If you’re craving a dessert that combines the warmth of banana with the rich decadence of caramel, you absolutely must try this Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe. This delightful treat features a soft, banana-infused cake rolled with a creamy, dreamy filling and finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. Imagine the perfect balance of fluffy texture, sweet spice, and smooth creaminess all wrapped into one showstopping cake roll. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make, guaranteed to brighten any gathering or just turn an ordinary day into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in bringing out beautiful flavors and a wonderful texture. From the ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture to the cream cheese filling that creates richness, every component works together to make the perfect, irresistible roll.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Provides the tender structure for the cake without weighing it down.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise just enough for a soft and airy texture.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle warmth and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with banana.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- ¼ tsp baking soda: Assists in the cake’s perfect rise and tenderness.
- 3 large eggs: The backbone of the cake’s structure, making it rich and moist.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens gently without overpowering the banana’s natural flavor.
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor with its classic, aromatic warmth.
- ½ cup mashed bananas (about 1 medium-sized banana): Adds moisture, sweetness, and that authentic banana taste.
- ½ cup powdered sugar, divided: One part for dusting the towel to prevent sticking, and some for garnishing at the end.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a tangy, creamy filling that contrasts the sweet cake beautifully.
- â…“ cup light brown sugar, packed: Introduces a subtle caramel note in the filling itself.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the filling with extra flavor depth.
- ¾ cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Lightens the filling, making it fluffy and luscious.
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling gently without becoming grainy.
- 3 tbsp caramel sundae topping: The final, rich drizzle that brings this cake roll to the next level of indulgence.
How to Make Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 15x10x1 jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Spraying the pan with nonstick spray makes sure your cake won’t stick, which is crucial because you’ll be rolling it later. Having this ready upfront sets you up for smooth sailing through the baking process.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. This simple mix brings together all the dry elements that will give your cake structure, light spice, and the right amount of lift. Setting this aside keeps things organized while you move on to the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Whip Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed for 4-5 minutes. This step is essential because it creates a frothy, pale yellow base that lends airiness to the cake. Then, gently mix in the mashed bananas, folding them in carefully to keep that light texture intact.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly fold the dry ingredient mix into the wet batter with a gentle hand. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender and soft. Spread the batter evenly over your prepared pan — an even layer ensures a uniform bake and makes rolling easier later on.
Step 5: Bake and Roll
Bake for 12-13 minutes, just until the cake springs back lightly when touched. Here’s a neat trick: while the cake is still warm, carefully flip it onto a tea towel dusted with powdered sugar. Rolling it up in the towel right away helps set the shape and prevents cracks once it fully cools.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy. Then, fold in the whipped topping and the tablespoon of powdered sugar to lighten the mixture. This filling will add luscious texture and a beautiful tang to cut through the sweetness of the caramel and banana.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake Roll
Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface. Then, re-roll the cake without the towel this time and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld while firming up the roll for easier slicing.
Step 8: The Perfect Finishing Touch
Before serving, give the cake roll a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate sweet touch and drizzle it with rich caramel sundae topping. This final step makes your Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe visually stunning and irresistibly delicious—get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
Simple powdered sugar and caramel drizzle elevate this cake’s look and flavor instantly, but feel free to add chopped walnuts or toasted pecans for a delightful crunch contrast. A few sliced fresh bananas on the side can also enhance the presentation and reinforce the cake’s star flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake roll pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to take the dessert indulgence up a notch. Fresh fruit salad or a light, citrusy sorbet also work beautifully as refreshing sides to complement the richness of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, slice the roll into generous pieces and serve on a platter with garnishes arranged artfully around them. You can also pipe extra whipped topping on each slice or drizzle the caramel in intricate patterns. Presenting individual mini rolls or even cupcake-sized portions inspired by this recipe can impress guests with your creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake roll is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The chilling time actually helps the flavors deepen, so sometimes the next day tastes even better!
Freezing
You can freeze the entire Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for extra protection. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this cake is soft and delicate, reheating is not usually necessary—it’s best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it warmed, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best balance of flavors and texture.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots actually bring out the best sweetness and flavor, making your Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe even more delicious and moist.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, a rimmed baking sheet around 10×15 inches can work as long as it’s shallow for an even cake layer. Just be sure to adjust baking time slightly and keep a close eye on that golden finish.
Can I make the filling dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor or creaminess in this cake roll.
Why do I roll the cake while it’s warm?
Rolling the cake warm helps it ‘remember’ the shape, preventing cracks when you fill and roll for the final time. It also makes handling easier since the cake is more pliable before it cools.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?
Definitely, homemade caramel sauce adds a fantastic personal touch and can be adjusted for sweetness and texture to suit your taste perfectly. Just make sure it’s thick enough to drizzle without running off the cake.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe is one of those desserts that turns everyday moments into joyful celebrations. Its beautiful combination of flavors and textures makes it an absolute standout, whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself. I promise once you try it, this cake roll will become a beloved favorite that you’ll come back to again and again. So, get baking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Banana Cake Roll is a delightful dessert featuring a light, fluffy banana-flavored cake rolled with a creamy brown sugar-vanilla cream cheese filling. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s perfect for a sweet treat that serves 10 to 12 people.
Ingredients
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)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
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
Topping
- 3 tbsp caramel sundae topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: 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 the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Whip Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture turns frothy and pale yellow. Then gently mix in the mashed bananas until incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
- Bake and Roll Cake: Bake the cake for 12 to 13 minutes until set and springy. Remove from the oven immediately and carefully invert the cake onto a clean tea towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Roll the cake up in the towel while still warm and let it cool completely to create the roll shape.
- Prepare 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 of powdered sugar until well combined.
- Assemble Cake Roll: Unroll the completely cooled cake carefully and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake tightly without the towel and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top of the cake roll with powdered sugar and drizzle caramel sundae topping over it for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking when rolling.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Chilling the cake roll before slicing helps maintain its shape.
- This cake is best served within 1-2 days for maximum freshness.
- For a stronger banana flavor, use very ripe bananas.
