Amazing Banana Nut Roll

You first spread the filling and then the cake batter. When baked and removed from the pan the filling is on top and ready to roll.


1 8-ounce package cream cheese,softened
1 3-ounce package cream cheese,softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon soda
4 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
4 egg whites
1/2 cups granulated sugar
Powdered sugar
Cream Cheese Frosting
Chocolate-flavored syrup (optional)

Lightly grease a 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Line bottom with waxed paper; grease paper. Set aside.

Filling:

Combine cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar in a small mixing bowl; beat with an electric mixer on medium till smooth. Add whole egg and milk; beat till combined; set aside.

Cake:
Stir together flour, baking powder, bakin gsoda in a medium bowl; set aside. Beat egg yolks and vanilla in a small bowl with an electic mixer on medium speed about 5 minutes or till thick and lemon color. Gradually add the 1/3 cup sugar, beating till sugar is dissolved. Stir in banana and nuts.

Beat egg whites in a large mixing bowl on medium speed till soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating on high speed till stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Fold egg yolk into egg whites. Sprinkle flour mixture evenly over egg mixture; fold in just till combined.

carefully spread the batter evenly over the filling in the pan. Bake in a 375 degree F. Oven for 15 to 20 minutes or till cake spring back when lightly touched.

Immediately loosen the cake from sides of pan and turn out onto a towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off paper. Starting with a narrow end, roll up cake using towel as a guide. (do not roll towel into cake). Cool completely on wire rack.

Spread top with cream cheese frosting. If desired drizzle with chocolate flavor syrup.

Makes ten servings

Cream Cheese Frosting:

Combine half of a 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in a small mixing bowl; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed till light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 1 cup unsifted powdered sugar. Beat in enough milk (1 to 2 tablespoons) to make a spreadable frosting. Makes 1/2 cup.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Cooking 1995