Quick & Fluffy Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Sweet memories often emerge when classic carrot cake roll meets irresistible cream cheese magic.

Warm spices dance through delicate layers of soft, moist cake.

Delicate swirls of creamy frosting promise pure indulgence with every single bite.

Baking this dessert becomes a delightful adventure for passionate home cooks.

Delicate textures and rich flavors combine in a spectacular culinary experience.

Fresh carrots and subtle spices create an unforgettable treat that feels both comforting and elegant.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations.

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling That Impresses

• Craft with Ease: This carrot cake roll breaks down complex baking steps into simple, manageable tasks perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Packed with warm spices and creamy frosting, this dessert guarantees smiles and second servings at gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations.
• Texture Sensation: The soft, moist cake combined with smooth cream cheese filling creates a delightful contrast that melts in your mouth with every single bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and store in the refrigerator, making it an ideal option for stress-free entertaining and planning ahead.

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cake roll.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and soft.
• Shredded Carrots: Contribute natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.

• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: A warm spice combination that gives the carrot cake its signature flavor profile.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, rich base for the frosting.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting and glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to both the frosting and glaze.
• Milk: Helps adjust the consistency of the glaze.

• Parchment Paper: Assists in easy cake removal from the pan.
• Tea Towel: Helps in rolling the cake without cracking.
• Plastic Wrap: Used for chilling and storing the cake roll.

How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a jelly roll pan and give it a light spray of cooking oil.

Line the pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Nutmeg
• Ground cloves

Whisk these together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar

Beat these until they’re light and fluffy. Pour in vegetable oil and vanilla extract.

Fold in freshly grated carrots, mixing until everything looks wonderfully combined.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Use a spatula and mix just until everything is incorporated. Don’t overmix – you want a light, tender cake!

Step 5: Bake the Cake Base

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a smooth motion.

Slide into the oven and bake for 12 minutes. The cake should look set and slightly springy.

Step 6: Roll the Warm Cake

Right after removing from the oven, flip the cake onto a clean kitchen towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.

While still warm, roll the cake lengthwise using the towel as a guide. Let it cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter

Beat until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.

Whisk until you have a dreamy, creamy frosting.

Step 8: Fill the Cake Roll

Unroll the cooled cake carefully.

Spread the cream cheese frosting, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent messy overflow.

Step 9: Re-Roll and Chill

Roll the cake back up without the towel this time.

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to set the frosting.

Step 10: Create Vanilla Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Adjust milk to get your perfect drizzling consistency.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the plastic wrap, drizzle with glaze, slice, and serve your spectacular carrot cake roll!

Tips to Nail Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

• Ensure your carrots are finely shredded for a smoother cake texture and even baking distribution.
• Roll the warm cake in the tea towel immediately after baking to prevent cracking and help maintain flexibility.
• Soften cream cheese and butter at room temperature for a smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads easily.
• Chill the cake roll for at least an hour to help set the frosting and make slicing cleaner and more precise.
• Use a sharp serrated knife for clean, neat slices when serving the cake roll.

Variations on Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

• Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Carrot Cake Roll: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese, and replace butter with vegan margarine for plant-based diets.
• Low-Sugar Carrot Cake Roll: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use reduced-fat cream cheese for a diabetes-friendly version.
• Nut-Infused Carrot Cake Roll: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

• A rich, mulled wine with cinnamon and nutmeg complements the cake's warm spices, creating a cozy flavor harmony that enhances the carrot cake's aromatic profile.
• Serve a smooth cappuccino or latte with the cake roll, allowing the coffee's robust flavor to balance the sweet cream cheese frosting and provide a delightful contrast.
• A smooth caramel-noted whiskey offers a sophisticated pairing that echoes the cake's sweet notes while adding depth and complexity to each bite.
• A spiced vanilla chai tea brings out the cake's warm spices, creating a comforting combination that elevates the dessert's subtle cinnamon and ginger undertones.

Storage Advice for Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

• Wrap the carrot cake roll tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
• Carefully wrap the entire roll in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its delicate structure.
• Cut individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Enjoy within 1 month by thawing at room temperature for 30 minutes.

FAQs

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

Yes, but the texture might be slightly denser and less fluffy. Use a 1:1 ratio substitution, but expect a slight change in the cake’s lightness.

• How do I prevent my cake roll from cracking?

Roll the cake while it’s still warm and use a clean, lint-free kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. The warmth and gentle rolling help prevent cracks.

• What if my cream cheese is not soft enough?

Microwave the cream cheese in 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches a soft, spreadable consistency. Be careful not to overheat.

Carrot Cake Roll With Cream Cheese Frosting Filling Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent carrot cake roll showcases classic flavors with a delightful cream cheese frosting twist. Warm spices and tender cake create a comforting dessert perfect for special gatherings and delighting those who appreciate sweet culinary experiences.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large eggs
• 3 medium carrots (finely shredded)
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cake)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) salted butter (softened)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 10–11 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Whisk eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth and pale. Add vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and shredded carrots, mixing thoroughly.
3. Sift together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a separate bowl.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a light texture.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface. Bake for 12 minutes until the cake springs back when touched.
6. Immediately after removing from the oven, invert the cake onto a clean tea towel. Carefully remove parchment paper.
7. While the cake is still warm, roll it lengthwise using the tea towel as a guide, creating a tight log. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Cream together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually incorporate confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until creamy.
9. Unroll the cooled cake carefully. Spread cream cheese frosting evenly, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.
10. Re-roll the cake without the towel, ensuring a tight and even roll. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
11. Prepare glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.
12. Remove plastic wrap, drizzle with glaze, slice, and serve chilled.

Notes

• Choose carrots with deep orange color for maximum sweetness and moisture in the cake roll.
• Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and smooth texture throughout the batter.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese to create smoother, more consistent mixing.
• Line the pan meticulously to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal during the rolling process.
• Work quickly when rolling the warm cake to prevent cracking and maintain a tight, elegant shape.
• Chill the cake roll completely before slicing to help the cream cheese frosting set and create clean cuts.
• Replace vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter, lower-fat version of the cake roll.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive dietary needs.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor dimension.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 145 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg