Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Delight in the flavors of carrot cake in a unique roll form, filled with creamy and tangy cream cheese filling. This dessert is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a delightful sweet treat.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 medium carrots, shredded

For the Filling:

• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 6 tbsp salted butter, softened
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Glaze Drizzle:

• 3 cups confectioners sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 10-11 tbsp milk

Directions:

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15 x 10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on each side.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar until combined. Add vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and shredded carrots. Mix until well combined.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched lightly.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place the cake onto a large cutting board lined with parchment paper.
7. Gently roll the warm cake lengthwise along with the parchment paper. Let the cake cool completely in this rolled-up form on a wire rack.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine confectioners sugar, softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
2. Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small gap around the edges.
3. Reroll the cake tightly, using the parchment paper to help lift and guide it. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

Prepare the Glaze:

1. Before serving, prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, whisk together confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and drizzling consistency.

Serve:

1. Unwrap the chilled cake roll and transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle the prepared glaze over the cake.
2. Slice the cake roll into rounds and serve. Enjoy the delightful flavors of carrot cake in a unique and impressive roll form!

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

1. Presentation: Place the carrot cake roll on a decorative serving platter to enhance its visual appeal. The beautiful spiral of cake and filling will impress your guests.
2. Garnishing: Consider garnishing each slice with a light dusting of confectioners sugar, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), or a few shredded carrot pieces for added texture and color.
3. Temperature: Serve the cake slightly chilled for the best texture. The cream cheese filling will be firm yet creamy, providing a delightful contrast to the moist cake.
4. Portion Size: Slice the cake roll into 1-inch thick rounds to ensure manageable and elegant servings. Each slice will showcase the beautiful swirl of the filling.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake roll can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. This will keep the cream cheese filling fresh and prevent the cake from drying out.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the carrot cake roll. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.
3. Thawing: To thaw, remove the cake roll from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process will help maintain the cake’s texture and prevent the filling from becoming too soft.
4. Glazing: If you plan to freeze the cake roll, it’s best to prepare the glaze just before serving. Freeze the cake roll without the glaze, and then drizzle the freshly made glaze over the thawed cake for the best appearance and taste.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling remains delicious and visually appealing, whether you’re serving it fresh or enjoying leftovers.

Variations :

Experimenting with different ingredients and flavors can add an exciting twist to your classic carrot cake roll. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Nutty Carrot Cake Roll:

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter for added crunch and a nutty flavor. Fold about ½ cup of nuts into the batter along with the shredded carrots.

2. Pineapple Carrot Cake Roll:

• Pineapple Addition: Mix in ½ cup of crushed pineapple (drained) into the batter to add a sweet, tropical twist. This adds moisture and a subtle pineapple flavor that complements the carrots.

3. Raisin Carrot Cake Roll:

• Include Raisins: Add ½ cup of raisins to the cake batter for bursts of sweetness in every bite. You can also use golden raisins for a slightly different flavor profile.

4. Spiced Carrot Cake Roll:

• Extra Spices: Enhance the warm, spicy flavor of the cake by adding a pinch of allspice or cardamom to the dry ingredients. This variation is perfect for those who love extra spice in their carrot cake.

5. Citrus Carrot Cake Roll:

• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor. You can also mix a teaspoon of citrus zest into the cream cheese filling for an extra zing.

6. Coconut Carrot Cake Roll:

• Coconut Flakes: Fold ½ cup of sweetened shredded coconut into the cake batter to add a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor.

7. Chocolate Chip Carrot Cake Roll:

• Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful combination of chocolate and carrot cake flavors. This variation is perfect for chocolate lovers.

8. Maple Cream Cheese Filling:

• Maple Syrup: Replace the vanilla extract in the cream cheese filling with 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup for a rich, maple-flavored filling.

9. Cranberry Carrot Cake Roll:

• Dried Cranberries: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the batter for a tart and sweet contrast to the carrots and spices.

10. Apple Carrot Cake Roll:

• Grated Apple: Mix in ½ cup of grated apple (such as Granny Smith) into the batter along with the shredded carrots. This adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor to the cake.

These variations allow you to customize the carrot cake roll to suit your taste preferences or to create a new and exciting version for special occasions. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite combination!

FAQs:

1. Can I make the carrot cake roll ahead of time? Yes, you can make the carrot cake roll ahead of time. Prepare and assemble the cake roll as directed, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

2. How do I prevent the cake from cracking when I roll it? Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and pliable is key to preventing cracks. Use the parchment paper to help you roll the cake gently and evenly. Allow it to cool completely in the rolled-up form before unrolling to add the filling.

3. Can I use pre-shredded carrots for the cake? It’s best to use freshly shredded carrots, as pre-shredded carrots are often drier and less flavorful. Freshly shredded carrots add more moisture and a better texture to the cake.

4. What can I use instead of cream cheese for the filling? If you prefer a different filling, you can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can use a whipped cream filling for a lighter option.

5. How do I store leftover carrot cake roll? Store leftover carrot cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing it for up to 1 month.

6. Can I add other vegetables to the cake batter? While the classic recipe uses carrots, you can experiment with adding finely grated zucchini or even sweet potatoes for a different twist. Ensure the added vegetables are finely grated to maintain the cake’s texture.

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste. Perfect for any occasion, it brings together the classic flavors of carrot cake in a fun and unique way. Enjoy!