Banana Caramel Roulade – A Light & Luxurious Dessert!

### Instructions:

**Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the pan**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the cake.

**Step 2: Make the sponge cake**
– In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
– In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
– Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture until fully incorporated.
– In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
– Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.

**Step 3: Bake the cake**
– Bake the sponge cake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately flip it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake, towel and all, while it’s still warm. Allow it to cool completely while rolled.

**Step 4: Make the caramel sauce**
– While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown.
– Once the sugar is melted and caramelized, add the butter, stirring until it’s fully melted and combined.
– Carefully add the heavy cream, as it will bubble up, and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
– Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and let it cool slightly.

**Step 5: Whip the cream**
– In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will be the light and fluffy layer that complements the rich caramel and banana.

**Step 6: Assemble the roulade**
– Unroll the cooled sponge cake gently and remove the towel.
– Spread a thin layer of whipped cream evenly over the cake, followed by a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. Lay the banana slices on top of the caramel layer.
– Roll the cake back up carefully, ensuring it stays tight and even.

**Step 7: Chill and serve**
– Once the roulade is rolled up, place it seam-side down on a serving platter. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to set and the roulade to firm up.
– Before serving, drizzle more caramel sauce over the top and garnish with extra banana slices, if desired. For an extra touch, sprinkle with a bit of powdered sugar or chopped nuts for crunch.

### Tips for Success:
– **Don’t overmix the batter:** When folding the egg whites into the batter, be gentle and avoid overmixing. This will help keep the cake light and airy.
– **Prevent sticking:** When rolling the cake, be sure to use a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking.
– **Make it ahead:** This dessert can be made a few hours in advance, giving the roulade time to set and allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
– **Substitute ingredients:** For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a non-dairy butter.

### Why You’ll Love This Banana Caramel Roulade:
– **Light and fluffy:** The sponge cake is tender and light, providing the perfect base for the rich caramel and creamy banana layers. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious without being too heavy.
– **Irresistible flavors:** The combination of caramel, banana, and whipped cream is a match made in heaven. The bananas add natural sweetness, while the caramel gives a deep, buttery flavor that balances the cake perfectly.
– **Beautiful presentation:** The roulade looks stunning when sliced, with its spiral layers of cake, caramel, and banana. It’s a showstopper for any gathering or celebration!
– **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the fillings by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of berry compote for a fresh twist.

### Conclusion:
The *Banana Caramel Roulade* is an elegant, delicious dessert that’s sure to leave your guests in awe. Its light sponge cake, luscious caramel, and fresh bananas create a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for any occasion, this roulade is a delightful treat that’s simple to make yet incredibly impressive. Try it out, and get ready to savor every luxurious bite!