Fluffy Carrot Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe: A Sweet Twist

Whipping up a delightful carrot roll cake bursts with nostalgic comfort and unexpected charm.

Soft layers of spiced batter showcase vibrant orange vegetable magic.

Delicate ribbons of cream cheese frosting weave through each tender slice.

Unexpected hints of cinnamon and nutmeg dance across your palate.

Lightweight and airy, this dessert feels like a warm culinary hug.

Sweet memories come flooding back with every delectable bite.

You’ll want to savor each moment of this irresistible treat.

Fluffy Carrot Roll Cake Highlights

• Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this carrot roll cake requires simple techniques that even beginners can confidently tackle without feeling overwhelmed.
• Packed with warm spices and creamy filling, this cake brings comfort and joy to family gatherings, potlucks, and casual celebrations with its irresistible flavor profile.
• With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe allows home bakers to whip up a stunning dessert without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with complex techniques.
• Adaptable for different occasions from holiday parties to afternoon tea, this carrot roll cake offers a delightful twist on traditional desserts that everyone will love and appreciate.

What You Need for Carrot Roll Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the delicate cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and classic flavor to the carrot cake.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the cake.

• Eggs: The primary binding agent that adds richness and helps create a light texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, warm flavor that complements the spices.
• Carrots: Fresh grated carrots bring moisture, natural sweetness, and a signature carrot cake flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: The base for a rich and creamy filling that complements the cake's texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling and provides a decorative dusting on top.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking during baking.

How to Make a Carrot Roll Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F.

Grab a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.

Give the paper a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk these together until they’re well blended and look like a cozy mixture.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, crack open some eggs and add sugar.

Beat them together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud.

Splash in some vanilla extract and fold in freshly grated carrots.

The mixture should look vibrant and inviting.

Step 4: Create the Cake Batter

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until everything is just combined.

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula, making it look perfectly even.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Pull the cake out and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 6: Roll the Cake

Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.

Carefully flip the warm cake onto the towel.

Peel off the parchment paper gently.

Starting from the short end, roll the cake up in the towel like a cozy blanket.

Let it cool completely while rolled up.

Step 7: Craft the Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat these together until they become smooth and creamy, like a dreamy cloud.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it carefully.

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface.

Re-roll the cake without the towel this time, creating a beautiful spiral.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Transfer your masterpiece to a serving platter.

Slice into beautiful rounds.

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Enjoy your homemade carrot roll cake!

Tips for a Soft and Creamy Carrot Roll

• Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to help roll the cake without sticking, ensuring a perfect spiral shape without cracking.
• Let cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before making the filling to achieve a smoother, lump-free consistency that spreads easily.
• Grate carrots finely and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess water from making the cake batter too wet and compromising its texture.
• Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and keeping the cream cheese filling fresh and firm.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to maintain the cake's light and fluffy texture.

Storing Your Carrot Roll Cake

• Store the carrot roll cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve its moisture.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Slice the cake and microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain its soft texture. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to reach room temperature, which enhances its flavor and softness.

Pairings for Carrot Roll Cake with Cream Cheese

• Pair Perfectly with Warm Spices: Complement the carrot cake's cinnamon and nutmeg with a spiced chai latte, whose cardamom and ginger notes will dance beautifully with the cake's warm flavors.
• Enhance with Creamy Beverages: Select a rich, velvety vanilla bean cappuccino that mirrors the cream cheese filling's smooth texture and adds a luxurious coffee undertone to each bite.
• Match with Fruity Counterpoints: Serve alongside a chilled passion fruit or blood orange sparkling mocktail, which provides a bright, tangy contrast to the cake's sweet, dense profile.
• Elevate with Dessert Wine: Enjoy a small glass of late harvest Riesling, whose slight sweetness and crisp acidity will cut through the cake's richness while echoing its subtle spice notes.

Fun Variations for Carrot Roll Cake

• Gluten-Free Carrot Roll Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly version. Use xanthan gum to help bind ingredients and maintain cake's soft texture.
• Vegan Carrot Roll Cake: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use plant-based cream cheese alternative for filling. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to maintain moisture and richness.
• Low-Sugar Carrot Roll Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of traditional sugar. Incorporate more grated carrots for natural sweetness and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining cake's delightful flavor profile.
• Nut-Enhanced Carrot Roll Cake: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into batter for added crunch and nutty flavor. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of cream cheese filling before rolling cake for extra texture and depth.

FAQs

• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it might make the cake slightly denser. For best results, use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to maintain the cake’s light texture.

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

To prevent cracking, roll the cake while it’s still warm and use a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. This helps the cake stay moist and flexible during rolling.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake roll a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent drying out.

• What can I do if my cream cheese filling is too runny?

If the filling seems too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before spreading. You can also add a bit more powdered sugar to help it thicken and become more spreadable.

Fluffy Carrot Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Carrot Roll Cake weaves sweet memories with each delicate slice, promising a perfect balance of spiced warmth and creamy richness. Delicate layers roll together, inviting you to savor a dessert that whispers comfort and celebration in every tender bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Dry Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cake Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 15×10-inch pan by lining it with parchment paper, then lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
2. Create the cake mixture by combining dry ingredients in one bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together thoroughly.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whip eggs and sugar until they become light and airy, approximately 3 minutes, creating a fluffy base for the cake.
4. Incorporate vanilla extract and grated carrots into the egg mixture, stirring until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring no flour pockets remain and maintaining the batter’s delicate texture.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface for uniform baking.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully cooked.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert it onto a kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar.
9. Carefully peel away the parchment paper and tightly roll the warm cake within the towel, allowing it to cool completely in this cylindrical shape.
10. Prepare the cream cheese filling by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
11. Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface.
12. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, ensuring a tight and neat spiral.
13. Transfer the rolled cake to a serving platter and optionally dust with additional powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
14. Slice into rounds and serve, revealing the beautiful swirl of cake and cream cheese filling.

Notes

• Gentle Rolling Technique: Use a light touch when rolling the cake to prevent cracking, ensuring a smooth, seamless texture that looks professional and appetizing.
• Moisture Preservation: Cover the cooled cake roll with plastic wrap to keep it moist and prevent drying out, extending its delicious freshness for several days.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the cake’s soft and tender crumb.
• Temperature Precision: Allow cream cheese and butter to reach room temperature before mixing the filling, guaranteeing a silky-smooth consistency without lumps.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg