If you love carrot cake and the rich, tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting, this Carrot Cake Roll is the perfect treat! This soft and spiced cake, rolled with a luscious cream cheese filling, is not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious. With warm spices, crunchy walnuts, and a velvety smooth frosting, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✔️ Perfectly Spiced: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves gives the cake its signature warmth.
✔️ Moist & Tender Texture: Thanks to grated carrots and vegetable oil, every bite is soft and flavorful.
✔️ Easy to Roll: A simple rolling technique ensures your cake roll comes out perfect every time.
✔️ Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Elegant enough for the holidays, yet simple enough for a weekend treat.
Ingredients & Their Roles
For the Carrot Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder & 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – These warm spices create the classic carrot cake flavor.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and adds moisture.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup grated carrots – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) – Adds crunch and depth of flavor.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – The key to a creamy, tangy filling.
- 1/4 cup butter, softened – Adds richness and smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Infuses the frosting with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Carrot Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15x10-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, whisk together oil and sugar until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in grated carrots and walnuts (if using).
- Pour the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a smooth layer.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While still warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Gently roll the cake (with the towel) from the short side and let it cool completely. This prevents cracking later.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
3. Assemble the Roll:
- Unroll the cooled cake and carefully remove the towel.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake.
- Roll up the cake jelly-roll style, starting from the short side.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake Roll
✔️ Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake in a towel while it’s warm helps prevent cracking when assembling.
✔️ Use Powdered Sugar on the Towel: This prevents the cake from sticking while it cools.
✔️ Chill Before Slicing: A cold cake roll is easier to slice neatly.
✔️ Add Orange Zest for Extra Flavor: A tablespoon of orange zest in the batter enhances the warm spices.
✔️ Thin Frosting if Needed: If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to adjust consistency.
Serving Suggestions
🍽️ Pair with a warm drink – Enjoy a slice with coffee, chai tea, or a pumpkin spice latte.
🍽️ Top with a drizzle of caramel – A touch of caramel sauce takes it to the next level.
🍽️ Garnish with powdered sugar or nuts – A light dusting of sugar or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Make Ahead: Bake and roll the cake a day in advance, then frost and assemble the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake. It’s incredibly moist, bursting with warm spices, and filled with a silky-smooth cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether for a holiday gathering or an afternoon indulgence, this cake roll is sure to impress!
Try it out and let me know—what’s your favorite way to enjoy carrot cake?