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Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting


  • Author: IBA

Description

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

Instructions

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

Notes

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.