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    Home » Recipes » Cakes

    Banana Roll

    Published: Jan 31, 2023 · Modified: Feb 17, 2023 by Jere Cassidy · This post may contain affiliate links. · 18 Comments

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    Pinterest image with text overlay for a banana cake.
    Cake pinterest image with a text overlay

    Try this easy Banana Roll Cake recipe that combines a cream cheese filling that's baked along with the sponge cake that makes it so easy to roll up. We added pecans, dried cranberries, and candied ginger for an extra delectable dessert cake.

    A sliced cake roll on a white plate topped with icing.
    Banana cake roll

    This page may contain affiliate links, please see my disclosure for policy details.  I earn commissions if you shop through the links on this page.

    I love rolled cakes with all the different flavors and interesting fillings, plus they look so festive rolled up and when sliced you can see all the layers. 

    Jump to:
    • What's different about this roll cake?
    • 🍌Ingredients
    • 📝The banana roll recipe
    • How to roll a cake roll
    • Let's talk about the cake topping
    • More to bake and eat!
    • Recipe

    What's different about this roll cake?

    This roll up cake is made differently than most. Here the banana sponge cake is baked at the same time as the cream cheese filling. So, when you flip it out of the pan you can immediately roll it up. And, you won't have to deal with a fussy filling.

    This cake looks and tastes extravagant but it is so easy to make. Ready, let's bake.

    🍌Ingredients

    Not only are we using overripe bananas that have great flavor, but we added chopped pecans for some crunch, candied ginger for some spice, and dried cranberries for chewy sweetness inside the cake and on top of the icing. It's all so good!

    • Cream Cheese
    • Sugar
    • Eggs
    • Milk
    • All-purpose flour
    • Baking powder
    • Baking soda
    • Vanilla
    • Bananas - overripe bananas are the best.
    • Pecans
    • Dried cranberries
    • Candied ginger
    • Powdered sugar
    Ingredients measured into glass bowls to make a banana cake.
    Simple banana cake ingredients

    Since this recipe is all about banana flavor make sure you are using ripe bananas, you know those bananas that are turning black and getting soft inside, those are the best for baking.

    If you have a lot of overripe bananas in your fruit bowl don't throw them away. Check out this post on foods to freeze to see what to do with your bananas and how to freeze them to use for recipes just like this one.

    📝The banana roll recipe

    You will need a 15" x 10" rimmed baking pan that is fitted with parchment paper.

    Step 1. To get started gather the pecans, cranberries, and ginger on a cutting board and chop, chop, chop.  I chop all these ingredients together and make the pieces pretty small.  This mixture will go in the cake and then I use it for the colorful garnish on the top.

    Chopping ginger, cranberries and pecans all together on a white board.
    Chop the pecans, ginger and cranberries into small pieces

    How to make the cream cheese filling

    Step 2. Mix the cream cheese filling first by creaming the softened cream cheese and sugar and spread it into the prepared pan. Easy right?

    Cream cheese and sugar in a clear glass bowl.
    Cream the cheese and sugar
    A raw egg and milk added to a batter in a glass bowl.
    Add the milk and egg

    Step 3. Mix the cream cheese mixture until smooth then pour it into the prepared sheet pan.

    A cream cheese batter for a cake in a clear glass bowl with a spoon.
    The cream cheese layer
    A baking pan filled with cake batter.
    Add the cream cheese layer first

    How to make the banana sponge cake

    Next, make the cake which is a three-step process, and yes it takes an extra bowl and you have to mix and fold and fold again.

    Step 4. Add the egg yolks and vanilla to a mixing bowl and mix on low speed with an electric mixer until combined. Next, add the sugar to the beaten yolks and mix on medium speed until well combined.

    Four egg yolks in a silver mixing bowl.
    Start with the egg yolks and vanilla
    Sugar on top of beaten egg yolks in a silver bowl.
    Mix in the sugar

    Step 5. Add the mashed banana and beat on medium speed until combined, then stir in the chopped pecans, cranberries, and ginger. Reserve some for the top.

    Mashed bananas in a bowl of egg yolks.
    Add the mashed bananas
    Egg yolks with pecans, cranberries and ginger added to the mix in a bowl.
    Add the ginger, pecans and cranberries

    Step 6. Clean the beaters. Add the egg whites to a large mixing bowl and mix on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Then add the sugar and beat again until the peaks are stiff.

    Egg whites in a glass bowl.
    Add the egg whites to a bowl
    Whipped egg whites in a clear glass bowl.
    Whip the egg whites

    Step 7. Add the banana batter to the egg whites and gently fold them in. Mix all of the dry ingredients together then fold that mixture into the batter until it's combined.

    Step 8. Pour the sponge cake batter over the cream cheese batter in the baking pan.

    Sponge cake batter to a mixing bowl.
    The sponge batter and the egg whites
    A baking pan filled with cake batter.
    Spread the cake batter in the pan

    Step 9. Bake the cake in a 375 F. degree oven for 15-20 minutes.

    Step 10. Set a large towel or cheesecloth on the counter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

    Step 11. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Pick up the baking sheet with hot pads and quickly tip it over on top of the powdered sugar towel. You can do it!

    A baked banana cake.
    The baked cake
    Flipping a cake out of the pan onto a towel.
    Flip the cake on to a towel

    Step 12. Peel the parchment paper off the top of the cake.

    Step 13. Roll the cake starting at the narrow end. It's easier to do if you lift up the towel to help the cake start rolling. Keep rolling to make a tight spiral. Transfer the cake to a plate and place it seam-side down.

    Rolling a banana cake into a log shape.
    Roll the cake with the towel
    Rolling a banana cake roll with a white towel.
    Roll the cake

    Make the icing and decorate the top of the cake

    Step 14. Make the icing by mixing the softened butter with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Stir this mixture until it is smooth and creamy. With a spoon simply swirl the icing over the top of the cooled cake.

    Sprinkle the rest of the chopped pecan mixture over the icing while it's still soft.

    Spooning icing on top of a rolled cake.
    Top with icing
    A frosted cake roll topped with pecans, cranberries and ginger,
    Add the pecans, ginger and cranberries

    Step 15. Your stunning creation is done and the cake is ready to slice. Cover the cake with foil or plastic wrap and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    A sliced banana cake with cream cheese.
    Banana cake with cream cheese filling

    How to roll a cake roll

    Now while your cake is baking you have a couple of things to do.

    • First, get a clean towel and liberally sprinkle powdered sugar on top of it.
    • Next, you really need to put an apron on because once you turn this cake upside down on the towel the powdered sugar is going to get all over the counter, and most likely you too.
    • Once your cake is baked loosen the edges of the cake from the pan and immediately turn the cake upside down on the towel. You can do this. Just do a quick flip.
    • Roll the cake, keeping it fairly tight.
    • Roll the cake while it's still warm help to keep the cake from cracking

    Homemade Banana Cake

    I hope you give this recipe a try.  I know you gotta get some bowls messy, but your family and friends will think you are such an incredible baker when you present this cake to them.  They don't have to know how easy it is to make a homemade cake.

    Let's talk about the cake topping

    My absolute favorite topping is using pecans, dried cranberries, and candied ginger.  Chopping all these ingredients together creates a colorful and tasty addition to your baked goods. It's extra tasty on top of this Pumpkin Sheet Cake. Same topping, different cake.

    Other cake toppings to try -

    • Walnuts
    • Coconut
    • Dried Cherries
    • Mini Chocolate Chips

    Another ginger favorite are these Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies have three kinds of ginger in the cookies.

    And, for the cheesecake lover make this fun recipe for Cheesecake in a Jar.

    More to bake and eat!

    • Butterhorn Recipe with Cottage Cheese
    • Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls
    • Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon
    • St. Patricks Day Cookies

    Recipe

    A slice banana cake roll with icing on top.

    Banana Cream Cheese Cake Roll with Pecans Cranberries and Ginger

    Jere' Cassidy
    A moist banana cake roll with a cream cheese filling sprinkled with pecans, cranberries and candied ginger all rolled up in a delicious cake.
    4.81 from 52 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Cooling time 20 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
    Course Cake
    Cuisine Dessert
    Servings 1 cake
    Calories 307 kcal

    Equipment

    • jelly roll cake pan - 15" x 10"
    • Parchment Paper
    • Hand Mixer

    Ingredients
      

    Filling~

    • 7 ounces softened cream cheese use the other 1 ounce for the icing
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 1 egg
    • 3 tablespoons milk

    Cake ~

    • ½ cup flour - all purpose
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
    • 4 large eggs separated
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla
    • ⅔ cup white sugar divided
    • 1 large banana or 2 small ½ - ⅔ cup mashed
    • ⅓ cup chopped pecans
    • ¼ cup dried cranberries
    • ¼ cup canided ginger

    Glaze ~

    • 1 ounce cream cheese - softened
    • ¾ cup powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 2-3 teaspoons milk

    Instructions
     

    • Grease and line with parchment a 15" x 10" x 1" jelly roll pan.
    • Preheat oven to 375° F.

    Cream Cheese Filling ~

    • Prepare filling first by mixing 7 oz. of the cream cheese (the 1 oz. will be used for the frosting) and ½ cup sugar in a small mixing bowl until smooth with an electric mixer.
    • Add the egg and milk and beat at medium speed until combined.
    • Spread the filling in the prepared pan.

    Cake ~

    • Gather the pecans, candied ginger, and cranberries and place them on a cutting board. Using a chef's knife chop this mixture into smaller pieces. The reason I do this is to make it easier to slice the cake into smaller pieces.
    • Prepare the cake by combining the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
    • In a large mixing bowl beat the four egg yolks and vanilla for 5 minutes with an electric mixer at medium speed until the mixture is thick and lemon colored.
    • Gradually add a ⅓ cup of sugar and mix on medium speed until combined.
    • Stir in the mashed banana and ⅓ cup of the chopped pecans, cranberries, and ginger. Reserve the remainder for the top of the cake.
    • In another large mixing bowl beat the four egg whites at medium-high speed to soft peaks (the tips will curl)
    • Gradually add the other ⅓ cups of sugar, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form (the tips will stand straight up.)
    • Add the banana batter to the egg whites and gently fold them in until incorporated.
    • Add half of the flour mixture and start folding it into the batter, (it doesn't have to be completely mixed in) then add the rest of the flour and continue folding in the flour until combined.
    • Gently pour the cake mixture over the cream cheese filling mixture, and spread the batter out making sure to get into the corners. You can also drop the batter over the cream cheese mixture by the cup full, then spread this over the cream cheese.
    • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. While the cake is baking prepare a towel sprinkled with powdered sugar to turn the cake out on.
    • When the cake is done let it sit for 5 minutes.
      Run a knife around the edges of the baking sheet to loosen the cake. Pick up the pan with a towel or hot pads then position the pan next to the towel and quickly flip the cake out onto the powdered sugar-covered towel and peel off the parchment paper.
    • Start rolling the cake from the narrow end; use the towel to help roll the cake. When rolled, keep the seam side down on the cake so it doesn't unroll. Let the cake sit for about 10 minutes to firm up and cool.
    • Transfer the cake to a serving platter and let cool completely before adding the glaze and toppings.

    Glaze and Topping ~

    • Make the glaze by beating together 1 ounce of softened cream cheese, vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk until it is a drizzling consistency.
    • When the cake is cooled, spread the glaze over the top of the cake then sprinkle with remaining chopped pecans, cranberries, and ginger.

    Storage

    • Cover the cake with foil or plastic wrap in keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Notes

    The cake and filling bake together so you only need to roll this once.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8Calories: 307kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 7gCholesterol: 134mgSodium: 128mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    First published: October 29, 2017, Last updated: Jan. 31, 2023, for better readability.

    Banana-Cream-Cheese-Cake-Roll-With-Pecan-Cranberries-And-Ginger

    Thank you for stopping by the One Hot Oven blog.  Please leave a comment to say Hello or just let me know what you are baking these days, I always love hearing from fellow bakers.  Have any questions or just want to chat about the recipe? Please visit my about page for information, and I’ll be happy to help!

    About Jere'                             

    From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending.  Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven sharing both sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kate

      February 08, 2023 at 1:31 am

      5 stars
      This banana cream cheese roll pairs perfectly with coffee! It was so delicious and easier to make than I thought!

      Reply
    2. Addison

      February 07, 2023 at 2:22 pm

      5 stars
      I love banana desserts and this banana roll was stunning! I love how elevated and fancy it feels. So yummy!

      Reply
    3. Shruthi

      February 07, 2023 at 11:57 am

      5 stars
      Really loved the addition of candied ginger! Brought out a really unique flavor profile along with the other ingredients - will be making again for sure.

      Reply
    4. Liz

      February 07, 2023 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      My dad loves banana cream pie so I decided to try this for a little twist. He loved it! Such a fun dessert

      Reply
    5. Marty Sharp

      February 03, 2023 at 9:23 am

      5 stars
      This is the first time making a cake roll where the filling is baked along with the cake which made it so easy to roll up. The pecan topping is so good. I had some leftover and use it for my morning yogurt. The family loved this cake.

      Reply
    6. Red

      November 03, 2022 at 11:35 am

      very nice recipe. Thanks for sharing
      Thanks

      Reply
    7. Red

      November 03, 2022 at 11:34 am

      Very Good Blog
      Thanks

      Reply
    8. Barb

      March 21, 2022 at 12:14 pm

      You show 8 eggs for cake but only talk about 4 being beat and 4 egg whites Where are the other 3 eggs used I only see needing 6

      Reply
    9. vi

      April 04, 2018 at 3:51 am

      i'd really like to try but for some reason i see this in the filling list - 3 tbls. milk

      whats this exactly?

      Reply
      • Jere Cassidy

        April 05, 2018 at 4:26 pm

        Thanks for the comment, I had to fix a coding error. The filling does contain 3 tablespoons of milk.

        Reply
    10. Kat (The Baking Explorer)

      November 24, 2017 at 10:27 am

      This looks stunning and sounds absolutely delicious!

      Reply
      • OneHotOven

        November 24, 2017 at 5:04 pm

        Thanks so much, it is delicious.

        Reply
    11. Jamie

      November 02, 2017 at 12:48 am

      I have never made a roll before but you make it look easy- and delish!!! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Jere Cassidy

        November 03, 2017 at 9:28 pm

        Baking the filling with the cake makes it really easy to roll this cake. Hope you try it.

        Reply
    12. Jenna VanHoof

      October 31, 2017 at 5:13 pm

      This sounds really good, I just wouldn't use pecan's cause I don't like them 😉

      Reply
      • OneHotOven

        November 01, 2017 at 3:20 am

        Walnuts would be good in this recipe too!

        Reply
    13. Alpana Deo

      October 31, 2017 at 5:05 pm

      OMG, it looks so beautiful...I couldn't find a better word. Its so perfectly rolled. Thats the car part for me. I never get such tight roll.

      https://mothersgurukul.com/dead-sea-minerals-routine-la-cure/

      Reply
      • OneHotOven

        November 01, 2017 at 3:21 am

        Thanks for the nice comment on the cake.

        Reply

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