Carrot Cake Roll With Cream Cheese Frosting Filling Recipe

Dreamy Carrot Cake Roll Recipe: Cream Cheese Frosting Magic

Whipping up a delightful carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting brings pure joy to any dessert table.

Soft, spiced layers wrapped around a silky smooth filling create a mouthwatering treat that looks impressive.

Cozy kitchen vibes emerge when you start mixing these simple ingredients.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance through the tender cake, promising comfort in every slice.

Delicate rolling techniques might seem tricky, but this recipe breaks down each step with ease.

Perfectly balanced sweetness and rich cream cheese make this dessert irresistible.

You will want to share this showstopping confection with everyone around your table.

Storing Carrot Cake Roll With Cream Cheese Filling

  • Store the carrot cake roll wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it chilled to maintain its texture and prevent the cream cheese frosting from spoiling.
  • Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw before serving.
  • Cut the cake roll into individual portions before refrigerating or freezing for easier serving and to prevent multiple thawing and refreezing.
  • Let the cake roll sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. If desired, warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the cream cheese frosting.

Carrot Cake Roll Companion Matches

  • Flavor Fusion Pairings for Carrot Cake Roll
  • Brew Bold Coffee Match: Rich, dark roast coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness, enhancing the warm spices and nutty undertones. The robust coffee creates a perfect counterbalance to the creamy cream cheese frosting.
  • Sip Spiced Chai Tea: Aromatic chai tea amplifies the cake's cinnamon and ginger notes, creating a harmonious flavor symphony. Its subtle spiciness complements the carrot cake's warm, comforting profile.
  • Pair Caramel Dessert Wine: Sweet dessert wine like moscato or late harvest riesling brings out the cake's natural sweetness. The wine's gentle notes highlight the nuts and spices, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the cake's warm spices. The smooth, cool texture balances the cake's rich, dense composition.

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling: Rolled Variants

  • Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original cake's tender texture.
  • Vegan Carrot Cake Alternative: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese, and swap butter for coconut oil to craft a plant-based friendly dessert that keeps the classic flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Wellness Version: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate Greek yogurt into the cream cheese frosting for a healthier, lower-calorie option that still delivers rich taste.
  • Nut-Free Adaptation: Omit walnuts and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, ensuring the cake remains crunchy and nutritionally balanced while accommodating dietary restrictions.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to dust the towel with powdered sugar?

The powdered sugar prevents the cake from sticking to the towel and helps create a smooth surface when rolling, ensuring your cake roll remains intact without tearing.

  • Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or simply omit nuts altogether if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version of the carrot cake roll.

  • How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The cake is done when it springs back lightly when touched and appears golden around the edges. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cake dry and difficult to roll.

  • Is it important to let the cake cool completely before filling?

Yes, cooling the cake completely is crucial. If you add frosting to a warm cake, it will melt and make the roll soggy, preventing you from achieving a neat, professional-looking dessert.

Carrot Cake Roll That Swirls with Cream Cheese Richness

  • Quickly Customize Your Dessert: Easily swap walnuts for other nuts or omit them completely for a nut-free version that everyone can enjoy.
  • Wow Your Guests: This stunning rolled cake looks incredibly impressive but requires surprisingly simple techniques that make you appear like a professional baker.
  • Perfect for Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this delightful dessert entirely in advance, allowing you to refrigerate and slice whenever guests arrive, reducing last-minute kitchen stress.
  • Celebrate Comfort and Elegance: Combines classic carrot cake flavors with an elegant rolled presentation that transforms an ordinary dessert into a showstopping centerpiece for special occasions or casual gatherings.

Carrot Cake Roll with Frosting Filling Ingredients

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Fine powder for the cake structure.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Baking Soda: Adds lightness to the cake texture.
  • Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the cake flavor.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that add moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
Filling and Additional Ingredients:
  • Carrots: Fresh vegetable that adds moisture and natural sweetness.
  • Walnuts: Crunchy nuts for texture and nutty flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth base for the creamy frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a silky and sweet frosting.
  • Butter: Adds richness to the cream cheese frosting.

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling – Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a jelly roll pan. Line it with parchment paper and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Whip Up The Base

In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and sugars until they become fluffy and light. Pour in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Stir in grated carrots and chopped walnuts.

Step 4: Bake The Sponge

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan. Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cake should bounce back when lightly touched. While baking, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.

Step 5: Roll The Warm Cake

Immediately after removing from the oven, flip the cake onto the sugared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Gently roll the cake with the towel from the short end. Let it cool completely for about an hour.

Step 6: Create Creamy Frosting

In a bowl, blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Softened butter

Whip until smooth and luxurious.

Step 7: Fill And Finish

Unroll the cooled cake carefully. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface. Roll the cake back up without the towel. Place seam-side down on a serving plate. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Rolling a Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese

  • Prevent Cake Cracking: Carefully roll the warm cake in a powdered sugar-dusted towel to help prevent cracking and create a smooth, flexible texture for easy rolling.
  • Moisture Magic: Grate carrots finely and pat them dry to ensure they distribute evenly without making the cake batter too wet or soggy.
  • Temperature Trick: Allow cream cheese and butter to soften at room temperature before making the frosting to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
  • Slice Smoothly: Chill the cake roll for at least 30 minutes before slicing to help the cream cheese frosting set and create clean, precise cuts.
  • Flavor Boost: Toast walnuts briefly before adding them to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake roll.
Print
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Carrot Cake Roll With Cream Cheese Frosting Filling Recipe

Carrot Cake Roll With Cream Cheese Frosting Filling Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet, velvety carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting dances between comfort and elegance. Warm spices and luxurious filling create a dessert that whispers memories of home bakeries while promising pure indulgence. Savor each slice and discover pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups finely grated carrots
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Other Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking surface by lining a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, applying a light grease to ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Combine flour, leavening agents, warm spices, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
  3. Whip eggs and sugars in a separate large bowl until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, creating a smooth base for the cake batter.
  4. Incorporate vanilla extract into the egg mixture, then gently fold in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined, maintaining a light texture.
  5. Carefully fold grated carrots and chopped walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly to create a consistent layer for even baking.
  7. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for the cake to become springy and lightly golden.
  8. While the cake bakes, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking during the rolling process.
  9. Immediately after removing from the oven, carefully transfer the cake onto the prepared towel, gently peeling away the parchment paper.
  10. Roll the warm cake with the towel from the short end, creating a cylindrical shape and allowing it to cool completely.
  11. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and butter until smooth and creamy.
  12. Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface.
  13. Gently re-roll the cake without the towel, positioning it seam-side down on a serving platter.
  14. Refrigerate the rolled cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and enhance the flavor profile.
  15. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the delicate balance of spiced cake and creamy filling.

Notes

  • Grate carrots finely and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess water from making the cake soggy, ensuring a perfect texture.
  • Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to maintain a light, fluffy cake texture and prevent overworking the batter.
  • Use a clean, lint-free kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking when rolling the warm cake, creating a smooth, flexible roll.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before filling to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting and ensure clean, crisp rolling.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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