Decadent Banana Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure with our scrumptious Banana Cake Roll Cream Cheese recipe! Picture a heavenly banana-infused sponge hugging a luscious cream cheese filling, all wrapped up in a delectable swirl of tangy icing and topped with a medley of spiced fruits and nuts. This dessert is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgences.

Crafted with love and a touch of magic, this cake roll has become a go-to favorite for cozy gatherings and memorable celebrations. The addition of candied ginger lends a cozy warmth to each bite, creating a sensory experience that will linger long after the last crumb is savored. Whether shared with loved ones over brunch or presented as a show-stopping birthday surprise, this Banana Cake Roll Cream Cheese is sure to steal the spotlight and leave everyone craving for more.

Embrace the joy of baking and relish in the delightful flavors of this festive dessert. With each slice offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this recipe effortlessly merges traditional European patisserie techniques with a modern American twist. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to roll your way to dessert perfection with our Banana Cake Roll Cream Cheese – a tantalizing treat that promises to enchant your guests and make every occasion a little sweeter.

Quick Benefits

• Impress guests with a festive dessert that’s easy to make
• Enjoy a flavorful blend of sweet banana sponge and creamy cream cheese
• Customize with various nuts and fruits for a delightful twist
• Keep leftovers fresh by refrigerating and freezing individual slices

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Banana Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

• Impress without stress: Easy to make, but looks and tastes impressive for any occasion.
• Festive and familiar: Perfect for holidays, yet comforting enough for everyday cravings.
• Sweet and tangy: Delicious combination of banana sponge, cream cheese, and tangy icing.
• Cozy twist: The addition of candied ginger adds a cozy hint, making every bite special.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different nuts, fruits, or seasonal flavors.
• Make-ahead friendly: Can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for longer storage.
• Crowd-pleaser: Receives rave reviews from guests and loved ones, even mistaken for bakery-bought treats.
• Family-friendly: A fun activity to make with kids and loved ones, creating lasting memories.
• European tradition: Combines old-world rolling technique with a festive American twist.
• Allergy-friendly: Easy substitutions for nuts, fruits, and eggs to accommodate various dietary restrictions.

Ingredients for Decadent Banana Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Cream Cheese Filling

• 7 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons whole milk

Cake Batter

• 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
• 2/3 cup mashed banana (1 large or 2 small bananas)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup candied ginger, chopped
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Glaze

• 2 to 3 teaspoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 ounce cream cheese, softened

Pro Tips for Decadent Banana Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Pro Tip 1: Roll the cake while it’s still warm using a powdered sugar towel to prevent cracks and maintain the spiral shape, ensuring a beautiful presentation.

Pro Tip 2: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened and beat it with sugar before adding egg and milk for a lump-free texture, resulting in a smooth and creamy cream cheese filling.

Pro Tip 3: Wrap the cake roll tightly and refrigerate to keep it moist, flavorful, and easy to slice for several days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dessert over time.

How to Make Decadent Banana Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan and Oven

Prepare a 15 x 10 x 1 inch jelly roll pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Make Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add egg, whole milk, and beat until fully combined. Spread the filling evenly in the prepared pan.

Step 3: Chop Nuts and Fruits

Chop pecans, candied ginger, and dried cranberries coarsely together on a cutting board. Set aside 1/3 cup of the mixture for the batter and keep the rest for topping.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 5: Prepare Egg Yolks Mixture

In a large bowl, beat 4 egg yolks and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract on medium speed for about 5 minutes until thick and lemon-colored. Gradually mix in 1/3 cup granulated sugar, then stir in mashed banana and 1/3 cup of chopped pecan, cranberry, and ginger blend.

Step 6: Whip Egg Whites

In a clean bowl, beat 4 egg whites at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/3 cup granulated sugar, beating on high until stiff peaks form.

Step 7: Assemble Cake Batter

Carefully combine the egg yolk mixture with the beaten egg whites. Gradually fold in half of the flour mixture, then fold in the remaining flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Layer and Bake

Evenly spread the cake batter over the cream cheese filling in the pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cake is set and lightly golden.

Step 9: Prepare Rolling Towel

Once the cake is in the oven, prepare a clean kitchen towel by dusting it generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Step 10: Invert and Roll Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Use a knife to release the edges, then flip the cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar. Remove the parchment paper, roll the cake with the towel into a log starting from the short end. Place seam-side down and let it cool for 10 minutes to set the shape.

Step 11: Cool on Serving Platter

Place the rolled cake on a serving platter and allow it to cool completely before adding the glaze.

Step 12: Prepare Glaze

Combine 1 ounce of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 teaspoons milk in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 13: Finish with Glaze and Topping

Evenly spread the glaze on the cooled cake roll and top with reserved pecans, cranberries, and candied ginger.

Storage Tips

Once the banana cake roll is baked and cooled, store any leftovers properly to keep it fresh. Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out, and refrigerate it for up to four days. Bringing the cake to room temperature before serving can enhance its softness and flavors. For longer storage, slice the cake roll into individual pieces, place them on parchment paper, freeze them, and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw the frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator and glaze fresh before serving.

To maintain the cake roll’s texture and flavor, ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened before incorporating it into the recipe. Beating the cream cheese with sugar before adding the egg and milk helps achieve a lump-free texture. When rolling the warm cake, using a powdered sugar towel can prevent cracks and maintain the spiral shape. Additionally, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans based on your preference or pantry availability. Consider using a gluten-free flour blend as a suitable substitute for all-purpose flour if needed. Enjoy the process of making and savoring this delightful banana cake roll one slice at a time, whether for cozy brunches, holidays, or any special occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those with nut allergies, consider swapping pecans with toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds. Dried cherries or golden raisins can be used as substitutes for cranberries, and if you don’t have candied ginger on hand, a pinch of ground ginger can provide a similar flavor boost.

If you prefer a different nut flavor, toasted hazelnuts work well in the colder months, while almonds can be a great substitution for pecans or walnuts. For a springtime twist, add lemon zest to brighten the flavor profile. Additionally, dried figs or cherries can be used in place of cranberries for a different seasonal touch.

If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy this delicious cake roll. Remember to fully soften the cream cheese and beat it with sugar before adding the egg and milk to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture in the cream cheese filling.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, slice the banana cake roll into pinwheel slices and arrange them in a circular pattern on a large platter. Drizzle the tangy icing over the top and sprinkle extra chopped pecans and dried cranberries in the center for a festive touch. Serve this stunning presentation as a centerpiece dessert at your next gathering for a visually appealing and delicious finale.

For a cozy and indulgent twist, warm thick slices of the banana cake roll in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Top each slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm cake paired with the cold, creamy topping creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture that will elevate this dessert to a whole new level of decadence. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special treat with loved ones.

FAQs for Decadent Banana Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Can I make this banana cake roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this banana cake roll ahead of time. After baking and assembling the roll, wrap it tightly and refrigerate. This will help keep it moist, flavorful, and easy to slice for several days.

Can I use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour in this dessert. Just make sure to follow the same measurements and baking instructions.

How should I store leftovers of the banana cake roll?

Wrap leftovers of the banana cake roll air tight to keep them fresh. You can refrigerate the roll for up to four days. If you want to store it for longer, slice it and freeze individual pieces on parchment, then transfer to a freezer bag.

How can I prevent cracks in the cake roll?

To prevent cracks in the cake roll, roll it while it’s still warm using a powdered sugar towel. This technique helps maintain the spiral shape and ensures a crack-free appearance.

Conclusion

Congratulations on making this delightful Banana Cake Roll Cream Cheese! Your kitchen must have been filled with the warm aroma of bananas and spices while baking this treat. Whether you’ve made it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a craving, this cake roll is sure to bring smiles to those you share it with.

As you slice into this luscious cake roll, savor each bite of the moist banana sponge and creamy cream cheese filling. The combination of flavors and textures, along with the festive touch of spiced fruit and nuts, makes this dessert truly special. Remember, baking is an art, and each step you take to create this Banana Cake Roll Cream Cheese is an expression of love and creativity.

So, as you indulge in this scrumptious dessert, take a moment to appreciate the process and the joy it brings. Share the recipe with friends and family, and spread the happiness that a slice of this Banana Cake Roll Cream Cheese can bring. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the sweet aroma of homemade treats!