Carrot Cake Roll Recipe

If you adore carrot cake but want to serve it with a wow-factor twist, this gorgeous Carrot Cake Roll is about to become your new favorite showstopper dessert. A spiced carrot sponge wraps around luscious cream cheese filling—each slice bursting with classic flavors and those irresistible cream cheese swirls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Carrot Cake Roll relies on a handful of everyday ingredients, each one lending its own magic—warm spice, fluffiness, color, and creamy filling. Here’s how every component comes together for that classic flavor and pillowy-soft texture!

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds the roll’s pretty spiral together.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves: These aromatic spices create that warm, cozy flavor carrot cake is known for.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake its signature lift and tender crumb.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens every other flavor—don’t skip it!
• Eggs: Essential for structure and that light, spongy texture that makes rolling possible.
• Cane sugar (or granulated white sugar): For sweetness and ideal moisture.
• Avocado oil (or vegetable oil): Keeps the cake soft and moist—no dry crumbs here ever.
• Vanilla extract: Adds incredible aroma to both the cake and the dreamy filling.
• Shredded carrots: The star ingredient gives beautiful color, flavor, and that classic moist texture.
• Cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar: Your decadent, tangy-sweet filling trio—fluffy, smooth, and perfectly spreadable.
• Powdered sugar (for rolling): Prevents sticking during the rolling process and dusts the finished roll with a snowy flourish.

Variations

This Carrot Cake Roll is a dream for personalizing! Whether you’re craving extra crunch, want to lift the flavors, or need a gluten-free twist, there’s a variation perfect for your taste buds and kitchen.

• Add Nuts or Raisins: Fold toasted walnuts, pecans, or sweet golden raisins into the batter for extra bite.
• Light Spice or Extra Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, cut the ginger and cloves in half. Love bold spice? Double the cinnamon!
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a roll everyone can enjoy.
• Dairy-Free Filling: Swap the cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives for a completely dairy-free version.

How to Make Carrot Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Preheat

Start by lining your jelly-roll pan with parchment, letting the paper overhang the sides for easy lifting later—your future self will thank you! Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F, and if you want to guarantee easier cake release, give your parchment a light mist of cooking spray or press it onto a tad of water in the pan.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, ginger, salt, nutmeg, and cloves until every spoonful is dotted with spice. This step ensures every bite of your Carrot Cake Roll will be rich in warm, fragrant flavor.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients & Combine

Now in a large bowl, use a whisk to beat the eggs and sugar for a minute until the mixture looks thick and pale—this is the secret to that airy, flexible sponge! Add the oil, vanilla, and shredded carrots, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in your dry mixture, making sure not to overmix (tender cakes thank you for this).

Step 4: Bake & Shape the Roll

Pour that gorgeous batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 10 to 13 minutes; you’ll know it’s done when the top springs back under your finger. Immediately lift the parchment and hot cake onto a heat-safe surface, and, working while it’s still warm, roll up the sponge from short end to short end (parchment and all!). Let your cake roll cool completely on a rack—this step “trains” it so it won’t crack later.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While your roll cools, whisk together the cream cheese, soft butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky and cloud-like. If your filling seems too thin, add a bit of powdered sugar; too thick, add a drop or two of water. The goal: spreadable but not runny perfection!

Step 6: Fill, Roll, and Chill

Once the cake is cool, gently unroll it. Don’t worry if the ends curl—a little character never hurt! Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a border around the edges. Carefully re-roll the cake (peeling away the parchment as you go), wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This sets the swirl and melds the flavors together.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Right before serving, dust your Carrot Cake Roll liberally with powdered sugar for that classic finish. For truly beautiful slices, trim the ends before showing off your masterpiece!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll

Garnishes

The simplest—and most classic—garnish is a generous dusting of powdered sugar, but you can also sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts along the top for crunch. Add some freshly grated orange zest or tiny piped dollops of leftover cream cheese filling for extra flair!

Side Dishes

This Carrot Cake Roll is the star of any dessert table, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent finish. For spring brunches, try it with a mug of chai or a glass of cold milk.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-worthy touch, serve slices arranged in a circle on a platter, with each piece slightly overlapping. For festive occasions, tie a ribbon around the whole roll before slicing, or plate each slice with a swirl of caramel and a vibrant edible flower on the side. Individual mini carrot cake rolls are also a guaranteed hit at bake sales and showers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply re-wrap your Carrot Cake Roll in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The chilled texture is actually wonderful for slicing and serving!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your Carrot Cake Roll (either whole or sliced)! Wrap tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to serve. The cream cheese filling keeps its texture perfectly.

Reheating

This treat is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. If you like it a little softer, let slices sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving for ultimate creaminess and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love nostalgic desserts with a little extra dazzle, you simply have to treat yourself to a homemade Carrot Cake Roll. This recipe is always a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and—most importantly—an absolute delight to savor with friends or over a quiet cup of tea. Happy baking!

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