Fluffy Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up this delectable carrot cake roll that transforms ordinary ingredients into pure magic.

Layers of moist spiced cake wrap around silky cream cheese frosting for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each tender bite, creating comfort in every slice.

Kitchen adventures come alive with this nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug.

Soft carrots and rich cream cheese blend seamlessly in this elegant rolled confection.

Perfecting this recipe might seem intimidating, but trust me – you can absolutely master these delightful swirls.

Prepare to impress everyone with a dessert that looks professional yet tastes like home.

Pairing Suggestions for Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Pair with Spiced Rum Latte: Complement the warm spices of the carrot cake roll with a creamy, boozy rum latte that echoes the cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
• Enhance with Caramel Apple Cider: Balance the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting with a tangy, warm caramel apple cider that adds depth and autumnal warmth.
• Match with Toasted Pecan Vanilla Ice Cream: Create a luxurious dessert experience by serving a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with toasted pecans, which adds crunch and richness to the soft cake roll.
• Accompany with Spiced Orange Moscato: Elevate the dessert with a light, sweet white wine that brings out the cake's fruity pineapple undertones and provides a refreshing contrast.

Storage Tips for Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Store the carrot cake roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cake roll securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Bring the cake roll to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. For a slightly warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the cake.

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting FAQs

• What makes the rolling technique unique in this recipe?

The rolling technique helps create a flexible cake that can be easily rolled without cracking, using a powdered sugar-dusted towel to prevent sticking and provide a smooth surface for rolling.

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

Rolling the cake immediately after baking helps set its shape and prevents cracking, making it easier to create the perfect cake roll without breaking the delicate sponge.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in the cake batter?

You can swap vegetable oil with canola oil, and use applesauce as a partial oil replacement. The pineapple helps keep the cake moist, so avoid removing it completely.

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Delight

• Bake with Simplicity: Master this recipe with basic baking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: A show-stopping treat that delights both kids and adults, perfect for gatherings and special celebrations.
• Seasonal Sensations: Captures the warm, comforting flavors of autumn with its spiced carrot and pineapple combination, making it an ideal dessert for fall festivities.
• Versatile Presentation: Impresses guests with its elegant rolled design and can be easily customized with additional toppings or decorative powdered sugar dusting.

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft wheat flour that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and classic carrot cake flavor.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that provide moisture and caramel-like undertones.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cake.

• Grated Carrots: Provide moisture, natural sweetness, and signature texture to the cake.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds moisture and subtle tropical sweetness.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, rich, and creamy frosting base.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

• Parchment Paper, Kitchen Towel, Powdered Sugar: Used for baking and rolling the cake.

Step-by-Step Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm your oven to 375F. Grab a jelly roll pan and coat it with cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, ensuring smooth coverage.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg

Whisk until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil

Beat until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

• Grated carrots
• Crushed pineapple

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cake springs back when touched lightly.

Step 6: Prepare Cooling Surface

Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. This prevents sticking during rolling.

Step 7: Roll Warm Cake

Immediately after removing from oven, flip cake onto sugared towel. Peel off parchment paper. Carefully roll cake with towel from short end to short end. Allow to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until fluffy and well combined.

Step 9: Fill and Re-Roll Cake

Gently unroll cooled cake. Spread cream cheese frosting evenly across surface. Roll cake back up without towel.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Transfer roll to serving platter. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Slice and savor your magnificent creation!

Expert Tips for Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Prevent Cake Cracking: Sprinkle powdered sugar on the towel before rolling to help prevent sticking and minimize potential cracks in the delicate cake.
• Keep Moisture Locked: Use freshly grated carrots for maximum moisture and flavor, ensuring your cake roll stays tender and delicious.
• Smooth Frosting Technique: Chill the cream cheese and butter before mixing to create a smoother, more stable frosting that spreads easily.
• Cool Completely Before Rolling: Allow the cake to cool entirely in the rolled towel to help set its shape and prevent breaking when adding frosting.
• Storage Secret: Wrap the finished cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and texture.

Tasty Variations for Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a light and tender texture for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Carrot Cake Alternative: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and create a vegan cream cheese frosting using cashew-based cream cheese and plant-based butter.
• Nut-Infused Carrot Cake Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the carrot and spice profile.
• Low-Sugar Carrot Cake Option: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter, less caloric dessert.

Carrot Cake Roll With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 32-35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet and spiraling carrot cake roll dazzles dessert lovers with its velvety cream cheese frosting and perfectly spiced cake. Delicate swirls of warm spices and smooth filling create an irresistible treat you’ll crave after every meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup finely grated carrots

Sweeteners and Liquids:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained

Spice and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until thoroughly blended.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream granulated and brown sugars with vegetable oil until smooth and well integrated.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a uniform batter.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to prevent overmixing.
6. Gently fold grated carrots and crushed pineapple into the batter, distributing evenly throughout.
7. Spread batter uniformly in the prepared pan, creating an even layer that reaches all corners.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake surface springs back when lightly touched, avoiding overbaking.
9. Simultaneously, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar, preparing for cake rolling.
10. Immediately after removing from oven, carefully invert cake onto the sugared towel, peeling off parchment paper.
11. Gently roll the cake with the towel from one short end, creating a compact cylindrical shape.
12. Allow cake to cool completely while remaining rolled, which helps prevent cracking.
13. Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
14. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until frosting achieves a consistent texture.
15. Once cake is completely cooled, carefully unroll and spread cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface.
16. Reroll the cake without the towel, creating a neat spiral with frosting inside.
17. Transfer to a serving platter and optionally dust with additional powdered sugar.
18. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Select high-quality carrots for maximum sweetness and moisture in your cake roll.
• Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and smooth texture throughout the cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
• Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.

• Prevent cake from cracking by rolling it while still warm and using a sugared towel to prevent sticking.
• Cool cake completely before adding frosting to maintain structural integrity and prevent melting.
• Pat grated carrots dry with paper towels to reduce excess moisture and prevent soggy cake.

• Make the roll gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free baking blend.
• Transform into a dairy-free version using coconut cream cheese and plant-based butter alternatives.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 232 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg