This Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of carrot cake with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. It’s surprisingly easy to make and is guaranteed to impress your guests. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Impressive Presentation: This roll looks absolutely stunning and is sure to wow your guests.
  • Perfect Flavor Balance: The warm spices of the cake pair perfectly with the tangy cream cheese filling.
  • Surprisingly Easy: Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is straightforward and fun to make.
  • Make-Ahead Dessert: You can prepare it ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings and holidays.

carrot cake roll

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Carrot Cake Roll:

  • Large Eggs: Provides structure and moisture to the cake.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and adds tenderness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
  • Shredded Carrots: Adds moisture, sweetness, and a signature carrot cake flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cake.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, and Nutmeg: Adds warm, spiced flavors.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
  • Cream Cheese: The base of the creamy filling, adding tanginess.
  • Salted Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese filling.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Carrot Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the eggs until light and frothy. Beat in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Fold in the shredded carrots. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  

Step 2: Roll the Cake

While the cake is baking, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Once baked, let the cake cool slightly, then invert it onto the towel and roll it up tightly. Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over it, leaving a small border on one short end. Roll the cake up tightly, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 4 hours.

Step 5: Serve

Dust with powdered sugar and slice.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Fold gently.
  • Cool Completely: Ensure the cake is completely cooled before filling to prevent the filling from melting.
  • Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the rolled cake is crucial for firm slices.
  • Parchment paper is key: Parchment paper makes it way easier to remove the cake from the baking sheet.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll

  • Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a classic look.
  • Serve with a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Adds extra richness.
  • Garnish with Nuts: Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • Serve with Berries: Fresh berries add a pop of color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Carrot Cake Roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sugar?

While granulated and brown sugars are recommended for this recipe, you could experiment with other sugars, but it may affect the texture and flavor.

2. Can I add nuts to the cake or filling?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cake batter or sprinkle them over the cream cheese filling.

3. Can I make this cake without cream cheese filling?

Yes, you can use other fillings like a vanilla buttercream or a whipped cream filling.

4. How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake while it’s still slightly warm and using a powdered sugar-dusted towel can help prevent cracking. Don’t over bake the cake.

Enjoy this delightful Carrot Cake Roll Recipe, a perfect blend of warm spices and creamy filling that’s sure to be a hit!

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Carrot Cake Roll Recipe

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful twist on classic carrot cake, perfect for a show-stopping dessert. A light and fluffy carrot cake is rolled with a creamy cream cheese filling, creating a beautiful spiral of flavors. It’s an impressive dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Cake:

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded carrots
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Batter:

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray with pan spray. Set aside.
    2. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the eggs for 2-3 minutes on high until light and frothy.
    3. Beat in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
    4. Fold in the shredded carrots.
    5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
    6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold in by hand just until no streaks of white remain.
  2. Bake Cake:

    1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cake is fully baked in the center and a toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Roll Cake:

    1. While the cake is baking, lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it with about ¼-⅓ cup of powdered sugar.
    2. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before inverting it onto the powdered sugar-dusted towel.
    3. Using the short side, roll the cake up tightly into the towel.
    4. Leave the cake rolled up until it is completely cooled.
  4. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling:

    1. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling by beating the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth.
    2. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
  5. Assemble Cake Roll:

    1. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over it, leaving ½ inch of unfrosted cake on one of the short ends.
    2. Start on the short end without the unfrosted part and roll the cake up tightly into a log.
    3. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
  6. Serve:

    1. When ready to serve, dust the chilled cake with powdered sugar (optional).
    2. Slice with a sharp knife for the cleanest slices.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth batter and filling.
  • Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
  • Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
  • Chill the cake roll thoroughly to allow the filling to set.
  • You can add chopped nuts, raisins, or coconut to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
  • For a stronger spice flavor add a little more ginger or cinnamon.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350kcal
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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