If you love the cozy, warmly spiced flavors of a classic carrot cake but want something a bit more elegant and fun, this Carrot Cake Roll Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine a soft, tender cake rolled with creamy, dreamy frosting that melts in your mouth with every bite. The balance of spices, tender shredded carrots, and luscious cream cheese filling makes this recipe a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving a delightful treat, this carrot cake roll is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a stunning homemade flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Carrot Cake Roll Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in delivering the moist texture and rich flavor. From the earthy spices to the creamy frosting, every component works together to create a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup): Provides the structure needed for a soft, tender cake without being too dense.
- Baking powder (½ tsp): Adds rise and lightness to ensure the cake is fluffy and springy.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Helps the cake rise and react with the acidic ingredients for a perfect crumb.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (½ tsp): Infuses the cake with that signature warm, comforting spice.
- Ground ginger (½ tsp): Adds a subtle zesty warmth that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp): Brings a hint of earthy sweetness to the spice mix.
- Ground cloves (â…› tsp): Provides depth and a touch of aromatic intensity.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the cake just right, balancing the spices.
- Oil (2 Tbsp, canola or vegetable): Keeps the cake moist and soft without heaviness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, adding warmth and richness.
- Shredded carrots (2 cups): The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness, moisture, and texture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, cold): The base for the luscious frosting that is both tangy and sweet.
- Butter (8 Tbsp, room temperature): Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting to a silky smooth finish, perfect for spreading.
How to Make Carrot Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s fully preheated for even baking. Line a 10 by 15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. This setup makes rolling the cake a breeze later on and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl. Mixing these well ensures every bite is perfectly spiced and the leavening agents are evenly distributed for that ideal cake texture.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and light. Gradually fold in the dry mixture, taking care not to overmix. Finally, gently fold in the vibrant shredded carrots, which will add moisture and delightful texture to your cake.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. The cake should spring back lightly when pressed, indicating it’s perfectly baked but still soft and pliable for rolling.
Step 5: Roll the Warm Cake
While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up from the short end using the parchment paper. This step sets the shape and helps prevent cracks. Let it cool completely rolled up for about ten minutes to hold its shape.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cold cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add softened butter. Next, mix in the powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla until the frosting becomes silky and spreadable, ready to turn your cake into a luscious roll.
Step 7: Frost and Reroll
Gently unroll the cooled cake without the parchment paper and evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the surface. Then, carefully reroll the cake, this time without the parchment paper, creating those iconic beautiful swirls inside.
Step 8: Chill Before Serving
Chill the rolled cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This resting time lets the frosting set, making it easier to slice and ensuring every piece holds together with gorgeous layers of cake and cream cheese deliciousness.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll Recipe
Garnishes
Present your carrot cake roll with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted walnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh carrot ribbons or a few edible flowers can add a charming, rustic touch that will wow your guests before they even take a bite.
Side Dishes
This carrot cake roll pairs wonderfully with a cup of robust coffee or a mild chai tea to complement its warm spices. For a brunch or light dessert buffet, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your carrot cake roll into neat rounds and create a layered trifle with extra cream cheese frosting and chopped nuts in a glass bowl. Alternatively, serve individual slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical twist that adds surprise and delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover carrot cake roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying a sweet treat the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, this Carrot Cake Roll Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole roll tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
Since this cake roll is best served chilled, reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let slices come to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the cream cheese frosting just a touch.
FAQs
Can I use a gluten-free flour for this carrot cake roll?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the cake’s structure when rolling.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolled?
Rolling the cake while it is still warm and using parchment paper as a rolling aid helps prevent cracks. Also, don’t overbake the cake—baking just until springy is key for flexibility.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins work beautifully in this recipe, adding extra texture and bursts of sweetness. Just fold them in after the carrots during the batter mixing step.
Is it necessary to chill the cake roll before slicing?
Yes, chilling helps the frosting set and makes slicing cleaner and neater. It also enhances the flavors as the cake and frosting meld together.
Can I make this Carrot Cake Roll Recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives in the frosting, and use oil as directed in the batter to keep the texture moist and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Roll Recipe is a delightful twist on a beloved classic, bringing together warm spices, tender cake, and creamy frosting in a perfectly rolled package. It’s a fun and impressive dessert to make for any occasion, and I can’t wait for you to try it and experience its charm firsthand. Roll up your sleeves and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Carrot Cake Roll Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, featuring a light and spiced cake rolled with a creamy, smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, it combines warm spices, shredded carrots, and a luscious filling that is chilled to set before serving.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- â…› tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded carrots
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese (cold)
- 8 Tbsp butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Stir to blend evenly and set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly, then add granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Carrots: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, then gently fold in the shredded carrots ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread to cover the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched lightly.
- Roll the Cake While Warm: Remove the cake from the oven and immediately roll it up from the short end using the parchment paper as a guide. Let it cool completely in this rolled form for about ten minutes so it maintains shape.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add room temperature butter and continue beating until creamy. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Unroll and Frost: Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface.
- Reroll and Chill: Carefully reroll the cake, this time without the parchment paper. Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is rolled while warm to prevent cracking.
- Use cold cream cheese for a firmer frosting texture.
- Chilling helps the roll maintain its shape and makes slicing neater.
- For best results, shred fresh carrots finely.
- You can substitute oil with melted butter for a richer flavor if desired.
