Carrot Cake Roll
This Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that brings a unique twist to the classic carrot cake. Perfect for Easter celebrations or any special occasion, this rolled cake is filled with rich cream cheese frosting, making it a crowd-pleaser. The moist carrot cake paired with the creamy filling creates an irresistible treat that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this beautiful dessert.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of spices in the carrot cake perfectly complements the creamy sweetness of the frosting.
- Versatile Presentation: This roll can be served as a fancy dessert for holidays or a casual treat for afternoon tea.
- Perfectly Portionable: You can easily slice the roll into individual servings, making it ideal for sharing at gatherings.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare this cake roll in advance and chill it, saving time on the day of your event.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your Carrot Cake Roll, gather your tools to make the process smoother. Having everything ready ensures you can focus on creating this delicious dessert.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Jelly roll pan (10×15 inches)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Jelly roll pan: The right size ensures your cake rolls evenly without overcooking.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to roll the cake without tearing.
- Mixing bowls: Helps keep your ingredients organized while mixing wet and dry components separately.
Ingredients
This Carrot Cake Roll is a classic Easter dessert with a twist. Spiced carrot cake is rolled up with the BEST cream cheese frosting inside.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour ((stir, spoon & level))
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp oil ((canola/vegetable))
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded carrots ((loosely packed into measuring cup))
- 8 oz brick cream cheese (cold)
- 8 Tbsp butter ((1 stick) room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Carrot Cake Roll
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a jelly roll pan (10×15 inches) with parchment paper. For easier removal later, lightly spray the pan with cooking spray before placing the parchment paper down.
Step 2: Make Carrot Cake Batter
In a bowl, combine:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Ground cinnamon
6. Ground ginger
7. Ground nutmeg
8. Ground cloves
Set aside this mixture.
In another large bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs until well beaten.
2. Add granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
3. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until almost blended.
4. Fold in shredded carrots gently until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Spread your batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake for about 10 to 13 minutes or until it springs back when touched or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Roll the Cake
As soon as you remove it from the oven, carefully roll the warm cake from one short end to another while it’s still inside the parchment paper. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes while rolled up.
Step 5: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
For your frosting:
1. In a bowl, beat cold cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add butter in two tablespoons at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition.
3. Finally, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract all at once; mix until fully combined.
Step 6: Unroll and Frost
Once cooled slightly:
1. Gently unroll the cake; if it cracks slightly, that’s okay—just be gentle.
2. Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over most of the cake, leaving about an inch at one end unfrosted.
Step 7: Re-roll and Chill
Re-roll your cake starting from the frosted end tightly towards the unfrosted edge, removing parchment as you go. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator or freezer for at least one hour before slicing.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
To serve:
1. Use a hot knife (run under hot water) to slice through your chilled Carrot Cake Roll neatly.
2. Enjoy this delicious treat with friends and family!
With these easy steps, you’ll have an impressive Carrot Cake Roll perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll
Serving a Carrot Cake Roll can be as delightful as making it. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially during Easter celebrations. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious treat.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Serve slices of carrot cake roll with fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of flavor.
- Citrus Slices: Oranges or mandarins add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Accompany with Whipped Cream
- Dollop of Whipped Cream: A simple dollop of homemade whipped cream elevates the dessert’s richness.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding vanilla or almond extract to the whipped cream for added flavor.
Add Ice Cream on the Side
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of classic vanilla perfectly complements the spiced flavors in the carrot cake roll.
- Cream Cheese Ice Cream: For a unique twist, pair it with cream cheese ice cream to enhance the frosting experience.
Garnish with Nuts
- Chopped Walnuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans add a rich taste that pairs beautifully with carrot cake.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Mix and Match: Serve slices alongside other desserts like brownies, cookies, or fruit tarts for a lovely dessert spread.
- Themed Presentation: Use seasonal decorations to make your platter festive, especially during holidays.
How to Perfect Carrot Cake Roll
Making the perfect Carrot Cake Roll involves attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.
- Boldly Grease Your Pan: Ensure you grease your jelly roll pan well so the cake doesn’t stick.
- Cool Before Unrolling: Allow your cake to cool slightly before unrolling; this helps prevent cracks.
- Tight Rolling Technique: Roll tightly but gently to maintain shape and ensure even filling distribution.
- Chill Before Cutting: Chilling your cake roll makes cutting easier and helps maintain its shape.
- Use a Hot Knife: To achieve clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water before slicing.
Best Side Dishes for Carrot Cake Roll
Pairing side dishes with your Carrot Cake Roll can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement it well.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with honey and granola for a creamy contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad offers balance against the rich flavors of the carrot cake roll.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts.
- Savory Spinach Salad: A spinach salad with nuts and berries provides a nice savory counterpart.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes add variety while still keeping dessert vibes alive.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: A sweet treat that offers a delightful chocolatey touch alongside your roll.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Carrot Cake Roll can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Ignoring the parchment paper: Not using parchment paper or greasing the pan properly can cause the cake to stick. Always line your jelly roll pan with parchment for easy removal.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined and fold in the carrots gently.
- Rolling the cake too late: Allowing the cake to cool completely before rolling may cause it to crack. Roll it while it’s still warm for best results.
- Using warm cream cheese: If your cream cheese is not at room temperature, it won’t blend well with the butter, leaving lumps in your frosting. Make sure both are at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
- Not chilling enough: Skipping the chilling step can result in a messy cut. Always chill your Carrot Cake Roll for at least an hour before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Carrot Cake Roll in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Carrot Cake Roll
- Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating Carrot Cake Roll
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until slightly warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm slices for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making a Carrot Cake Roll, this section covers some common inquiries.
How do I make my Carrot Cake Roll moist?
To keep your Carrot Cake Roll moist, avoid overbaking it. Check for doneness around 10 minutes by touching its surface; it should spring back lightly.
Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely! While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can experiment with whipped cream or chocolate ganache for a delicious twist.
What can I add to my Carrot Cake Roll?
You can customize your Carrot Cake Roll by adding nuts, raisins, or even pineapple for added flavor and texture.
How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling?
To prevent cracking, roll the cake while it’s still warm and don’t skip chilling it after frosting. A gentle touch helps too!
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Roll is not only a delightful treat but also a versatile dessert perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or mix-ins. We encourage you to try making this recipe—it’s sure to become a favorite!
Carrot Cake Roll
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Carrot Cake Roll, a charming twist on the classic carrot cake. This moist and spiced cake is rolled to perfection, filled with rich cream cheese frosting that elevates it to a festive dessert ideal for any occasion—especially Easter celebrations. With simple ingredients and easy steps, even novice bakers can create this elegant treat that will surely impress family and friends. Whether served at a holiday gathering or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, this Carrot Cake Roll is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 8 oz brick cream cheese (cold)
- 8 Tbsp butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a jelly roll pan (10×15 inches) with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, mix together all dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs thoroughly. Add in sugar, oil, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Gradually stir in the dry mixture until just combined; fold in the shredded carrots gently.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for about 10–13 minutes or until it springs back when touched.
- Remove from the oven and roll the warm cake with the parchment paper from one end to another; cool for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese until smooth, then add butter gradually followed by powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Carefully unroll the cake, spread frosting over most of it, leaving one end unfrosted. Re-roll tightly from the frosted side and chill before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice - approximately 68g
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
