Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake is a classic dessert that brings together warm spices and the natural sweetness of carrots. When transformed into a roll and paired with cream cheese frosting, it becomes a sophisticated treat perfect for any occasion. This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only elegant but also incredibly moist and delicious. After trying this recipe, you might find yourself sneaking a second slice, just like my husband did!

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 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
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely grated carrots
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Directions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This ensures an easy release of the cake and a perfect shape.

Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. This mix of dry ingredients will add the essential flavors and leavening agents.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thick and pale. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots for a touch of sweetness and texture.

Bake the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. The cake should be soft and slightly springy to the touch.

Remove from the oven and immediately turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting at a short end, roll the cake up with the towel. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This rolling step helps create the cake’s signature spiral.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. This will be the creamy, tangy filling that complements the sweet carrot cake.

Fill and Roll the Cake: Unroll the cooled cake and spread an even layer of the cream cheese frosting over the surface. Re-roll the cake (without the towel) and place it seam-side down on a serving plate. This final roll ensures that the frosting is evenly distributed and that the roll holds its shape.

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake roll for at least 1 hour before slicing. This chilling time allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy this elegant Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including cooling and chilling time)
Calories: 300 kcal per serving | Servings: 10 servings

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips:

1. Chill Before Serving: Make sure the cake roll is well-chilled before slicing. Refrigerating it for at least an hour helps the cream cheese frosting set and makes slicing easier. It also enhances the flavors and gives a firmer texture to the cake.
2. Use a Sharp Knife: To achieve clean slices, use a sharp serrated knife. A sawing motion works best to cut through the roll without squishing it. For best results, lightly dust the knife with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
3. Garnish for Presentation: Consider garnishing the carrot cake roll with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few chopped nuts, or a drizzle of additional cream cheese frosting. These small touches can elevate the presentation and add extra flavor.
4. Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: The roll is delicious either chilled or at room temperature. If serving at room temperature, allow the roll to sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate: Store any leftover carrot cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain the freshness of the cake and prevents the frosting from becoming too soft.
2. Freezing: If you need to store the roll for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the wrapped roll in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
3. Preventing Dryness: If freezing, it’s helpful to wrap the cake with a layer of parchment paper before the plastic wrap. This added layer helps retain moisture and keeps the cake from drying out.
4. Portion Control: For easy serving, consider slicing the roll into individual portions before freezing. This way, you can pull out just the number of slices you need without having to thaw the entire roll.

Variations :

Elevate your Carrot Cake Roll with these creative variations to suit different tastes or occasions:

1. Nutty Carrot Cake Roll: Add texture and flavor by incorporating chopped nuts into the cake batter. Walnuts or pecans are excellent choices. Simply fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts along with the grated carrots.

2. Pineapple Carrot Cake Roll: For a tropical twist, mix in 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) into the batter. The pineapple adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that complements the carrots and spices.

3. Raisin and Coconut Carrot Cake Roll: Enhance the flavor with 1/2 cup of raisins and 1/4 cup of shredded coconut mixed into the batter. The raisins add a chewy texture, while the coconut provides a hint of richness.

4. Spiced Carrot Cake Roll: Experiment with additional spices to give your roll a unique flavor. Try adding 1/4 teaspoon of allspice or cardamom for a more complex spice profile. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

5. Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: For a zesty twist, add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting. The lemon flavor brightens up the cake and adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

6. Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Substitute the vanilla extract in the frosting with 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup. This variation gives the frosting a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the carrot cake.

7. Chocolate Carrot Cake Roll: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to create a chocolate carrot cake roll. You can also fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

8. Ginger Carrot Cake Roll: Boost the ginger flavor by increasing the ground ginger to 1 teaspoon in the cake batter. This variation adds a spicier kick that complements the sweetness of the carrots.

FAQs :

1. Can I use pre-grated carrots for this recipe?

Yes, pre-grated carrots are convenient and can be used in this recipe. Just ensure they are finely grated to avoid large chunks in the cake.

2. How do I prevent the carrot cake from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. After baking, turning the cake onto a powdered sugar-dusted towel helps prevent sticking.

3. Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cream cheese frosting up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

4. How do I get an even roll without cracks?

Make sure the cake is fully cooled before rolling it up with the towel. Rolling it while still warm can cause cracks. Also, be gentle while rolling to maintain an even shape.

5. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Certainly! You can substitute the cream cheese frosting with other types, such as whipped cream, buttercream, or even a glaze, depending on your preference.

6. How do I freeze the Carrot Cake Roll?

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is an elegant and delicious treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet. The combination of spices, carrots, and creamy frosting creates a delightful dessert that is sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying out a roll cake for the first time, this recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your baking skills. Enjoy this moist, flavorful roll and prepare to share the recipe with friends and family—they’ll be as thrilled with it as my husband was with his extra slice!