If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that’s both delightful and charmingly nostalgic, you have to try this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It takes the comforting flavors of classic carrot cake and transforms them into a luscious, swirled roll filled with a creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe promises a moist, spiced cake wrapped around a tangy, sweet cream cheese filling, making every bite a perfect balance of texture and flavor that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to enhance the final flavor, texture, and appearance of the cake roll without any fuss. From the warm spices in the flour mixture to the fresh carrots for moisture and color, every element plays a vital role in making this dessert unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Provides the perfect structure for a tender yet sturdy cake roll.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the batter rise gently for a light texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the acidic ingredients to leaven and tenderize the cake.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Delivers that classic, warm spice note central to carrot cake.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of flavor and aromatic complexity.
- Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a slight zing that complements the other spices beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients and create a rich, moist crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens gently without overpowering the spice.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a touch of caramel-like richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brightens the overall flavor with its fragrant sweetness.
- Vegetable oil (2/3 cup): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender.
- Finely grated carrots (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient adding natural sweetness, color, and texture.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): Forms the luscious, tangy base of the frosting filling.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess and body to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract for frosting (1 teaspoon): Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
- Powdered sugar for frosting (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- Extra powdered sugar: For dusting the towel and topping the finished cake roll.
How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Don’t forget to lightly grease it for easy cake release. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry spice blend is what sets the flavor foundation for your cake roll.
Step 2: Beat the Wet Ingredients and Carrots
In a large bowl, beat the three eggs along with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is thick and creamy—this should take about two to three minutes and is key to a fluffy cake texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, then gently fold in the finely grated carrots. The carrots add moisture and that signature carrot cake sweetness and color.
Step 3: Combine Batter and Bake
Now, add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and fold until just combined; overmixing will toughen the cake. Spread this batter evenly into your prepared jelly roll pan. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched. This brief baking time ensures a soft yet sturdy cake perfect for rolling.
Step 4: Roll the Cake While Warm
Here’s a crucial step: as soon as the cake comes from the oven, turn it out onto a kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper carefully and, starting from the short end, roll the cake and towel together. This helps the cake hold the rolled shape without cracking. Let the cake cool completely while rolled up.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting Filling
While the cake is cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. This filling is the luscious heart of the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, providing a tangy richness that perfectly balances the spiced cake.
Step 6: Frost and Chill
Carefully unroll your cooled cake and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Then, reroll the cake gently without the towel. Wrap the entire roll in plastic wrap and chill it for at least one hour. This chilling step helps the flavors meld and makes for cleaner slices.
Step 7: Add Final Touches
Before serving, dust your carrot cake roll with extra powdered sugar or get creative with decorative toppings. Slice it up to reveal that stunning swirl of cream cheese frosting that invites smiles with every bite!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Bringing this dessert to life on the plate can be as simple or fancy as you like. Freshly grated carrots, a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, or a few toasted coconut flakes make fantastic garnishes that add texture and visual appeal. Even a drizzle of caramel or a few edible flowers can elevate the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
To complement this rich and sweet carrot cake roll, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A hot cup of spiced tea or coffee pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness and rounding out the flavors for a cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the carrot cake roll sliced on a rustic wooden board or a pretty ceramic platter. Stack slices for a buffet or arrange them with fresh berries and mint sprigs for a colorful, inviting dessert table. You could even make mini carrot cake roll slices for party bites that impress without any mess!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, this carrot cake roll keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to wrap it well with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent the frosting from drying out.
Freezing
Want to prepare this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe ahead of time? Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Since this dessert is best served chilled or at room temperature, it’s not typically reheated. However, if you prefer a slightly softer cake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Whole wheat flour can be used but will result in a denser cake. For best results, substitute only half the all-purpose flour to maintain that tender cake roll texture.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking while rolling?
Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and using a powdered sugar-dusted towel helps prevent cracking. Be gentle and roll slowly from the short end for the best shape.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans and plumped raisins mix nicely into the batter and add delightful texture. Just fold them in after adding the grated carrots.
Is it possible to make the cream cheese frosting dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap cream cheese and butter for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and margarine. The texture may differ slightly but it will still be delicious.
How long does the cake need to chill before serving?
Chilling the cake for at least one hour allows the frosting to set firmly and makes slicing easier, ensuring clean, beautiful swirls in every piece.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a true gem to add to your baking repertoire. Its tender, warmly spiced cake paired with creamy, dreamy frosting creates a treat that’s not only delicious but also fun to make and share. Whether for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or simply because you’re craving something sweet and wholesome, this recipe delivers in every way. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy the joy of baking and indulging in this gorgeous carrot cake roll!
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Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is a delicious, moist, and spiced rolled cake filled with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a special dessert, the cake features finely grated carrots and warm spices wrapped in a tender sponge and rolled to perfection.
Ingredients
Cake
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
For Rolling and Topping
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling and topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
- Beat wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is thick and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, then fold in the finely grated carrots.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture and fold gently just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
- Roll the cake: While still warm, turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from the short end, roll the cake up in the towel and let it cool completely in this rolled-up shape to set the form.
- Prepare the frosting: Once the cake has cooled, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and reroll: Unroll the cooled cake gently and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Carefully reroll the cake without the towel this time to avoid wrinkles in the frosting.
- Chill and serve: Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the frosting. Before slicing, dust the top with additional powdered sugar or decorate as desired.
Notes
- Make sure to roll the cake while it is still warm to prevent cracking.
- Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking during rolling.
- You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best slicing, use a sharp serrated knife.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
