A carrot cake roll is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, combining the soft, spiced cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting rolled inside for a beautiful presentation and rich flavor. This recipe yields a moist, tender cake that’s perfectly complemented by a smooth and tangy cream cheese filling. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting dessert, this carrot cake roll will impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Roll
- Moist and tender cake: The combination of warm spices and grated carrots keeps the cake soft and flavorful.
- Creamy filling: The cream cheese frosting adds a delicious tangy sweetness, perfectly balancing the spices.
- Elegant presentation: Rolled into a spiral, this cake is visually stunning and makes slicing easy.
- Simple to prepare: Despite its impressive look, the recipe is straightforward and approachable for home bakers.
- Customizable: Add walnuts or your favorite nuts for texture or omit for a nut-free version.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some extra paper hanging over the edges to make it easier to lift the cake later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Beat Eggs and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Continue until the mixture is thick, pale, and creamy—about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Add Vanilla and Flour Mixture
Add vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix briefly. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture, beating on low speed just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Fold in Carrots and Nuts
Gently fold in the finely grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) with a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed through the batter.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
7. Prepare to Roll
While the cake is baking, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. This prevents sticking when you roll the cake.
8. Roll the Cake
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, carefully invert it onto the sugared kitchen towel. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Starting from the short end, roll the cake and towel together into a tight spiral. Allow the cake to cool completely while rolled—this helps it hold the shape without cracking.
9. Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
10. Fill and Re-Roll
Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it from the towel. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake surface. Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, making sure the filling stays inside.
11. Chill and Serve
Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the filling firm up and makes slicing easier. Slice into 1-inch pieces and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Roll
Grate the carrots finely for the best texture; chunky pieces can disrupt the cake structure.
Don’t overbake—the cake should be just springy to the touch to remain pliable for rolling.
Roll while warm—this prevents cracking.
Dust the towel well with powdered sugar or use a clean, lightly floured towel to prevent sticking.
Chill thoroughly after filling to help the cake set and keep its shape when sliced.
Substitute nuts if preferred; pecans or almonds work well.
Variations You Can Try
Add pineapple: Fold in about 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) with the carrots for extra moisture and tropical sweetness.
Use coconut: Add shredded coconut (1/4 cup) to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Spice it up: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves or allspice for deeper warmth.
Frost the outside: For a show-stopping dessert, frost the outside of the rolled cake with extra cream cheese frosting and decorate with chopped nuts or shredded carrot.
Storing Your Carrot Cake Roll
Refrigeration: Keep the cake roll wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving tip: Bring chilled slices to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
Carrot cake rolls are beloved because they combine the classic flavors everyone loves in a fresh and fun way. The roll format makes it easy to serve and share, while the cream cheese filling offers the perfect balance to the sweet and spiced cake. Whether it’s a holiday treat or a weekend baking project, this cake roll is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Creative Twists for Your Carrot Cake Roll
If you want to add your own unique touch to this classic carrot cake roll, there are plenty of ways to do so. For example, adding a bit of orange zest or lemon juice to the batter can brighten the flavor and add freshness. You can also mix in chopped pineapple or shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Instead of the classic cream cheese filling, try swapping it out for a mascarpone or ricotta-based filling for a creamier texture. Adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts inside the roll can add delightful crunch and depth.
To dress up the finished roll, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top for extra sweetness and flair.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
Baking a perfect carrot cake roll takes a bit of practice, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way:
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour; this keeps the cake light and tender.
- When removing the cake from the oven, work quickly to flip it onto a sugared towel to prevent cracking.
- Make sure the cake has cooled completely before adding the filling to avoid melting the frosting.
- Roll the cake gently when spreading the filling so it doesn’t crack or tear.
Nutritional Benefits of Carrot Cake
Carrots are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They provide a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which support eye health and the immune system. This means your carrot cake roll can be a tasty way to sneak in some veggies.
By moderating the sugar and butter, you can make this dessert a bit healthier without sacrificing taste. For an even lighter version, try substituting some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
Carrot cake roll is versatile and perfect for many settings:
- Serve it as a sweet breakfast treat with coffee or tea.
- It makes a stunning dessert centerpiece for holidays or family gatherings.
- Cut into smaller slices, it’s ideal for potlucks or afternoon snacks.
- Dress it up with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
The carrot cake roll with cream cheese filling is a classic recipe that combines moist cake and creamy sweetness in every bite. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. With endless possibilities to customize, this roll cake will soon become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors and delightful textures that make this dessert so special.
Final Thoughts
This carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting filling is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of comforting flavors and simple baking joy. The marriage of tender cake and creamy filling wrapped into an elegant spiral makes it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in