Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling – A Delicious and Elegant Dessert
Carrot cake is a timeless classic, loved for its warm spices, tender crumb, and delightful pairing with cream cheese frosting. But have you ever tried it in a roll? This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling takes everything you love about traditional carrot cake and transforms it into an elegant, swirl-filled dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat.
This recipe features a light and moist carrot sponge cake, delicately rolled with a rich and creamy filling made from cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar. The result? A beautifully layered dessert that’s not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through the process step by step, sharing expert tips to ensure your cake roll turns out flawless every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors – The warm spices complement the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese filling.
- Moist and tender cake – Thanks to finely grated carrots and a well-balanced batter.
- Elegant presentation – The spiral of cake and frosting makes it a show-stopping dessert.
- Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for prepping in advance for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.
Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delightful Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling!
Ingredients
To make this delicious cake roll, you’ll need:
For the Carrot Cake Roll:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
✔️ Flour
✔️ Baking powder
✔️ Baking soda
✔️ Ground cinnamon
✔️ Ground nutmeg
✔️ Salt
Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for 3–5 minutes using an electric mixer. The mixture should become thick, pale, and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a light and airy cake.
Step 4: Add Vanilla, Carrots, and Nuts
Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, gently fold in the finely grated carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using). The carrots add moisture and flavor, while the nuts provide a bit of crunch.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. Stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan, ensuring it reaches all the edges. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Roll the Cake While Warm
This is a crucial step to ensure your cake doesn’t crack later.
- Lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and generously dust it with powdered sugar.
- Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately flip it onto the prepared towel.
- Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting from the short side, gently roll the warm cake up inside the towel. This helps set the shape while it cools.
- Let it cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While the cake cools, prepare the filling.
- In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- If the filling seems too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before spreading it on the cake.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake Roll
Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it.
✔️ Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake using an offset spatula or knife.
✔️ Roll the cake back up without the towel, applying gentle pressure to create a tight spiral.
Step 10: Chill and Serve
- Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the filling.
- Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
- Slice with a sharp knife and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake Roll
✔️ Use room temperature ingredients – This ensures smooth batter and filling.
✔️ Grate the carrots finely – Large carrot pieces can make the cake less uniform.
✔️ Don’t skip rolling the cake while warm – This prevents cracks when assembling.
✔️ Cool completely before adding filling – A warm cake will melt the cream cheese mixture.
✔️ Chill before slicing – This helps the roll maintain its shape for clean slices.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the roll a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for the best results.
Why did my cake crack?
The most common reason is not rolling the cake while warm. Always roll it immediately after baking and allow it to cool in shape.
Can I add raisins or pineapple?
Absolutely! ½ cup of raisins or ¼ cup of finely chopped pineapple can be added to the batter for extra flavor. Just be sure to drain the pineapple well to prevent excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling is an impressive and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of moist carrot cake, warm spices, and velvety cream cheese filling creates a treat that’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re making it for Easter, Thanksgiving, or simply because you love carrot cake, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Happy baking!
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