The Ultimate Carrot Cake Roll Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and warm carrot cake roll promise a delightful dessert adventure.

Soft cream cheese frosting nestles inside delicate layers of spiced cake.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen drift through every tender slice.

Rolling techniques might seem tricky, but this recipe simplifies the process beautifully.

Baking enthusiasts will appreciate the balance of textures and rich flavors.

Seasonal ingredients come together to create a showstopping treat perfect for gatherings.

She can’t wait to impress everyone with this mouthwatering dessert that looks complicated but tastes incredible.

Creative Twists on Carrot Cake Roll Fillings

• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's soft texture and rich flavor.
• Vegan Carrot Cake Roll: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a plant-based adaptation that's equally delicious.
• Low-Sugar Carrot Cake Roll: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and incorporate Greek yogurt into the filling to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the cake moist and creamy.
• Nut-Free Spice Carrot Cake Roll: Omit nuts, add extra warming spices like nutmeg and ginger, and use seed flour like sunflower seed flour for those with nut allergies while maintaining the cake's complex flavor profile.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for a perfect carrot cake roll?

The key ingredients include flour, sugar, eggs, grated carrots, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, cream cheese, and vanilla. These ingredients create a moist, flavorful cake with a creamy filling that brings the entire dessert together.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, this recipe is beginner-friendly. The steps are straightforward, and the technique of rolling the cake is simple. Just follow the instructions carefully, especially when rolling the cake in the towel and spreading the filling evenly.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the carrot cake roll a day in advance. After assembling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld and makes the cake even more delicious.

• How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling?

The key is to roll the cake while it’s still warm and flexible, using a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Rolling it immediately after baking helps prevent cracks and ensures a smooth, professional-looking dessert.

Spiraled Carrot Cake Roll of Delight

• Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this carrot cake roll offers a straightforward process that even novice home chefs can master with confidence.
• Guaranteed to impress family and friends, this roll combines classic comfort flavors with an elegant presentation that works for casual gatherings or special celebrations.
• Adaptable for different occasions like potlucks, birthdays, or afternoon tea, this dessert brings a delightful twist to traditional cake recipes with its beautiful rolled design and creamy filling.
• Packed with carrots and offering a balanced blend of ingredients, this dessert provides a slightly healthier alternative to standard cake while still delivering incredible taste and texture.

Ingredients for Cake Roll Sweetness

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the carrot cake roll.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft, moist cake.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic flavor that complements the carrots.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness to the cake.
• Grated Carrots: Add natural sweetness, moisture, and a subtle vegetable flavor to the cake.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy base for the smooth and creamy filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and provides a smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cream cheese filling.
• Kitchen Towel: Used for rolling the cake and preventing cracking.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Helps prevent sticking and adds a decorative touch.

How to Bake and Roll the Perfect Carrot Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Whisk thoroughly to eliminate any lumps and create a uniform mixture.

Step 3: Create Egg Base

Crack eggs into a separate bowl and beat vigorously until they become light, fluffy, and slightly pale in color.

Gently fold in freshly grated carrots, maintaining the airiness of the eggs.

Step 4: Blend Cake Batter

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the egg and carrot blend.

Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which could deflate the batter.

Step 5: Bake Cake Layer

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Spread smoothly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.

Bake for 13-15 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.

Step 6: Create Initial Roll

Remove cake from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.

Carefully invert the cake onto the towel and roll it up, allowing it to cool completely while maintaining its shape.

Step 7: Whip Up Cream Cheese Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the filling becomes smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.

Step 8: Final Assembly

Gently unroll the cooled cake.

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface.

Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, creating a beautiful spiral of cake and filling.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to help it set.

Before serving, dust with additional powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Tips for Crack-Free Roll and Smooth Filling

• Select fresh, sweet carrots with vibrant orange color for the best flavor and natural sweetness in your cake roll.
• Use a fine grater to ensure smooth texture and even distribution throughout the cake batter without large carrot chunks.
• Dust the kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar and roll the cake immediately after baking to help prevent cracking and maintain flexibility.
• Pat grated carrots gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps maintain the perfect cake consistency and prevents sogginess.
• Refrigerate the carrot cake roll for at least an hour before slicing to help the filling set and create clean, beautiful cut edges.

Storing and Slicing Carrot Cake Roll

• Store the carrot cake roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cake roll securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to prevent drying out. Check temperature and repeat if needed for a soft, moist texture.
• Let refrigerated cake roll sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, delicate texture and enhance flavor.

Pairing Ideas for Carrot Cake Roll Slices

• Pair Perfectly with Creamy Beverages: Smooth, rich lattes or cappuccinos complement the cake's warm spices and create a luxurious taste experience.
• Enhance with Sweet Wine Companions: Moscato or dessert wines like Riesling balance the cake's sweetness and highlight its delicate cream cheese filling.
• Match with Nutty Accompaniments: Toasted almond or pecan garnishes provide delightful crunch and enhance the carrot cake's texture and earthy flavor profile.
• Refresh with Tangy Counterpoints: Citrus-infused herbal tea or orange-mint spritzer cuts through the dessert's richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

Carrot Cake Roll Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Philadelphia cream cheese filling nestles inside delicate carrot cake roll, creating a dessert masterpiece that whispers comfort and indulgence. Sweet spices and moist cake layers dance together, promising a delightful experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups (240 g) grated carrots

Spices and Leavening:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Beat eggs until light and airy, then gently incorporate grated carrots into the mixture.
4. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the egg-carrot mixture, stirring until just blended to maintain a tender texture.
5. Evenly spread batter across prepared pan, creating a smooth surface for consistent baking.
6. Bake for 13-15 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted.
7. Remove from oven and immediately dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
8. Transfer warm cake onto sugared towel and carefully roll lengthwise, allowing cake to cool in rolled position.
9. Prepare cream cheese filling by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky and well-incorporated.
10. Gently unroll cooled cake and spread filling evenly across the surface.
11. Carefully re-roll cake without the towel, creating a smooth and uniform pastry log.
12. Refrigerate for at least one hour to set filling and enhance flavor profile.

Notes

• Swap flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar content for a healthier dessert option.
• Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking and ensure a smooth, flexible texture.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts or add a light drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor complexity and visual appeal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg