce over each slice, creating a decadent treat that'll make taste buds dance with delight.
  • Breakfast-Inspired Twist: Cut thin slices and enjoy alongside a morning coffee or as a sweet brunch accompaniment, transforming this dessert into a versatile morning treat.
  • Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top for a delightful crunch and extra layer of flavor that complements the soft banana cake texture.

Storing Banana Cake Roll Without Losing Freshness

  • Refrigerate Right: Store the banana cake roll wrapped in plastic wrap inside an airtight container. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying.
  • Freeze for Future: Slice the cake roll into individual portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake rolls stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Serve at Perfect Temperature: Remove the cake roll from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to soften and flavors to develop, creating a more enjoyable dessert experience.
  • Prevent Moisture Buildup: Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture. This trick helps maintain the cake's texture and prevents sogginess during refrigeration.
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Velvety Banana Cake Roll Recipe

Velvety Banana Cake Roll Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy banana cake roll combines classic comfort with elegant presentation. Sweet filling and moist cake create irresistible dessert perfection for those wanting a delightful treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup (113 ml / 4 fl oz) mashed bananas (1 medium-sized banana)
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) light brown sugar, packed
  • ¾ cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz) whipped topping
  • 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (60 g / 2 oz) powdered sugar (divided for dusting)
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsps caramel sundae topping

Instructions

  1. Baking Preparation: Line a 15 x 10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
  2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Sift flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl, ensuring a uniform mixture.
  3. Egg Mixture: Whip eggs and granulated sugar until the combination transforms into a light, airy pale yellow consistency with significant volume.
  4. Banana Integration: Fold vanilla extract and mashed ripe bananas into the egg mixture, creating a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
  5. Batter Assembly: Gently combine dry ingredients with banana mixture, minimizing stirring to preserve the cake’s delicate texture.
  6. Pan Distribution: Spread batter evenly across the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for consistent thickness.
  7. Baking Process: Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, monitoring for a golden surface and springy texture when touched.
  8. Initial Rolling: Immediately invert the hot cake onto a powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel, then tightly roll from the shorter end while warm.
  9. Cooling and Filling Preparation: Allow cake to cool completely, then simultaneously prepare the filling by blending cream cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
  10. Filling Incorporation: Fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light, airy filling with a smooth consistency.
  11. Final Assembly: Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread filling evenly, and reroll without the towel, maintaining a tight, uniform shape.
  12. Finishing Touches: Refrigerate the rolled cake for one hour to set the filling, then dust with powdered sugar and drizzle caramel topping before serving.

Notes

  • Master Temperature Control: Precision is key at 375°F; even slight temperature variations can dramatically change cake texture and baking time.
  • Handle Cake Carefully: Use a powdered sugar-dusted towel to prevent sticking and make rolling easier without cracking the delicate sponge.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Fold dry ingredients gently to maintain air pockets, ensuring a light, tender cake roll with perfect texture.
  • Optimize Banana Ripeness: Select very ripe bananas with dark spots for maximum natural sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 206
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 137 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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