If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the warm, comforting flavors of carrot cake in a fun and festive way, this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a must-try. Imagine moist, spiced cake rolled up with luscious cream cheese frosting, presenting a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and tang in every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make, and perfect for anything from holiday gatherings to cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a delightfully spiced, moist cake and a creamy, dreamy frosting. Each component plays a crucial role in building the texture, flavor, and that classic carrot cake appeal.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: The base of your cake, providing structure and lightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to create a soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that defines carrot cake.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a nourishing depth to the spice profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a subtle zing that complements the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- 3 large eggs: Provide moisture, richness, and bind everything together.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds moistness and a lovely caramel undertone.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens and rounds out the flavors.
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake ultra-moist and tender without heaviness.
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness, texture, and vibrant color.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Essential for the luscious frosting with tangy richness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness to the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the creamy frosting’s flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreading consistency.
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling and topping: Keeps the roll from sticking and adds a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). It’s important to get this heating up early so the oven is nice and hot, ready to bake your cake perfectly. Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease the paper — this will help your cake release easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Spices and Leaveners
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. These spices create that signature carrot cake flavor and balance out the sweetness beautifully.
Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar and brown sugar until thick and creamy — this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Adding the sugars into the eggs early incorporates air into your batter which results in a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
Step 4: Add Oils and Carrots
Mix in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil to the egg mixture until fully combined. Then fold in the finely grated carrots. These carrots bring moisture, sweetness, and a lovely texture that makes the cake so special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense, so be sure to stop as soon as there are no flour pockets left. Then spread the batter evenly in your prepared jelly roll pan.
Step 6: Bake and Prepare to Roll
Bake the cake for 12 to 14 minutes. To check if it’s done, the cake should spring back lightly when touched. While it’s still warm, carefully turn the cake out onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake up in the towel starting from the short end. This step is crucial for shaping your roll without cracking.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Then add vanilla and powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. This frosting is the perfect tangy partner to the sweet, spiced cake.
Step 8: Assemble the Roll
Unroll the cooled cake gently, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface, and carefully reroll the cake without the towel. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour to let all those delicious flavors meld together.
Step 9: Final Touches
Just before slicing, dust your carrot cake roll with extra powdered sugar or decorate as you like. The presentation is simple yet charming, making it irresistible to everyone at the table.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling extra powdered sugar over the roll not only adds a little visual delight but also emphasizes the delicate sweetness of the frosting. For a special touch, consider adding chopped toasted walnuts, a few toasted coconut flakes, or even some zest of orange for freshness.
Side Dishes
This carrot cake roll is wonderfully versatile served alone or alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a refreshing balance, a tangy citrus salad or some fresh berries provide a lovely contrast that complements the spice-filled cake roll.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic slice! Serve the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe as petite spirals for a party platter, or cut into small triangles for elegant finger desserts. Wrapping individual slices with parchment and tying them with a festive ribbon makes for a charming gift idea too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, this carrot cake roll keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, which means you can enjoy its goodness over several days without losing any of the moisture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of the carrot cake roll wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to enjoy — perfect for making ahead for special occasions.
Reheating
Since this dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended as it may alter the cream cheese frosting’s texture. Instead, simply let frozen slices thaw fully in the fridge before serving for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of oil in this recipe?
Absolutely! Vegetable oil is neutral and keeps the cake moist, but you can substitute with light olive oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil for a slight variation in flavor.
What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?
A rimmed baking sheet or a brownie pan of similar size will also work. Just make sure it has low sides and is fully lined with parchment to help with rolling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend meant for baking, but be aware that texture may vary slightly. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or similar binder for best results.
How do I prevent cracks when rolling the cake?
Rolling the cake while it is still warm and using the powdered sugar-dusted towel helps prevent cracks. If cracks do form, don’t worry — the frosting and rolling make them less noticeable.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake batter?
Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make delicious additions that add texture and extra flavor. Fold them in after adding the grated carrots for the best distribution.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those delightful desserts that feels like a special treat but is surprisingly easy to whip up. Its perfect combination of spices, moist cake, and creamy frosting is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it quietly with a cup of coffee, this roll brings a cozy comfort that’s hard to beat. Give it a try today — I promise it’ll brighten your day!
Print
Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is a delightful twist on classic carrot cake. Featuring a moist, spiced carrot sponge rolled around a rich and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, this dessert is perfect for gatherings or a special treat. The cake is baked in a jelly roll pan, rolled while warm to prevent cracking, and chilled to set the luscious filling, resulting in tender slices that showcase beautiful swirls and bursting flavors.
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
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
For Assembly
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling and topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven 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 ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt until well combined.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is thick and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, mixing until combined. Fold in the finely grated carrots gently.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently and just until fully combined to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it out smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
- Roll Cake While Warm: Remove the cake from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from the short end, roll the cake and towel together tightly to form a spiral. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely in this shape.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and well-mixed.
- Assemble the Roll: Once the cake is cooled, gently unroll it from the towel. Spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface of the cake. Carefully reroll the cake without the towel, ensuring the frosting stays inside.
- Chill and Serve: Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set. Before serving, dust the roll with extra powdered sugar or decorate as desired. Slice into 12 even pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Rolling the cake while it is still warm is crucial to prevent cracking during the final roll.
- Be sure to dust the towel well with powdered sugar before turning out the cake to avoid sticking.
- The finely grated carrots ensure the cake remains moist without excessive texture.
- For cleaner slices, chill the roll thoroughly before slicing with a sharp knife.
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter for added texture if desired.
