Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Roll
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or just because!
- Beautiful Presentation: The spiral of cream cheese frosting makes it look bakery-perfect.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg meets the tangy sweetness of cream cheese.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls and spatula: For preparing the batter and frosting.
- Jelly roll pan (10×15 inches): To bake the thin layer of cake.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and help with rolling.
- Clean kitchen towel: For rolling the cake.
Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Description
A Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is an elegant twist on the classic dessert. This moist, spiced carrot cake is rolled around a luscious cream cheese filling, creating a show-stopping treat perfect for any occasion. Don’t worry—it’s easier to make than it looks, and the result is absolutely worth it!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thick and pale. Add the vanilla extract and mix.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the grated carrots until well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Step 4: Roll the Cake
- While the cake is still hot, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting at the short end, roll the cake and towel together into a log. Let it cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, beating until fluffy and well combined.
Step 6: Assemble the Roll
- Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it and spread the frosting evenly over the surface.
- Roll the cake back up (without the towel) and place seam-side down on a serving platter.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the cake roll for at least 1 hour to set. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Carrots: Freshly grated carrots are key to the cake’s moisture and flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid spreading too much frosting to ensure a clean roll.
- Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake while it’s hot prevents cracking.
- Chill Before Slicing: This helps the roll hold its shape when cut.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store the cake roll in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake batter?
A: Absolutely! Add up to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
Q3: What if my cake cracks when rolling?
A: Minor cracks can be hidden with powdered sugar or frosting. Make sure to roll the cake while warm to avoid major cracks.
Conclusion: A Classic Dessert with a Twist
This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is as delicious as it is stunning. With its moist cake, rich filling, and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress family and friends. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite of this sweet and spiced treat!
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Dig in and delight your taste buds!
