Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

Introduction to Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

Welcome to the delightful world of the Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll! If you’re anything like me, your days can be a whirlwind of activities, juggling family, work, and a million things in between. This recipe is a breath of fresh air—a quick solution for those busy moments when you want to impress loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. The soft, moist banana cake, combined with a rich cream cheese filling, is as comforting as a hug. Trust me, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

This Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll is not just a dessert; it’s a lifesaver. With its simple preparation, you can whip up this delightful treat in about 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings or surprise guests. The burst of banana flavor paired with creamy cheese filling is simply irresistible. Plus, the rolled cake looks beautiful on a platter, turning an ordinary moment into something special.

Ingredients for Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating a delicious Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cream cheese: The star of the filling, it adds creaminess and richness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and balances flavors.
• Egg: This binds the filling together, giving it a smooth texture.
• Whole milk: Makes the filling luscious and creamy.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake, providing structure.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise, creating a fluffy texture.
• Eggs (separated): The yolks provide richness, while the whipped whites help the cake become light and airy.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic flavor to both the cake and glaze.
• Mashed banana: The heart of this recipe; use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the roll.
• Dried cranberries: These add a hint of tartness and a pop of color.
• Candied ginger: For a spicy kick that compliments the sweetness of the bananas.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for the glaze, making it sweet and drizzlable.
• Whole milk (for glaze): Needed to achieve the right consistency for the glaze.

For those with dietary restrictions, consider using low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative. If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to swap them out for walnuts or almonds. And remember, all the measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article for your printing convenience!

How to Make Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

Making your very own Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the steps together, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute. Just follow along, and let your culinary adventure begin!

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

Start by taking 7 ounces of softened cream cheese and placing it in a bowl. Add in ½ cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, whip them together until the mixture is silky smooth.

Next, crack in 1 large egg and pour in 3 tablespoons of whole milk. Continue mixing on medium speed. You want this filling to be light and creamy, like a cloud of goodness!

Making the Cake Batter

In a different bowl, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. Give it a quick whisk to blend.

In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 egg yolks with ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Do this for about 5 minutes until the mixture turns thick and a lovely lemon color. Gradually add in ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and keep beating.

Now, gently mix in ⅔ cup of mashed banana and about ⅓ cup of that crunchy pecan-berry-ginger blend we prepared earlier. This mix adds flavor like none other!

Folding in Egg Whites

In a clean bowl, beat 4 egg whites at medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This is key for a fluffy roll!

Once you achieve those peaks, gradually beat in the last ⅓ cup of granulated sugar. Keep mixing until you see stiff peaks. Now it’s time to fold those egg whites into the egg yolk mixture!

Be gentle here. Use a spatula to fold half the flour mixture into the batter, then the remaining half. Stop once everything looks just combined; we don’t want to overmix!

Baking the Cake

Carefully pour the cake batter over the smooth cream cheese filling in the jelly roll pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula to reach those corners. Then, slide it into a preheated oven set to 375°F.

Let it bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You know it’s ready when the cake is light golden and springs back when you touch it. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

To roll, gently use a knife to release the cake edges from the pan. Flip the cake onto a powdered-sugar-dusted kitchen towel, parchment side up. Remove the parchment and start rolling from the short end. This will help shape your beautiful roll!

Making the Glaze

While your cake cools, it’s time to make that sweet glaze! In a small bowl, mix 1 ounce of softened cream cheese, ¾ cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of whole milk to achieve a smooth consistency.

This glaze should be drizzly, not too thick. Once your cake roll is completely cool, spread this luscious glaze over the top, then sprinkle with the reserved chopped pecans, cranberries, and candied ginger for that perfect finishing touch!

Tips for Success

• Use ripe bananas for enhanced sweetness and flavor.
• Remember to bring your eggs to room temperature for better volume.
• Dust your towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking when rolling the cake.
• Be gentle while folding the egg whites; this ensures a light and fluffy texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter—mix just until combined.

Equipment Needed

• Jelly roll pan: A 15 x 10 x 1 inch pan is ideal, but a similar-sized baking sheet works too.
• Mixing bowls: At least two medium-sized bowls for mixing is essential.
• Electric mixer: A hand mixer is convenient, though a whisk can work with a bit more elbow grease.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading the batter and folding ingredients.
• Kitchen towel: Helps with rolling; a clean cloth will do if you don’t have one available.

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for that crunch without allergens.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for those avoiding gluten.
• Different Fruits: Swap the banana with pureed apples or pumpkin for a seasonal twist!
• Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the batter for added richness.
• Spiced Banana Roll: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a spiced twist.

Serving Suggestions for Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• A dollop of whipped cream adds a light touch.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a vibrant plate.
• Complement with a cup of herbal tea or coffee.
• For presentation, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

FAQs about Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll

Can I use frozen bananas for my Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and mash them before using. Frozen bananas can actually enhance the sweetness!

How do I store leftover Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll?

Cover the roll tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying later!

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?

If you prefer a lighter option, try using mascarpone cheese. For a dairy-free alternative, cashew cream can work wonderfully!

How can I make this recipe lower in sugar?

You can reduce the sugar in both the cake and glaze. Just keep in mind that the sweetness might be slightly less, but the flavor won’t suffer one bit!

Can I prepare the Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the cake up to a day in advance. Just glaze it right before serving for that fresh touch!

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a Banana Cake Cream Cheese Roll. It’s like crafting a little piece of joy to share with friends and family. When you slice into that cake, and the creamy filling spills out, you know you’ve created something special. From the aroma of ripe bananas to the sweet glaze dripping down the sides, this dessert evokes happiness in every bite. Plus, it brings everyone together, making it perfect for celebrations or just a cozy family night. So, roll up those sleeves, and enjoy the sweet adventure this recipe promises!

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