Indulge in the delightful flavors of a classic carrot cake with a modern twist! This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is perfect for any occasion. It combines the spiced goodness of a traditional carrot cake with a rich, creamy filling, making it an irresistible dessert. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to lift the cake out later.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that all the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Beat the Eggs and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until thick and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. The mixture should be light in color and have increased in volume.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, beating until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the finely grated carrots and chopped walnuts, if using. The batter should be thick and well-incorporated.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
Roll the Cake
While the cake is baking, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, immediately turn it out onto the prepared towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from a short end, roll the cake up in the towel. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. This step helps the cake hold its shape and makes it easier to roll once filled.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling is the perfect complement to the spiced carrot cake, adding a rich and tangy flavor.
Assemble the Cake Roll
Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake. Roll the cake back up without the towel, making sure it is tight but not so tight that the filling spills out. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the cake easier to slice.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving
- Servings: 10 servings
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Slice with Care: Use a sharp, serrated knife to slice the Carrot Cake Roll. This will ensure clean cuts and prevent the cake from squishing.
- Presentation: Arrange the slices on a serving platter with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation. You can also garnish with a few finely grated carrot pieces or chopped walnuts for added flair.
- Accompaniments: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.
- Temperature: For the best texture and flavor, serve the cake slightly chilled. The cream cheese filling will be firm but creamy.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake roll will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it is well-covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- Freezing: If you want to keep the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the entire cake roll tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: To thaw, remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, slice and serve as desired.
- Individual Slices: For convenience, you can also freeze individual slices. Place parchment paper between each slice to prevent them from sticking together, then follow the same wrapping and freezing process. This way, you can thaw and enjoy single servings as needed.
Additional Tips:
- Preventing Cracks: To avoid cracks when rolling the cake, ensure it is still warm and pliable when you initially roll it up in the towel. Rolling the cake while warm helps it retain the rolled shape without breaking.
- Even Filling: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. This will prevent the filling from oozing out when you roll the cake back up.
- Adjustable Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture slightly. Taste as you go to achieve the desired sweetness level.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling remains delicious and presentable, whether you’re serving it immediately or enjoying leftovers later.
Variations :
1. Nut-Free Option If you have nut allergies or simply prefer a nut-free version, omit the chopped walnuts from the cake batter. The cake will still be flavorful and moist without the nuts.
2. Pineapple Carrot Cake Roll Add a tropical twist by incorporating crushed pineapple into the batter. Drain the pineapple well and fold about 1/2 cup into the batter along with the grated carrots. This addition adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the cake.
3. Coconut Carrot Cake Roll Enhance the flavor profile with shredded coconut. Add 1/2 cup of sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut to the batter for a delicious coconut flavor that complements the carrots and spices.
4. Raisin Carrot Cake Roll For a classic touch, fold in 1/2 cup of raisins into the batter. Raisins add a natural sweetness and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the spiced carrot cake.
5. Chocolate Chip Carrot Cake Roll For chocolate lovers, add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter. The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating delightful pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cake.
6. Spiced Cream Cheese Filling Boost the flavor of the cream cheese filling by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. This will enhance the overall spiced flavor of the cake and add a warming touch to the filling.
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 roll the cake with the cream cheese filling, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes it a convenient dessert for special occasions.
2. How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling it?
To prevent the cake from cracking, roll it while it’s still warm in a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Rolling it while warm helps it retain the shape without breaking. Unroll and fill once it’s completely cooled.
3. Can I freeze the Carrot Cake Roll?
Yes, the Carrot Cake Roll can be frozen. Wrap the rolled and filled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
4. What can I use as a substitute for walnuts?
If you don’t have or don’t like walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds. Alternatively, you can omit the nuts entirely or use other mix-ins like raisins, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips.
5. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use different types of flour. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Whole wheat flour can also be used, but it will make the cake denser. Adjustments in liquid might be needed for different flour types.
6. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done baking when it springs back when lightly touched in the center. It should also start to pull away from the edges of the pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes and check for doneness to avoid overbaking.
Enjoy a slice of this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling as a delightful treat for any dessert table. With its perfect blend of spices and creamy filling, it’s sure to be a hit. Happy baking!