Carrot Cake Roll

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This carrot cake roll offers all the delicious flavors of a traditional carrot cake but in a light, airy roll that’s perfect for slicing and serving. The warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg complement the sweetness of the grated carrots and cream cheese filling. The cake is moist yet light, and the cream cheese frosting adds the perfect touch of tangy sweetness, making it an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely grated carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the cream cheese filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugars until thick and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, beating until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts (if using).
4. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
5. Prepare the towel: While the cake is baking, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, immediately turn it out onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
6. Roll the cake: Starting from a short end, roll the cake up in the towel. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Make the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
8. Assemble the roll: Once the cake is cool, carefully unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake.
9. Re-roll the cake: Roll the cake back up without the towel and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10 servings
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 12 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Skip the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version of the cake.
• Add-ins: Consider adding raisins or shredded coconut to the cake for extra flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the carrot cake roll in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the rolled cake (without frosting) for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator, then add the cream cheese filling before slicing.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought frosting?

While homemade cream cheese filling is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute with store-bought frosting if you’re in a pinch.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake and cream cheese filling ahead of time. Assemble the cake roll and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling it?

Make sure the cake is fully cooled before unrolling, and be gentle when rolling it back up after adding the filling.

Can I use a different type of nut in the cake?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or another nut of your choice.

Can I skip the parchment paper in the pan?

It’s highly recommended to use parchment paper to make removing the cake from the pan easier and to prevent sticking.

How can I make the cake lighter?

You can substitute some of the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute if you’re looking to reduce sweetness. You can also try using a lighter cream cheese for the filling.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when it springs back lightly when touched, or when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Can I freeze individual slices of the carrot cake roll?

Yes, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I add frosting to the outside of the roll?

You can frost the outside of the roll with additional cream cheese frosting if you prefer a more indulgent dessert.

How long can I keep this in the fridge?

The carrot cake roll will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days when properly stored.

Conclusion

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is a deliciously indulgent dessert that combines the best of carrot cake and cream cheese frosting in a stunning roll form. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or simply treating yourself, it’s sure to impress with its sweet, spiced flavor and creamy filling.

---