Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorites—Caramel Banana Cake Roll! This dessert is like a warm hug, a celebration of flavors rolled into a beautiful, cloud-like cake. I first discovered this recipe during a family gathering when my cousin brought it along, and I was instantly smitten. The combination of sweet bananas and rich caramel is nothing short of divine, and it always impresses people when you slice it open to reveal the delightful swirl.
Every time I make this cake roll, it reminds me of those sunny afternoons spent baking with my grandma in her cozy kitchen. She’d always say, “Cooking is an expression of love,” and I truly believe that’s reflected in this recipe. Plus, it’s a versatile dessert—perfect for any celebration or just as a sweet treat for yourself. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this recipe close!
What’s in Caramel Banana Cake Roll?
Bananas: The star of our show! Ripe, smashed bananas give the cake its moisture and natural sweetness. It’s always best to use overripe bananas with lots of spots for the richest flavor.
Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar will sweeten the cake beautifully, with brown sugar adding just a hint of molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with the bananas.
Flour: All-purpose flour is your go-to for this cake, providing structure and lightness.
Baking Powder: This little ingredient is essential as it helps the cake rise and become lovely and fluffy.
Eggs: Light and airy, eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the cake its soft texture.
Caramel Sauce: Oh-la-la! This is where the magic happens. Homemade or store-bought, caramel sauce adds richness and a beautiful glaze to finish off the cake roll.
Powdered Sugar: This is for dusting on top, adding a lovely sweet touch and making everything look extra fancy.
Is Caramel Banana Cake Roll Good for You?
Now, let’s be real—while this cake can’t exactly compete with a salad, it does have its redeeming qualities!
Bananas: These potassium-packed beauties are great for heart health and provide a natural sweetness that reduces the need for excessive added sugar.
Sugar: Remember, moderation is key! While this dessert does have sugar, the joy and comfort it brings might just outweigh the occasional indulgence.
Whole Wheat Flour: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber. It won’t change the taste much and makes it a tad more nutritious!
Overall, enjoy this Caramel Banana Cake Roll in moderation! Life is too short not to indulge in sweet treats from time to time.
Ingredients
– 3 ripe bananas (mashed)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
This recipe serves about 8-10 slices of deliciousness, perfect for sharing with family or friends!
How to Make Caramel Banana Cake Roll?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a jelly roll pan (about 15×10 inches) or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well mixed.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. In another bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add it to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. While the cake is baking, prepare a clean towel by sprinkling it with powdered sugar. This will help prevent sticking when you roll the cake.
7. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately invert it onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake (from the short end) into the towel. Let it cool completely in this position.
8. Once cool, gently unroll the cake. Spread a thin layer of caramel sauce evenly over the surface, then roll the cake back up without the towel.
9. Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter. Drizzle more caramel sauce over the top and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
10. Slice and serve! Enjoy this delightful treat with a cup of coffee or share it at your next gathering!
Sweet Tips and Variations
– **Add Nuts:** If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
– **Frosting Option:** For a decadent twist, frost the cake roll with cream cheese frosting before adding the caramel sauce—now that’s a showstopper!
– **Storage:** If you have leftovers (although I don’t know how you’d manage), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
I can’t wait for you to try this Caramel Banana Cake Roll and experience that sweet, comforting joy just like I did! It’s one of those recipes that brings back lovely memories and creates new ones as you share it with your loved ones. When you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy baking!