Introduction
Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll is an enticing twist on traditional banana bread. It offers a delightful combination of moist cake and creamy frosting, all rolled into a beautiful dessert. With its luscious filling and tender texture, this roll makes for an impressive offering at any gathering, brightening up any dessert table.
Perfectly balanced between sweetness and richness, this recipe captures the essence of ripe bananas. The cream cheese filling adds a tangy layer that beautifully enhances the cake's flavor, making it a truly memorable treat. Whether enjoyed at brunch or as an after-dinner dessert, every bite is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
Ripe bananas are essential for the flavor and moisture of the cake. Their natural sweetness helps to reduce the need for added sugar while contributing to a tender crumb, making the cake soft and delectable. - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Granulated sugar not only sweetens the cake but also contributes to its structure. It helps to create a soft texture, balances the flavors, and ensures the cake rises optimally during baking. - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Butter adds richness and moistness to the cake while providing a delightful aging effect on the flavor profile. It also ensures the cake bakes evenly and helps develop a tender crumb. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cake. It adds depth and warmth, making the banana flavor more pronounced and enjoyable. - 2 large eggs
Eggs act as a binder and contribute to the cake’s structure. They also provide moisture and richness, resulting in a tender and fluffy final product. - 1 cup all-purpose flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation of the cake, providing the necessary gluten structure to hold the cake together. It helps create the ideal texture without overpowering the flavor of the bananas. - 1 teaspoon baking powder
Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cake rise. It generates carbon dioxide during baking, resulting in a light and airy texture. - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Baking soda aids in the leavening process as well. It reacts with the acidity of the bananas, contributing to the cake's rise and promoting a tender crumb. - 1/4 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness. It also strengthens the overall structure of the cake by helping the proteins in the flour develop properly. - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Cream cheese provides a rich, tangy filling that complements the sweetness of the cake. Its smooth texture creates a delightful contrast to the fluffy cake, making each bite a flavor sensation. - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling without adding graininess. Its fine texture helps to create a smooth, spreadable consistency that pairs perfectly with the cake. - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Lemon juice adds brightness to the cream cheese filling. Its acidity balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, preventing the filling from being too rich.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating the oven is crucial as it ensures that the cake bakes evenly from the moment it goes in. This helps in achieving the right texture and prevents overdevelopment of the cake's structure, resulting in a light, fluffy roll.
Step 2: Prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper.
Lining the jelly roll pan with parchment paper prevents the cake from sticking, ensuring it releases smoothly after baking. Make sure to leave some overhang to make it easier to lift out later.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Creaming the butter and sugar properly incorporates air into the mixture, which is essential for a light and fluffy cake. This step creates a good structure, contributing to the cake’s lovely texture.
Step 4: Add the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and eggs to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
Incorporating the bananas, vanilla, and eggs at this stage enhances the flavor profile while ensuring an even distribution of ingredients. Ripe bananas also add moisture, crucial for the cake’s texture.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Whisking the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the flour. This step is essential for achieving the right rise and texture in your cake.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Mixing the ingredients together carefully without overworking them helps maintain the cake’s fluffiness. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture by developing excess gluten in the flour.
Step 7: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Evenly spreading the batter ensures uniform baking and helps achieve a consistent texture throughout the cake. Smoothing the top creates an attractive finish for the roll.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Baking the cake until just done prevents it from becoming dry. Checking for doneness with a toothpick allows you to remove the cake at the perfect moment for a moist result.
Step 9: Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes before turning it onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Cooling the cake slightly in the pan helps release it from the sides. Transferring it to a towel sprinkled with powdered sugar prevents sticking, and the sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness.
Step 10: Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake in the towel, starting from one of the short ends.
Rolling the cake in a towel helps maintain its shape while it cools. This step prevents cracks when unrolling it later to add the filling and makes it easier to manage.
Step 11: Allow the rolled cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
Complete cooling is essential for the structural integrity of the cake. A warm cake might cause the filling to melt and leak out, rendering the roll difficult to manage.
Step 12: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Beating the cream cheese until smooth ensures a lump-free filling that spreads easily. This step is vital for achieving a creamy texture that will complement the cake beautifully.
Step 13: Add the powdered sugar and lemon juice to the cream cheese, mixing until combined.
Adding powdered sugar and lemon juice balances the flavors in the cream cheese filling. The sugar adds sweetness while the lemon juice balances it, creating a delightful contrast against the banana cake.
Step 14: Unroll the cooled cake gently and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface.
Spreading the filling evenly ensures every bite of the roll is flavorful. Gently unrolling the cake maintains its integrity and prevents cracking, allowing for a neat appearance.
Step 15: Re-roll the cake carefully, without the towel, and wrap it in plastic wrap.
Re-rolling the cake without the towel helps retain its shape and allows for a better presentation. Wrapping in plastic keeps the roll moist until serving.
Step 16: Chill the rolled cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing.
Chilling the roll firmens the filling, making it easier to slice without oozing. This step is essential for achieving clean edges while serving.
Step 17: Slice the Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll into even pieces and serve.
Slicing the roll into even pieces ensures a beautiful presentation. Each slice reveals the swirl of cake and cream cheese filling, making it visually appealing while serving.
Choosing the Right Bananas for Maximum Flavor
When it comes to banana cake, the ripeness of your bananas plays a crucial role in flavor and moisture. Choose bananas that are fully ripe with spots, as they offer the sweetest, most intense flavor. Overripe bananas not only add natural sweetness but also break down easily, maximizing moisture and softness in your cake.
Elevating the Cream Cheese Filling
To add an extra kick to your cream cheese filling, consider infusing it with spices or extracts. A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of almond extract can elevate the flavor profile, providing a unique twist. Feel free to experiment with various flavor combinations that complement the banana, enhancing the overall indulgence.
Perfecting the Roll Technique for Inclusive Aesthetics
Relying on the towel for rolling the cake enhances the shape and prevents cracking. However, if you master the technique of using your hands to gently roll it without a towel, it can save the hassle of having to clean the towel afterward. Experiment with both methods to discover what works best for you while achieving the desired aesthetic.
FAQs
What’s the best way to ensure my cake doesn’t crack while rolling?
Make sure to roll the cake tightly but gently while it’s still warm. Using a towel to assist in rolling can help maintain the shape and minimize cracks.
How do I make the filling less sweet if it's too overpowering?
If you find the filling too sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar. Additionally, you could add a touch more lemon juice to balance the sweetness with acidity.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, though it might be a little less creamy than full-fat options. Ensure it is softened properly for easy mixing.
What if my cake batter is too thick?
If your batter is too thick, you can incorporate a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency, keeping in mind that the batter should be pourable but not runny.
Can I substitute the eggs with a vegan alternative?
Yes, you can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, or 1/4 cup of applesauce instead.
Is there a way to add nuts to the cake without affecting the roll?
Certainly! Finely chopped nuts can be folded into the batter gently after mixing the wet and dry ingredients. Just be cautious not to overmix, which can affect the texture.
Conclusion
Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll is not only a visual treat but also an explosion of flavors with every bite. Its moist texture combined with the creamy filling creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just treating yourself, this roll is sure to impress. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a dessert that showcases your culinary skills and highlights the deliciousness of bananas.
Recipe Card
Delicious Dinners for Cozy Fall Nights
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice optional
- Fresh herbs for garnish like parsley or sage
Instructions
- Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Add the diced butternut squash and broth.
- Include cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer until the squash is tender.
- Blend until smooth (optional).
- Stir in cooked quinoa or rice (if using).
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
