Carrot Cake Roll

Carrot Cake Roll is a classic dessert that brings comfort and joy to any gathering. It’s a cozy, flavorful treat that combines the warmth of traditional carrot cake with the fun twist of being rolled. Imagine cutting into a luscious slice, revealing the creamy filling and a beautiful swirl of orange cake—it’s hard not to fall in love at first bite. Plus, it’s delightful to prepare, inviting both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. What’s fantastic about this recipe is how it beautifully captures the flavors you know and love, yet presents them in a new and exciting way. Share this dessert at your next family gathering, and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight. Ready to make your own? Let’s get cooking!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Roll
• Ingredients for Carrot Cake Roll
• How to Make the Carrot Cake Roll
• Preheat and Prepare the Pan
• Mix Dry Ingredients
• Whisk Eggs and Sugar
• Combine Wet Ingredients
• Fold in Dry Ingredients
• Bake the Cake
• Roll the Cake
• Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
• Unroll and Fill the Cake
• Re-roll the Cake
• Dust and Serve
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• FAQs
• More Easy Breakfast Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

This Carrot Cake Roll recipe combines the moistness of traditional carrot cake with the fun twist of a rolled dessert. The combination of spices and fresh carrots infuses every bite with warmth and nostalgia, while the cream cheese filling adds a creamy richness that balances the cake beautifully. You’ll appreciate how the flavors meld together, making every bite a comforting experience.

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Roll

Not only is this Carrot Cake Roll visually stunning, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Perfect for celebrations or as a cozy dessert to enjoy at home, it embodies comfort and joy with every slice. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, making it a delightful indulgence for both novice and experienced bakers. Plus, the rolled presentation is as impressive as the taste. Just wait until you see your guests’ faces when you serve it up!

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Roll

• For the Carrot Cake:
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cane sugar (or granulated white sugar)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)
• 1 batch of cream cheese filling (see below)

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting

• For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make the Carrot Cake Roll

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

First, preheat your oven to 375°F. While that’s warming up, line a 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a 1-inch overhang on both long sides for easy lifting after baking.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, ginger, salt, nutmeg, and cloves until everything is well combined. This step is what brings out those warm flavors that everyone loves.

Whisk Eggs and Sugar

Next, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs and sugar for about a minute. You want to see the mixture thicken—this is an important step for getting a fluffy texture!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the oil, vanilla extract, and shredded carrots to your egg mixture. Stir it all together until just combined. You’ll love how colorful and aromatic this is once it comes together.

Fold in Dry Ingredients

Now, gently fold in the flour mixture using a rubber spatula. This is where you need to be careful—mixing until just combined keeps your cake fluffy. Avoid overmixing to maintain that nice texture.

Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes or until the top springs back when you lightly touch it. When it’s done, use the parchment overhang to lift the cake out of the pan onto a flat, heat-safe surface.

Roll the Cake

While it’s still warm, slowly roll the cake from one short end to the other. This technique is key to getting that perfect roll. Once it’s rolled, transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While your cake cools, it’s time to whip up the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth consistency. Adjust the texture if needed—make it just right for spreading!

Unroll and Fill the Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, carefully unroll it on a flat surface. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving about a 3/4-inch border around the edges. This filling is what makes the cake so rich and flavorful.

Re-roll the Cake

Gently re-roll the cake, peeling away the parchment paper as you go. It’s okay if it seems tricky—just be gentle with it! Once rolled, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling helps set everything perfectly.

Dust and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, take the cake out of the refrigerator. Unwrap it and transfer to a serving dish. Lightly dust with powdered sugar, slice into pieces, and enjoy! Each piece is a delicious surprise.

Serving Suggestions

To take your Carrot Cake Roll to the next level, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside offers a delightful contrast to the spiced cake. You can also add some chopped nuts on top for an extra crunch!

Tips for Success

• Be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending. It makes a world of difference!
• Avoid overbaking the carrot cake. You want it moist and tender for the best experience.
• Keep the cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain its freshness for the best tasting experience.

Variations

You can switch things up! Add chopped nuts or raisins to the carrot mixture for extra texture and flavor. If you want a lighter option, consider substituting the cream cheese filling with a mascarpone or Greek yogurt filling—both are delicious!

FAQs

Can I make this Carrot Cake Roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake and the filling a day ahead. Just keep them wrapped separately in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of avocado oil?
Any neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, will work just fine.

How do I store leftovers?
Store your Carrot Cake Roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can stay frozen for up to 2 months.

How can I make this gluten-free?
For a gluten-free option, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Making your own Carrot Cake Roll is not just about creating a dessert; it’s about bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. This delightful treat combines familiar flavors into a unique dessert that people will remember. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a cozy dessert after dinner, this recipe promises to add joy and deliciousness to your table. Enjoy the process, and even more, enjoy the delightful slices you create!

More Easy Breakfast Recipes:

• Banana Cake Roll
• Banana Nut Chia Pudding
• Pecan Caramel Banana Cake
• Banana Peanut Butter Cups

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