Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe

The Best Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Caramel banana cake roll brings together two beloved flavors in a mesmerizing dessert that refines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Soft, pillowy cake meets rich, velvety caramel in a delightful swirl of sweetness that captures the essence of indulgence.

Bananas add natural moisture and depth, creating a tender texture that melts gracefully with each bite.

The delicate roll showcases a perfect balance between fruity undertones and smooth caramel notes, promising a sensory experience that delights the palate.

Elegant yet approachable, this dessert combines rustic comfort with refined technique, elevating a classic combination into something truly spectacular.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this impressive confection with a few simple techniques and carefully selected ingredients.

The magic lies in the harmonious blend of complementary flavors and textures that create a truly unforgettable dessert.

How to Roll a Caramel Banana Cake Without Cracking

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm the oven to 375°F. Line a 15x10x1 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly spray the paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Baking powder

Whisk these ingredients together and set aside.

Step 3: Create Cake Base

In a separate large bowl, beat together:
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients for 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and frothy with a pale yellow color. Gently fold in mashed ripe bananas.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Spread the batter evenly across the prepared jelly roll pan.

Step 5: Bake Cake

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-13 minutes until the cake is lightly golden and springs back when touched.

Step 6: Roll Cake

Immediately transfer the hot cake onto a tea towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully roll the cake with the towel and let it cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Creamy Filling

In a clean bowl, blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in whipped topping.

Step 8: Assemble Cake Roll

Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface. Gently re-roll the cake without the towel.

Step 9: Chill and Decorate

Refrigerate the cake roll for at least 1 hour. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes + chilling

Servings: 8

Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Helpful Tips for Banana Cake Roll Success

  • Master the Towel Technique: Dust the tea towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking when rolling, ensuring a smooth, crack-free surface.
  • Whip Eggs to Perfection: Beat eggs and sugar thoroughly for 4-5 minutes to create a light, airy texture that helps the cake roll without breaking.
  • Gentle Folding is Key: Carefully fold flour mixture into wet ingredients to maintain the cake's delicate volume and prevent dense, tough texture.
  • Chill for Clean Slices: Refrigerate the rolled cake for at least an hour to help the filling set and make cutting precise, clean slices easier.
  • Caramel Drizzle Magic: Warm the caramel slightly before drizzling to create beautiful, smooth patterns that enhance both presentation and flavor.

How to Store and Slice Banana Cake Rolls Just Right

  • Refrigerate: Store the cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and preventing the cream cheese filling from spoiling.
  • Wrap Carefully: Cover the cake roll tightly with plastic wrap before storing to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out or absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Gentle Reheating: Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the filling and restore its creamy texture.

Great Pairings for Caramel Banana Cake Roll

  • Elevate with Creamy Coffee Companion: Pair this caramel banana cake roll with a smooth, velvety latte or cappuccino. The rich espresso cuts through the sweetness and complements the cake's warm cinnamon notes.
  • Match with Nutty Dessert Wine: Serve alongside a chilled glass of moscato or late-harvest riesling. These sweet wines enhance the caramel and banana flavors, creating a delightful dessert experience.
  • Create Textural Contrast with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy texture balances the soft cake roll and adds a luxurious dimension to each bite.
  • Boost Flavor with Toasted Pecan Sprinkle: Garnish the plate with lightly toasted pecans. Their buttery, crunchy profile adds depth and a nutty undertone that perfectly matches the caramel and banana essence.

Fun Variations for Banana Cake Lovers

  • Chocolate Banana Swirl: Replace cinnamon with cocoa powder and add melted dark chocolate to the filling for a rich, decadent flavor profile that chocolate lovers will adore.
  • Nutty Banana Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling and on top of the cake roll for added texture and nutty depth.
  • Tropical Banana Fusion: Incorporate shredded coconut into the cake batter and mix diced pineapple into the cream cheese filling for a Hawaiian-inspired tropical version.
  • Spiced Banana Maple Roll: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup in the filling and add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the warm, comforting flavors of this classic dessert.

What Makes Caramel Banana Cake Roll a Showstopper

  • Swirl Up Creamy Comfort: This cake roll delivers a luxurious blend of banana sweetness and rich cream cheese filling, creating a decadent dessert that feels like a warm hug.
  • Masterfully Simple Technique: The rolled cake method looks impressive but requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for home bakers wanting to create a stunning dessert without professional training.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: With just 33 minutes of total preparation time and minimal ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary bananas into an extraordinary treat that will wow family and friends at gatherings or potlucks.
  • Versatile Indulgence: The combination of caramel drizzle, soft cake, and creamy filling offers multiple texture experiences in each bite, appealing to those who love complex yet harmonious dessert profiles.

Ingredients for a Soft and Sweet Banana Cake Roll

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the cake roll.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for light and airy texture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that complements banana flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Cake Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create smooth cake texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the cake.
  • Mashed Bananas: Brings natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting and creating decorative finish.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates rich and creamy filling base.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness to filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances filling's flavor profile.
  • Whipped Topping: Provides light and fluffy texture to filling.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: For final decorative dusting.
  • Caramel Sundae Topping: Adds rich, sweet caramel flavor and glossy finish.
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Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe

Caramel Banana Cake Roll Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky caramel banana cake roll delivers a luxurious dessert experience from French pastry traditions. Rich banana layers swirled with smooth caramel create an elegant sweet treat to savor with coffee or share among friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup mashed bananas (1 medium-sized banana)
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup (177 milliliters) whipped topping (Cool Whip)

Dry Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (94 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar, divided, for dusting

Liquid and Sweet Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (73 grams) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) caramel sundae topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 15x10x1 inch jelly roll pan by lining with parchment paper and lightly coating with non-stick spray.
  2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Whip eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and transforms into a pale yellow color with a frothy texture.
  4. Incorporate mashed ripe bananas into the egg mixture, blending thoroughly to create a smooth consistency.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, taking care to maintain the airiness of the batter.
  6. Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan, ensuring uniform thickness.
  7. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 12-13 minutes until the cake is lightly golden and springs back when touched.
  8. Immediately transfer the hot cake onto a tea towel generously dusted with powdered sugar.
  9. Carefully roll the warm cake with the towel, allowing it to cool completely in this cylindrical shape.
  10. Prepare the filling by whipping cream cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla until silky and smooth.
  11. Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, creamy filling.
  12. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the prepared filling evenly across the surface.
  13. Tightly re-roll the cake without the towel, sealing in the creamy filling.
  14. Refrigerate the cake roll for optimal setting and flavor melding.
  15. Before serving, dust with additional powdered sugar and drizzle with caramel topping for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Rolled desserts hide pure magic inside, transforming simple ingredients into stunning presentation.
  • Banana’s natural sweetness amplifies caramel’s rich undertones, creating an irresistible flavor combination.
  • Flexible cake technique requires gentle handling and precise timing to achieve perfect texture and smooth rolling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 298
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 206 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 94 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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