Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you have a soft spot for desserts that deliver a perfect balance of moist, spiced cake and luscious frosting, let me introduce you to the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, rolled up like a cozy little package filled with velvety cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe is one of those treats that looks stunning on a holiday table but is simple enough to make any day feel special. Every bite bursts with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, with fresh grated carrots adding natural sweetness and moisture. Trust me, once you try this carrot cake roll, it will become your go-to showstopper dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the aromatic spices that give the cake its signature flavor to the cream cheese filling that provides a creamy, tangy contrast. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Provides the perfect base for a tender yet sturdy cake that rolls easily without cracking.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise just enough to stay light and spongy.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside the baking powder to create that wonderful rise and texture.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, fragrant spice that’s iconic in carrot cake.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Brings subtle depth and aroma to the spice blend.
• Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a gentle kick that balances the sweetness.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Large eggs (3): Provide structure and richness, binding everything perfectly.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cake rise.
• Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Offers a hint of molasses flavor and moisture, making the cake irresistibly soft.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enriches the overall sweetness with a smooth aroma.
• Vegetable oil (2/3 cup): Keeps the cake ultra-moist and tender.
• Finely grated carrots (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient that makes this cake so moist, vibrant, and naturally sweet.
• Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): For a luscious and tangy frosting that perfectly complements the spiced cake.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup): Adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for frosting): Intensifies the flavor of the cream cheese frosting.
• Powdered sugar (1 1/4 cups for frosting plus extra): Sweetens and thickens the frosting, with some reserved for dusting and rolling the cake.

How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This ensures your cake will release easily after baking and prevent any sticky situations when it’s time to roll it up.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Combining these in advance blends the spices evenly, so every forkful has that perfect carrot cake flavor.

Step 3: Beat the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated and brown sugar until thick and creamy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Then mix in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil until just combined. This step creates a luscious batter that will give the cake its tender crumb.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in Carrots

Gently fold the grated carrots into the wet ingredients to distribute them evenly without deflating the batter. Then add the dry mixture, folding just until combined. Overmixing here can make the cake tough, so keep it light and gentle.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched. It should be soft but firm enough to roll.

Step 6: Roll the Cake While Warm

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, turn it out gently onto a kitchen towel dusted heavily with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Then, starting from the short end, roll the cake and towel together. This step sets the shape without cracking. Let the rolled cake cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until fluffy and smooth. This frosting is the sweet, tangy highlight that complements the spice and moisture of the carrot cake perfectly.

Step 8: Frost and Reroll

Unroll the cooled cake gently and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Then reroll the cake carefully without the towel. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour to set the frosting and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9: Final Touch and Serve

Before slicing, dust your carrot cake roll with powdered sugar, or get creative with additional decorations. Then cut into slices to reveal the beautiful swirl of spiced cake and creamy filling inside. It’s as gorgeous as it tastes.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Simple powdered sugar dusting works wonders, but if you want to dress it up, try topping the cake roll with chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch and a nutty flavor. A sprinkle of finely grated orange zest adds a fresh, zippy brightness that pairs wonderfully with the spices.

Side Dishes

This cake roll pairs beautifully with lightly flavored drinks like a cup of Earl Grey tea or vanilla almond coffee. For a special occasion, serve alongside a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider slicing the roll into bite-sized pinwheels for a festive brunch or tea party. You can also layer slices in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes to transform it into a dramatic centerpiece dessert. No matter how you present it, this carrot cake roll is always the star of the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover carrot cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it cold preserves the cream cheese frosting’s creamy texture and the cake’s moistness.

Freezing

You can freeze the whole roll or individual slices by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving as this can melt the frosting unevenly. If frozen, thaw fully in the fridge and serve cold or at room temperature for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of oil in this recipe?

Absolutely! While vegetable oil keeps the cake moist without overpowering flavor, you can substitute with light olive oil or mild coconut oil for a slight variation. Just avoid strong-flavored oils that might clash with the spices.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can give the cake extra texture and sweetness. Fold them in gently after mixing the dry ingredients for a delightful twist on the traditional roll.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

The key is to roll the cake while it’s still warm, using a powdered sugar-dusted towel to help hold its shape. Rolling while warm softens the cake and prevents cracks. Also, handle it gently when unrolling and frosting.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture. The rest of the ingredients remain the same for a delicious gluten-free carrot cake roll.

Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?

Definitely! This recipe actually benefits from some chilling time, so feel free to make it a day ahead. Let it chill wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to let the flavors settle and the frosting firm up, making slicing easier.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of creating a homemade Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that wows your family and friends with its tender spiced cake and silky frosting swirl. It’s approachable for bakers of all levels yet impressive enough for special occasions. Once you make this, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite, bringing warmth and sweetness to your kitchen for years to come. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with the charm of this delightful dessert!

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