Dreamy Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Crafting a delightful carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting brings pure comfort to your dessert table.

Sweet layers of spiced cake wrap around a silky filling that melts in your mouth.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each delicate slice, creating memories of cozy kitchen moments.

Home bakers adore this dessert for its elegant presentation and irresistible flavor profile.

Soft carrots provide natural sweetness while cream cheese adds luxurious richness to every bite.

Each carefully rolled swirl promises a decadent experience that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated.

We bet you’ll want to share this showstopping treat with everyone you know.

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese That’s Rich and Rolled to Perfection

Craft an Easy Dessert Masterpiece: Creative baking technique transforms classic carrot cake into an elegant rolled dessert perfect for impressing guests.

Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for home bakers of all skill levels, even if you’ve never made a rolled cake before.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Warm spices like cinnamon and ginger blend beautifully with sweet cream cheese frosting, creating a universally loved dessert that appeals to all taste preferences.

Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, birthdays, or weekend family desserts – this carrot cake roll brings excitement to any occasion with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.

Carrot Cake Roll with Frosting Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine powder for cake structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Adds lightness to the cake.
• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: Warm spices for rich flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste.

• Eggs: Binding agent for cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic baking aroma.

• Grated Carrots: Adds moisture and natural sweetness.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy base for smooth frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness to frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting.

• Powdered Sugar: Decorative dusting on top of cake.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents cake from sticking.
• Kitchen Towel: Helps roll cake without cracking.

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, making sure it hangs over the sides. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Set the mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Whip Up the Egg Base

Grab a large bowl and beat eggs with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer. Whip on high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and pale. Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the egg base. Mix gently until just combined. Fold in freshly grated carrots, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Base

Spread the batter smoothly across the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cake is ready when it springs back after a light touch.

Step 6: Prepare for Rolling

Lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it with powdered sugar. Carefully flip the hot cake onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper gently.

Step 7: First Roll

Starting from a short end, roll the cake together with the towel into a log shape. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 8: Craft the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Step 9: Final Assembly

Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface. Re-roll the cake without the towel this time. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Step 10: Serve with Flair

Before serving, dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy your beautiful carrot cake roll!

Rolling Tips for a Perfect Carrot Cake

• Prevent Cracking: Roll the cake while it's warm to minimize cracks and ensure a smooth, flexible texture when it cools.
• Moisture Magic: Grate carrots finely and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy or tough.
• Sugar Sifting Trick: Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking and make rolling easier.
• Frosting Flow: Keep cream cheese and butter at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.
• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the rolled cake for at least an hour to help the frosting set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.

Carrot Cake Roll Easy Way To Store For Later

• Wrap the carrot cake roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the cake fresh and moist.
• Carefully wrap the entire cake roll in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Cut the cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw slices in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For frozen cake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Dust with fresh powdered sugar to restore its original appeal.

Carrot Cake Roll Tasty Matches

• Pair Perfectly with Sweet Sips: Chai tea latte complements the warm spices in the carrot cake roll, creating a cozy flavor harmony that enhances the dessert's cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
• Crunch and Contrast: Toasted pecan pieces sprinkled alongside the cake slice add a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone that elevates the creamy cream cheese frosting.
• Cool Companion: Vanilla bean ice cream provides a smooth, cold counterpoint to the spiced cake, letting the dessert's rich flavors shine while offering a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Wine Wonderland: A late harvest Riesling brings subtle sweetness and delicate fruit notes that beautifully match the cake's warmth and cream cheese richness.

Rolled Dessert Styles for Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Roll: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing almond and rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's soft texture.
• Vegan Carrot Cake Alternative: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese, and replace butter with plant-based margarine to create a dairy-free and egg-free option.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Roll: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate crushed walnuts for added protein and healthy fats.
• Paleo-Friendly Adaptation: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour, replace refined sugars with pure maple syrup, and incorporate coconut cream for the frosting to align with paleo dietary guidelines.

FAQs

• What gives this carrot cake roll its unique texture?

The combination of beaten eggs and sugar creates a light, spongy cake base, while grated carrots add moisture and subtle sweetness to the texture.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for better structure and elasticity.

• Why do I need to roll the cake while it's warm?

Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking and helps the cake maintain a flexible shape, making it easier to create the classic roll design without breaking the cake.

• How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the towel?

Generously sprinkle powdered sugar on the towel before inverting the cake, which creates a non-stick barrier and helps prevent the cake from adhering to the fabric.