Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times a Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has saved me when I wanted something special but didn’t have weeks to bake and layer a big cake. This roll is light, flavorful, and just the right size to share with friends or to indulge in without going overboard. It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but comes together surprisingly easily—perfect for those weekends when you want a cozy kitchen project without the stress.

What makes this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so worth trying is how the spices and fresh grated carrots create a tender, flavorful sponge, while the luscious cream cheese filling adds that perfect tangy sweetness. I’ve made it for everything from holiday dinners to casual gatherings, and it’s always a hit. Plus, it’s a great way to show off a homemade touch that’s a bit unexpected but completely delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a key role in balancing texture and flavor. From the warm spices to the rich cream cheese, shopping quality basics will make your roll stand out beautifully.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake; sift it well to keep your roll light and tender.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise gently—don’t substitute with baking soda alone.
• Baking soda: Locks in moisture and reacts with the acids in the batter.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth—freshly ground if possible.
• Ground ginger: Gives a subtle zing that pairs beautifully with carrots.
• Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way for that classic carrot cake spice profile.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it!
• Large eggs: Provide structure; make sure they’re at room temperature for best mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base; white for straightforward sweetness without overpowering.
• Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note.
• Vanilla extract: A must for that cozy, home-baked aroma.
• Finely grated carrots: Fresh is best—grate them finely to avoid lumps and ensure an even texture.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and contrast, but totally fine to leave out if you prefer.
• Cream cheese (softened): The star of the frosting—make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing.
• Powdered sugar (sifted): Keeps the frosting silky without any grit.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Creamy and rich, it balances the tang of the cream cheese perfectly.

Variations

I love tweaking this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe depending on the season or who I’m baking for. It’s a recipe that gives you a great base to play with, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Add pineapple: I sometimes stir in crushed pineapple (drained well) to the batter for extra moisture and tropical brightness—it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
• Swap walnuts for pecans or omit nuts: If you’re serving people with nut allergies, the roll is just as delicious without them.
• Use maple syrup instead of sugar: For a richer, earthier sweetness, I’ve tried swapping out granulated sugar for pure maple syrup—adjust baking times as needed.
• Dairy-free cream cheese frosting: I’ve experimented with vegan cream cheese and coconut butter to make a dairy-free version, which turned out surprisingly luscious.
• Spice it up with extra ginger: If you like a stronger spice punch, don’t hold back on fresh or ground ginger—it makes the roll pop.

How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Grate Your Carrots

This step sets you up for an easy roll later. You’ll want to line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and give it a light spray of oil so the cake doesn’t stick. While the oven preheats, grate your carrots finely—this helps the batter stay smooth and means no surprises when you bite into the cake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Together

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. It’s important to combine these well to distribute the spices evenly and ensure your cake has consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Sugars

In your mixing bowl, beat the eggs with both sugars until they’re light and slightly fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes by hand or less with a mixer. This aeration is what brings a tender crumb, so don’t rush it.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Carrots

Pour in the vanilla extract and fold in the finely grated carrots, mixing gently. If you’re adding walnuts, fold them in here too. This keeps everything evenly distributed without deflating the batter.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Carefully

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix. You want just enough to combine—the batter should be thick but smooth. This step is crucial to keeping the cake roll light and tender.

Step 6: Bake and Roll While Warm

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back to touch. As soon as it comes out of the oven, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Roll it up with the towel inside while it cools—this “trains” the cake not to crack when you add the frosting later.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar, then vanilla extract, mixing until you get a silky, spreadable frosting. Don’t overbeat, or it might become too soft to hold the roll shape well.

Step 8: Fill and Roll the Cake

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface. Then roll it back up gently but snugly, without the towel this time. Keeping your hands cool helps prevent melting the frosting. Chill the roll for at least an hour before slicing to help it set.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—just a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top or a dusting of cinnamon gives it that cozy feel. For a bit more flair, try a few edible flowers or a drizzle of melted white chocolate to add elegance without overpowering the classic flavors.

Side Dishes

When I serve this carrot cake roll, a cup of lightly spiced chai or classic black coffee pairs beautifully. For a brunch or afternoon tea, I like to offer fresh fruit like orange segments or a simple mixed berry salad—which refreshes the palate nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a holiday or special gathering, I sometimes slice the roll into smaller rounds and stack them with extra frosting between as mini carrot cake towers. Another fun idea is to pipe rosettes of cream cheese frosting on the platter and nestle the slices within—it looks impressive and invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always wrap leftover carrot cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge—it stays moist and the frosting stays fresh for up to 4 days. I find it’s best served chilled or at room temperature rather than cold straight from the fridge, so I let slices rest out for about 20 minutes before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you wrap slices individually in parchment paper, then foil or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When I’ve frozen this roll, I thaw slices overnight in the fridge and still get excellent flavor and texture—just be mindful the frosting might be a touch softer after thawing.

Reheating

To revive slices from the fridge or freezer, I bring them to room temperature first and then—if you like your frosting a bit softer—I warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious here; overheating can melt the frosting and make it runny, so short bursts are key.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my baking repertoire. It bridges the gap between comfort food and something a little special, showing that homemade desserts don’t have to be complicated to impress. Once you get the rhythm of mixing, baking, rolling, and frosting, it’s a dessert you’ll turn to again and again—whether for a quiet night in or a celebration with friends. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes as well.

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