Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that wraps all the nostalgia of carrot cake into a delightful, swirl-filled slice, this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is the answer. With tender, spiced carrot cake, a rich, creamy filling, and an impressive spiral presentation, it captures everything you love about classic carrot cake, but with an extra wow factor. Each bite brings cozy warmth, a touch of crunch, and a smooth sweetness, making it perfect for celebrations or anytime you want to make an ordinary day extra special!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated about the ingredients in this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting, but each one plays a crucial role, from building moist crumb to lending bright flavor and silky texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why they matter.

• Eggs: These create structure and give the cake its essential light, flexible texture for that perfect roll.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps beat air into the eggs for a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down, making it easier to roll without cracking.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a gentle aroma and rounds out the flavors with warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake—just enough to hold everything together without making it dense.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cake a delicate lift, so it’s not too heavy or stodgy.
• Ground Cinnamon: The key spice for carrot cake’s signature cozy flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out every flavor note.
• Grated Carrots: The star ingredient, lending moisture, pretty color, and a gentle earthiness.
• Chopped Walnuts (optional): Add crunch and a hint of nutty richness—totally up to your taste!
• Cream Cheese (softened): The undeniably rich and tangy heart of the frosting.
• Unsalted Butter (softened): For ultra-creamy, smooth frosting with buttery undertones.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to just the right spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla Extract (for frosting): Another subtle swirl of flavor that truly ties the whole dessert together.

How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

First things first: get your oven warming up to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease it. This step is essential to ensure the cake releases cleanly and rolls up like magic later on.

Step 2: Whip Up the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract together until the mixture turns thick, pale, and creamy—this usually takes a few minutes of enthusiastic whisking or a sturdy electric mixer. This method traps air and ensures your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting will be light and flexible.

Step 3: Sift, Fold, and Blend

Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into a separate bowl. Gently fold this dry mixture into the egg mixture in batches, so you don’t lose any of that precious air you just worked in. You want a batter that’s smooth and just combined—no overmixing here!

Step 4: Stir in the Carrots and Walnuts

Now, stir in your grated carrots and, if you like, those crunchy walnuts. This is where your batter turns beautifully orange-flecked and takes on that unmistakable carrot cake personality.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan so it bakes in a uniform thin layer. Bake for 15-18 minutes. It’s ready when it springs back gently to the touch—don’t overbake or the cake won’t roll nicely!

Step 6: Roll It Up While Warm

This is the fun part! While the cake is still warm, quickly but carefully invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment, then gently roll the cake up with the towel (short end to short end). This step sets the cake’s “memory” so it won’t crack later. Let it cool completely in its rolled-up state.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is creamy, dreamy, and ready to slather.

Step 8: Assemble the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carefully unroll the cooled cake (don’t panic if there are a few little cracks!), then evenly spread on all that luscious cream cheese frosting. Roll the cake back up tightly, this time without the towel. Place in the fridge to let everything set up—this makes slicing neater and keeps that spiral looking absolutely perfect!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Dress up your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting by dusting the top with extra powdered sugar, adding a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, or even a few curls of carrot for a bakery-worthy finish. A little touch of citrus zest is also gorgeous and brightens up the whole slice.

Side Dishes

Pair it with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a fragrant cup of chai or coffee. These sides round out dessert in a way that feels considered and makes the most of those classic carrot cake flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting and lay slices slightly overlapping on a platter for a stunning display. For a party, try mini rolls or use decorative plates and edible flowers for an extra festive feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting keeps incredibly well in the fridge! Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The cake actually tastes even better the next day as all the flavors settle and meld together.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dessert—just wrap the whole (or sliced) roll securely in plastic wrap, then foil. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving so the frosting softens beautifully.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat—just let chilled slices stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off and return the cake and frosting to their ideal creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making the day before your event. In fact, it often tastes even better after a night in the fridge.

What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

You can use a rimmed baking sheet of a similar size. Just make sure the batter spreads in an even, thin layer so it bakes properly and is easy to roll.

My cake cracked a little when rolling. Is it ruined?

Not at all! Small cracks are fairly common and will be hidden by the spiral and frosting. A dusting of powdered sugar or a touch of garnish makes it look perfect.

Can I skip the walnuts?

Definitely. If you prefer a nut-free Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting, just leave out the walnuts. The flavor and texture will still be wonderful.

How do I make the cake a bit spicier?

For those who love a zing in their spiced cakes, simply add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg along with the cinnamon for extra warmth and depth.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting brings fresh flavor, fun presentation, and nostalgic comfort all into one beautiful dessert. Give it a try the next time you want to make someone’s day sweeter—it’s surprisingly simple and guaranteed to win hearts with every delicious swirl.

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