Banana Cream Cheesecake Roll: A Creamy, Elegant Dessert with Classic Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Cream Cheesecake Roll is a dessert that feels both impressive and comforting at the same time. It combines a soft, light sponge cake with a creamy cheesecake filling and the unmistakable flavor of ripe bananas. This recipe is perfect when you want something a little more special than a standard cake but still approachable to make at home. I first made this roll for a family gathering, and it quickly became the centerpiece of the dessert table. The cake stays moist and flexible, the filling is rich yet balanced, and every slice looks beautiful when served. It is ideal for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a dessert that feels bakery-worthy without complicated techniques. Once chilled and sliced, this banana cream cheesecake roll delivers smooth texture, classic flavor, and consistent results.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-Purpose Flour
Flour provides structure for the sponge cake while keeping it light and flexible enough to roll without cracking.

Baking Powder
Baking powder helps the cake rise gently, creating a soft and airy texture.

Salt
Salt enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of both the cake and filling.

Eggs
Eggs are essential for structure and volume, giving the sponge cake its light texture.

Granulated Sugar
Sugar sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.

Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth to both the cake and cheesecake filling.

Cream Cheese
Cream cheese forms the base of the filling, providing rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture.

Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the filling while keeping it silky and lump-free.

Heavy Cream
Heavy cream lightens the cheesecake filling and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.

Ripe Bananas
Bananas bring natural sweetness and classic banana cream flavor to the dessert.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until pale and thick. Stir in vanilla extract. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched. While warm, turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel away the parchment and roll the cake up with the towel. Allow it to cool completely.

For the filling, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then fold in whipped heavy cream and mashed bananas. Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, and gently roll it back up. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields one roll, sliced into approximately 8 to 10 servings. Preparation time is about 25 minutes, baking time is 12 minutes, and chilling time is at least 2 hours.

Storage/reheating

Store the Banana Cream Cheesecake Roll tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dessert does not require reheating and is best served chilled. Freezing is not recommended, as it may affect texture.

Variations and Customizations

This dessert is easy to adapt while maintaining its classic appeal. For extra banana flavor, I sometimes add thinly sliced bananas on top of the filling before rolling the cake. These create beautiful layers when sliced.

You may also add a light dusting of cocoa powder or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a more indulgent presentation. I have tested this recipe using a graham cracker crumb sprinkle on the filling, which adds subtle crunch and nods to traditional banana cream desserts.

For a lighter version, reduced-fat cream cheese can be used with good results. These adjustments allow you to tailor the roll to different occasions while keeping the overall flavor balanced and familiar.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Banana Cream Cheesecake Roll is a rich dessert best enjoyed in moderation. It provides carbohydrates from the cake and natural sugars from bananas, along with fats from cream cheese and cream. Portion size plays an important role.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Roll While Warm
Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking later.

Smooth Filling
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a lump-free texture.

Chill Before Slicing
Chilling helps the roll hold its shape and creates clean slices.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, it is best made several hours in advance.

Why did my cake crack?

The cake may have cooled too long before rolling.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping?

Yes, it can replace whipped cream if preferred.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Ripe bananas with brown spots provide the best flavor.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, finely chopped walnuts or pecans work well.

Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes, the steps are straightforward with careful handling.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How thick should the filling be?

Thick but spreadable for easy rolling.

Can I decorate the top?

Yes, powdered sugar or whipped cream works well.

Is this served cold or room temperature?

It is best served chilled.

Conclusion

Banana Cream Cheesecake Roll is a refined yet approachable dessert that blends classic banana flavor with creamy cheesecake filling and soft sponge cake. Visually impressive and consistently delicious, this recipe is perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a dessert that feels truly special. Once you make it, it is sure to become a favorite you return to again and again.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!