Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

A Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll is a must-try dessert that combines the delicious flavors of banana and cream cheese into one delightful treat. This versatile cake roll is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply as a sweet ending to any meal. Its unique combination of textures and flavors will surely impress your family and friends, making it a standout choice for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of banana and cream cheese creates a rich flavor that is hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Sharing: The cake roll can be sliced into portions, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings.
• Customizable Toppings: You can easily adjust the toppings to include your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
• Impressive Presentation: The rolled cake creates an elegant look that will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jelly roll pan
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Kitchen towel

Importance of Each Tool

• Jelly roll pan: This shallow pan allows the cake to bake evenly, helping achieve the perfect texture.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer saves time and ensures that your ingredients are thoroughly blended for a smooth batter.

Ingredients

A delightful Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll filled with a creamy cheese mixture and rolled with a banana-flavored cake, topped with a sweet glaze and pecans.

Ingredients:
– 7 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 3 tablespoons whole milk
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
– 2/3 cup mashed banana (1 large or 2 small bananas)
– 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup candied ginger, chopped
– 1 ounce cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
– 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
– 2 to 3 teaspoons whole milk (for glaze)

How to Make Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a jelly roll pan measuring 15 x 10 x 1 inch. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth.
1. Add in one egg and three tablespoons of whole milk.
2. Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated.
3. Evenly spread this cream cheese filling into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruit Mixture

Coarsely chop the pecans, candied ginger, and dried cranberries together on a cutting board.
1. Set aside one-third of this mixture for later use in the batter.
2. Reserve the remaining mixture for topping later.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda until combined. Set aside for later use.

Step 5: Make the Egg Yolk Mixture

In a large bowl, beat four egg yolks with vanilla extract on medium speed until thick and lemon-colored (about five minutes).
1. Gradually add in one-third cup of granulated sugar while mixing.
2. Mix in mashed banana along with one-third cup of chopped pecan, cranberry, and ginger blend.

Step 6: Beat Egg Whites

In a separate clean bowl, beat four egg whites at medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
1. Gradually add in the remaining one-third cup granulated sugar.
2. Continue beating on high until stiff peaks are achieved.

Step 7: Combine Mixtures Carefully

Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the beaten egg whites.
1. Add half of the flour mixture gently; then add in the remaining flour mixture.
2. Fold until just combined without overmixing.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Carefully pour the cake batter over the cream cheese filling in the pan.
1. Spread evenly into corners using a spatula.
2. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until set and light golden.

Step 9: Cool Down

While waiting for your cake to bake, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking once it’s done baking.

Step 10: Roll It Up

After baking:
1. Let cool in pan for five minutes.
2. Release edges with a knife; flip onto powdered sugar-dusted towel while removing parchment paper gently.
3. Starting from one short end, roll it up using the towel into a log shape; place seam-side down to cool completely.

Step 11: Glaze Preparation

While cooling:
In a small bowl combine softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to create a smooth glaze suitable for drizzling.

Step 12: Finish Off Your Dessert

Once cooled completely:
Spread glaze evenly over your cake roll,
Sprinkle with reserved chopped pecans, cranberries, and candied ginger before slicing into pieces.

Enjoy your delicious Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll!

How to Serve Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

The Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Add a side of banana slices to complement the cake’s flavor.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair with vanilla or coconut ice cream for a creamy and indulgent treat.
• Try a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for a lighter option that still satisfies.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce adds richness and extra sweetness.
• Use dark chocolate for a gourmet touch that balances the flavors.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for added lightness.
• You can infuse the cream with vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor.

Served on a Dessert Platter

• Present the cake roll on a beautiful platter, garnished with mint leaves.
• Arrange additional fruits and nuts around the roll for an appealing display.

How to Perfect Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

To achieve the best Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll, follow these helpful tips for perfect results every time.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
• Don’t overmix: Gently folding the batter helps maintain its light and airy texture.
• Cool completely before glazing: This ensures that your glaze won’t melt into the cake, keeping it beautifully intact.
• Dust with powdered sugar: Before rolling, dusting your towel prevents sticking and adds sweetness to the final presentation.
• Experiment with fillings: Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

Pairing side dishes with your Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides a creamy texture contrast.
3. Mint Tea: A warm cup of mint tea refreshes the palate after dessert.
4. Chai Latte: The spices in chai complement the flavors in the cake nicely.
5. Coconut Whipped Cream: A dairy-free alternative that adds richness without overpowering flavors.
6. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add an elegant touch and pair perfectly with banana flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll, it’s easy to overlook key details that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Failing to line your pan with parchment can cause the cake to stick and break when rolling. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.
• Not Allowing Proper Cooling Time: Rolling the cake while it’s too hot can lead to cracks. Let it cool adequately in the pan for a few minutes before rolling.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Gently fold ingredients together until just combined for a light texture.
• Ignoring Egg Separation: Not properly separating the eggs can impact the fluffiness of your cake. Beat egg whites separately until stiff peaks form to create a light, airy roll.
• Using Warm Ingredients: Cold cream cheese will not mix well and may lead to lumps in your filling. Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

• Wrap your roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• You can freeze it for up to 2 months.

Reheating Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the roll on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over low heat for several minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll.

How do I make my Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll more flavorful?

You can enhance flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or by using ripe bananas which are sweeter.

Can I substitute other nuts in my Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll?

Yes! Feel free to use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans based on your preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends to accommodate dietary needs.

How should I store leftover Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Final Thoughts

The Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with various nuts or dried fruits. This delightful dessert is perfect for gatherings or as an afternoon treat. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy its sweet flavors!