Indulge in the Ultimate Dessert: The Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake

Imagine a vibrant strawberry cake, generously swirled with creamy banana pudding, expertly rolled into a classic jelly roll, and then elegantly frosted with fluffy whipped cream, all finished with a delicate scattering of chocolate shavings. This isn’t just a cake; it’s a dream realized – a beloved banana split transformed into an exquisite cake form! Prepare to delight your senses with this truly unique and unforgettable dessert experience.

The Sweet Genesis: How This Banana Split Jelly Roll Dream Was Born

Every once in a while, a brilliant idea sparks, often when least expected. For this extraordinary Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake, the inspiration struck during a quiet morning in bed, a moment of peaceful contemplation before the day’s hustle. The challenge was to create a novel and exciting dessert for a family gathering, something that would truly stand out and bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The classic banana split, with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, immediately came to mind. But how to reinvent it, elevate it, and make it into a shareable cake?

The thought process began with a fondness for the familiar and delightful Banana Cream Pie Jelly Roll recipe – a testament to the versatility and charm of jelly roll cakes. Building on that success, the vision for a “banana split” version started to take shape. Why not combine the vibrant sweetness of strawberries, the comforting creaminess of bananas, and the indulgence of chocolate, all wrapped up in a tender, rollable cake? This moment of early morning inspiration proved to be a keeper, unlike those fleeting ideas that often vanish as sleep drifts away. The result? A truly scrumptious cake that became an instant family favorite.

Deconstructing Deliciousness: What Makes This Banana Split Jelly Roll So Irresistible?

At its heart, the Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake is a symphony of classic dessert elements, each playing a crucial role in creating a harmonious, mouth-watering experience. The journey begins with a carefully crafted, from-scratch strawberry cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a delicate, moist sponge baked to perfection in a jelly roll pan, providing the ideal canvas for our masterpiece. The subtle tang and sweetness of strawberry form the perfect complement to the rich filling.

Once the strawberry cake is baked and ready, it’s generously topped with a layer of creamy, prepared instant banana pudding. This smooth, luscious filling is what truly infuses the cake with that unmistakable banana split essence. The magic happens as the cake is gently rolled, encasing the pudding in a beautiful spiral. After it sets, allowing the flavors to meld and the structure to firm up, the cake is crowned with a thick, wonderfully fluffy layer of Dream Whip. This light and airy topping adds a cloud-like texture and a hint of sweet indulgence. Finally, the cake is elegantly sprinkled with delicate chocolate curls, adding a touch of sophisticated visual appeal and a delightful crunch. The presentation alone is captivating, but the true “wow” factor emerges when you slice into it, revealing the stunning spiral of pink cake and creamy banana pudding. It’s truly all the beloved flavors of a banana split, beautifully wrapped in every single slice of this gorgeous cake!

Mastering the Art of the Jelly Roll: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

The idea of making a jelly roll cake can sometimes feel intimidating. Many home bakers approach it with a hint of nervousness, picturing cracks or a less-than-perfect spiral. However, the truth is, once you conquer your first one, you’ll discover that it’s far simpler than it appears! The key lies in following the instructions carefully and embracing the process. With a little practice, you’ll be rolling out beautiful, impressive cakes like a seasoned pro, eager to experiment with new flavors and fillings. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring your Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake turns out perfectly every time.

Preparing Your Workstation and Ingredients:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
2. Prepare your jelly roll pan. Line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the parchment paper with Crisco or a similar shortening. This crucial step prevents sticking and aids in the smooth transfer of the baked cake.

Crafting the Fluffy Strawberry Cake:

2. In a large mixer bowl, beat the eggs for approximately 5 minutes. This extended beating time is essential for incorporating plenty of air, which gives the cake its light and airy texture, making it pliable for rolling. Continue until the eggs are very thick and a pale lemon color.
3. Gradually add the granulated sugar to the beaten eggs, continuing to beat until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy. Follow this with the strawberry extract, ensuring even distribution for that delightful strawberry flavor.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until the batter is just smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
5. Now for the signature pink hue! Add red (or pink) food coloring a little at a time, mixing gently after each addition, until you achieve your desired shade of vibrant pink.
6. Carefully pour the strawberry cake batter into the prepared jelly roll pan. Using an offset spatula, gently spread the batter evenly into all corners of the pan, ensuring a consistent thickness for even baking. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s vital not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake and make it prone to cracking when rolled.

The Art of Rolling and Cooling:

7. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately loosen it from the edges of the pan using a thin knife or spatula. While still hot, invert the cake onto a large, clean tea towel (or flour sack towel). This initial hot roll is critical; the warmth allows the cake to “memorize” its rolled shape, preventing cracks later. Gently roll the cake from the narrow side, jelly roll style, along with the towel. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling period is important for the cake to set its shape and for the next steps.

Preparing the Creamy Fillings and Finishing Touches:

8. While the cake is cooling, prepare your instant banana pudding and Dream Whip according to their respective package directions. For the banana pudding, aim for a slightly thicker consistency than usual, as this will help it hold its shape within the roll. Place both in the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.
9. Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully unroll it. Gently remove the tea towel. Evenly spread the chilled banana pudding over the entire surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Roll the cake back up, carefully and snugly, starting from the narrow side. Once rolled, place it seam-side down on a serving plate or tray.
11. “Frost” the entire exterior of the rolled cake with the prepared Dream Whip, creating a luscious, creamy outer layer. For the final touch, artfully sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top. You can use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar for beautiful curls.
12. Store your magnificent Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When it’s time to indulge, slice it into generous portions and enjoy the incredible blend of flavors and textures!

Scroll to the bottom for a concise, printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions!

Don’t Forget to Pin It! Save This Delicious Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake Recipe for Later!

This delightful Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake is a recipe you’ll want to revisit again and again. Make sure to save these instructions and the recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. Pin it now so you can easily find it whenever a craving for this unique and delicious dessert strikes, or when you’re planning your next family gathering!

Celebrate National Banana Split Day and Explore More Banana Split Flavors!

Did you know that August 10th is National Banana Split Day? It’s the perfect excuse to indulge in all things banana split! If you, like us, have a deep love for the classic sundae, you’ll be thrilled to discover even more creative and delicious ways to enjoy these iconic flavors. From refreshing parfaits to delightful frozen treats, the banana split inspiration knows no bounds. Here are a few more incredible recipes that capture the essence of this beloved dessert:

• Banana Split Yogurt Parfait (pictured above) – A lighter, healthier twist on the classic.
• Banana Split Malt – Drink your dessert with this creamy, nostalgic treat.
• How to Make a Banana Split – Go back to basics with the original delight.
• Frozen Banana Split on a Stick – A fun and portable way to enjoy the flavors.

More Delightful Jelly Roll Cake Creations to Explore

Once you’ve mastered the art of the jelly roll with this Banana Split version, a world of other rolled cake wonders awaits! Jelly rolls are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for flavor combinations and seasonal delights. If you’re looking for more inspiration or simply want to expand your repertoire of impressive yet approachable desserts, consider trying these fantastic variations:

• Banana Cream Jelly Roll – A classic and comforting choice.
• Pig Pickin’ Cake Roll – A Southern favorite with a rolled twist.
• Strawberries Newport Roulade – Elegant and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
• Confetti Roll Cake (shown above) – A festive and fun option for celebrations.
• Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake – The timeless chocolate indulgence.
• Libby’s Pumpkin Roll Cake – Perfect for autumn gatherings and holiday feasts.

A Dessert That Truly Delivers the Banana Split Experience

This Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful journey for your taste buds. Each bite offers the perfect harmony of super moist strawberry cake, rich and creamy banana pudding, light whipped cream, and a hint of chocolate. It truly encapsulates all the beloved elements of a classic banana split, but in a refined and utterly satisfying cake form. The balance of flavors and textures is simply exquisite, making it a show-stopping addition to any dessert table or a wonderful treat for a special occasion. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this extraordinary creation as much as we do!

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Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake

A Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake is strawberry cake swirled around banana pudding, rolled into a jelly roll cake, frosted with whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate shavings. This is a banana split in cake form!

Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
20 mins

Additional Time
1 hr

Total Time
1 hr 30 mins

Cuisine: American
Keyword: banana pudding, banana split desserts, Banana Split Jelly Roll Cake, how to make a jelly roll cake, scratch strawberry cake
Servings: 1 Jelly Roll Cake
Calories: 111 kcal
Author: an affair from the heart

Equipment

• Zeppoli 12-Pack Flour Sack Towels – 31″ x 31″ Kitchen Towels – Absorbent White Dish Towels – 100% Ring Spun Cotton Bar Towels
• Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
• Wilton Performance Pans Aluminum Jelly Roll and Cookie Pan, 10.5 x 15.5-Inch
• Kraft Dream Whip – 2.6 Ounces

Ingredients

• 5 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons strawberry extract
• red food coloring
• 1 – 3 ounce box banana pudding prepared per package instructions
• 2 envelopes Dream Whip prepared per package instructions
• Chocolate shavings

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, greased with Crisco.
3. In a mixer bowl, beat eggs for about 5 minutes or until very thick and lemon colored.
4. Gradually beat sugar into eggs, followed by strawberry extract.
5. Slowly add flour, baking powder and salt and beat until batter is smooth.
6. Add red food coloring a little at a time until you achieve the desired color of pink.
7. Pour into pan and spread into the corners. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Loosen cake from the edges of the pan. While hot invert cake onto a towel, and roll from the narrow side, jellyroll style. Cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Prepare pudding and Dream Whip as directed on the packages. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
10. Carefully unroll cooled cake. Remove towel and spread pudding evenly over cake.
11. Roll back up and place seam side down on a plate.
12. “Frost” with Dream Whip and top with shaved chocolate.
13. Store in the refrigerator. Slice to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1
| Calories: 111kcal
| Carbohydrates: 20g
| Protein: 3g
| Fat: 2g
| Saturated Fat: 1g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
| Cholesterol: 58mg
| Sodium: 129mg
| Sugar: 14g