Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible charm of this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling! Imagine the cozy flavors of classic carrot cake, all wrapped around a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that makes every bite a pure delight. The swirl is stunning, the texture is blissfully tender, and the spiced aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen to sneak a taste. Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, a festive dessert table, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is destined to steal the show every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling plays a starring role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and nostalgia. Nothing complicated here—just classic pantry staples and a handful of fresh elements that deliver the signature color and taste we all love!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that provides just the right structure for a soft, flexible cake roll.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These leaveners ensure your cake rises beautifully and stays light, not dense.
- Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg: This trio infuses every bite with warm, aromatic spice.
- Salt: A pinch brings all those sweet and spicy flavors into perfect harmony.
- Large eggs: Beaten until thick and creamy, these are the secret to the cake’s signature springy texture.
- Granulated sugar & light brown sugar: Both add sweetness, but the brown sugar also offers notes of molasses for depth.
- Vanilla extract: Adds that subtle, comforting background flavor that makes baked goods sing.
- Finely grated carrots: The undeniable star for color, moistness, and a hint of earthy sweetness.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): For extra crunch and a nutty, slightly bitter counterpoint to the cake’s sweetness.
- Cream cheese, softened: The creamy, tangy element that makes the filling unforgettable.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a silky-smooth finish.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness, blending seamlessly into the creamy filling.
- Extra powdered sugar, for dusting: Keeps the cake from sticking and adds a pretty finish when serving.
How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling
Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven
Start things off right by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the edges for easy lifting. This little extra step will help your cake roll off effortlessly and stay in perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing your dry ingredients first ensures the spices are evenly distributed and helps the cake bake up with a uniform flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and creamy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step traps air into the eggs and helps make the cake light yet pliable enough for rolling later.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add vanilla extract to your fluffy egg mixture, then gradually add the whisked dry ingredients. Beat just until combined—don’t overmix! You’re aiming for a smooth batter without streaks of flour.
Step 5: Fold in Carrots and Walnuts
Using a spatula, gently fold in the grated carrots and walnuts, if you’re using them. The carrots bring moisture and their signature color, while the walnuts add a fun crunch and nutty hint that contrast beautifully with the soft cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Roll
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 10–12 minutes, until it’s just set and springs back when gently touched. Watch closely—overbaking will make rolling tricky!
Step 7: Roll While Warm
While the cake is baking, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. As soon as the cake comes out, turn it onto the prepared towel, peel off the parchment, and immediately roll it up from a short side. This “training” step sets the cake’s rolled shape, preventing cracks.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Leave the rolled cake (still snug in its towel) to cool completely on a wire rack. Letting it cool thoroughly ensures the filling won’t melt later, keeping your cream cheese swirl distinct and beautiful.
Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting Filling
In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until absolutely smooth and fluffy. Don’t rush this step—take a minute to taste and adjust the sweetness or vanilla if desired!
Step 10: Fill and Roll Again
Once your cake is cool to the touch, carefully unroll it, spread the cream cheese filling evenly, and re-roll it gently (this time without the towel). Wrap your finished Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to set before slicing.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling
Garnishes
For a presentation that wows, dust your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling with a flourish of powdered sugar just before serving. A few extra chopped walnuts or some finely grated carrot curls add a pop of color and texture to each slice.
Side Dishes
Pair your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling with a strong cup of coffee or fragrant chai tea for the ultimate comfort duo. For a decadent dessert spread, serve it alongside fresh fruit—sliced oranges or strawberries are an especially bright complement.
Creative Ways to Present
Slicing the roll into bite-sized spirals transforms it into elegant finger food for brunches or teas. You can even plate it with a drizzle of salted caramel or a dollop of whipped cream for special occasions. For parties, try serving each piece in a cupcake wrapper for a playful, portable treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling perfectly moist, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
This dessert is a dream for prep-ahead entertaining. Simply wrap the uncut roll (plastic wrap and foil for extra protection) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’s ready to slice and serve when guests arrive.
Reheating
No need to reheat, as this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like to take the chill off, let slices sit out for about 10 minutes on the counter before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this is one dessert that actually improves after a night in the fridge as the flavors mingle and the frosting sets. Make it a day in advance for stress-free entertaining or to get ahead on holiday prep.
What’s the best way to keep the cake from cracking?
The trick is to roll the cake while it’s still hot and pliable, right out of the oven. Rolling it in a towel dusted with powdered sugar sets the spiral, so when you add the cream cheese filling later, it rolls right back up without issues.
Can I add other mix-ins besides walnuts?
Certainly! Toasted pecans, raisins, or even a handful of shredded coconut can give your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling extra personality. Just take care not to overstuff or the cake might not roll as easily.
How fine should I grate the carrots?
Finely grated carrots blend seamlessly into the cake and keep it tender and moist. A standard box grater works great—just avoid large shreds so the roll stays soft and easy to slice.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The rest of the ingredients will work just as beautifully, and you’ll still enjoy that signature swirl and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is more than just a showstopper—it’s a warm hug in dessert form. Now that you’ve discovered just how easy and rewarding it is to make at home, I hope you’ll give it a try and share the joy with your favorite people. Happy baking!
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *