Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

byMy Name is Alice •


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:

  1. 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.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together oil and sugar until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in grated carrots and walnuts (if using).
  6. Pour the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a smooth layer.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. While still warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
  9. 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:

  1. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Mix in vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.

3. Assemble the Roll:

  1. Unroll the cooled cake and carefully remove the towel.
  2. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake.
  3. Roll up the cake jelly-roll style, starting from the short side.
  4. 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?

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