Carrot Cake Roll

This Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful twist on the traditional carrot cake, making it perfect for any occasion. With its spiced carrot cake base and creamy frosting rolled up inside, it’s not just a treat for your taste buds but also visually stunning. This dessert is sure to impress at gatherings like Easter brunch or family celebrations, showcasing both flavor and creativity.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Carrot Cake
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting
• How to Make Carrot Cake Roll
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Make the Carrot Cake Batter
• Step 3: Bake Your Cake
• Step 4: Roll Up Your Cake
• Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 6: Unroll and Frost Your Cake
• Step 7: Re-roll Your Cake
• Step 8: Chill Before Serving
• Step 9: Cut and Serve
• How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll
• Classic Presentation
• Individual Slices
• With Fresh Fruits
• Ice Cream Pairing
• Drizzle Sauce
• Coffee or Tea
• How to Perfect Carrot Cake Roll
• Best Side Dishes for Carrot Cake Roll
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Carrot Cake Roll
• Reheating Carrot Cake Roll
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is a Carrot Cake Roll?
• How do I make my Carrot Cake Roll more moist?
• Can I use boxed carrot cake mix?
• How do I prevent cracks when rolling?
• Can I customize my Carrot Cake Roll?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh carrots creates a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, this recipe allows even novice bakers to create an impressive dessert.
• Versatile Design: Whether for Easter or a birthday party, this roll adds a unique touch to your dessert table.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The rich cream cheese filling perfectly complements the spice of the cake, making every bite irresistible.
• Make Ahead Option: This Carrot Cake Roll can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it convenient for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Carrot Cake Roll, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jelly roll pan (10×15 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Jelly roll pan: This specific size is crucial for achieving the right thickness of the cake for rolling.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps in easily rolling the cake without tearing.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake

• 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)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 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 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. To ensure the parchment stays in place, lightly spray the pan with cooking spray. You may also use Baker’s Joy for added non-stick protection if desired.

Step 2: Make the Carrot Cake Batter

In a bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground ginger
Ground nutmeg
Ground cloves

Set this mixture aside. In another large bowl, whisk together:
1. Eggs
2. Granulated sugar
3. Oil
4. Vanilla extract

Then stir in the dry ingredients until almost combined. Gently fold in shredded carrots before spreading the batter evenly into your prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake Your Cake

Bake at 375˚F for about 10 to 13 minutes. The cake is done when it springs back when touched or when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 4: Roll Up Your Cake

As soon as you take it out of the oven, carefully roll the cake from one short end to another while it’s still warm, using the parchment paper to assist you. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add butter in two-tablespoon increments, mixing well after each addition. Add powdered sugar and vanilla all at once; mix until fully combined.

Step 6: Unroll and Frost Your Cake

Gently unroll your cooled cake. If you notice any cracks, don’t worry—just be gentle while handling it! Spread cream cheese frosting evenly over all but one inch of one end where you will roll it back up again.

Step 7: Re-roll Your Cake

Starting from the frosted end, re-roll tightly towards the unfrosted edge while removing parchment paper as you go along.

Step 8: Chill Before Serving

Wrap your completed roll in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator or freezer for at least an hour before slicing. For easier cutting later on, you can freeze it longer if preferred.

Step 9: Cut and Serve

To slice your Carrot Cake Roll neatly, use a hot knife by running it under hot water first before cutting through. Allow rolls to sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes if frozen before serving.

Enjoy each slice of this delightful Carrot Cake Roll, perfect for sharing with family and friends!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll

Serving a Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful experience that can elevate any gathering. Whether it’s for Easter or simply a sweet treat, presenting this cake roll can be both fun and creative.

Classic Presentation

• Use a beautiful platter to serve the cake roll, garnished with fresh mint leaves for an added touch of color.

Individual Slices

• Cut the roll into slices and arrange them on dessert plates. Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

With Fresh Fruits

• Serve alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries. This adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the carrot cake.

Ice Cream Pairing

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the flavors perfectly. The creaminess balances the spices in the carrot cake roll.

Drizzle Sauce

• Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over each slice before serving. This brings an extra layer of flavor that guests will love.

Coffee or Tea

• Pair your carrot cake roll with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverage enhances the spiced flavors.

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How to Perfect Carrot Cake Roll

Perfecting your Carrot Cake Roll can make it even more enjoyable. Here are tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh carrots and high-quality cream cheese make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir ingredients gently to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Cool Properly: Allow the rolled cake to cool completely before unrolling it to prevent cracks.
• Chill Before Cutting: Chilling the rolled cake makes it easier to cut cleanly without squishing it.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try adding nuts or dried fruits in the cream cheese filling for added texture and flavor variety.
• Store Correctly: Keep leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot Cake Roll

Enhancing your meal with side dishes can make your dessert experience even better. Here are some great options to enjoy alongside your Carrot Cake Roll.

1. Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw complement the soft texture of the carrot cake.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a savory contrast that pairs well with dessert.
4. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses adds rich flavors that enhance the sweet notes of the cake roll.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a light and zesty side that cleanses the palate after each bite.
6. Spiced Nuts: Spiced nuts bring an earthy flavor that harmonizes beautifully with carrot cake spices.
7. Mini Quiches: These savory bites add variety and work well as finger foods at gatherings alongside dessert.
8. Savory Scones: Offer scones with herbs or cheese as another delicious option that contrasts nicely with sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Carrot Cake Roll, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the parchment paper: Not using parchment can cause the cake to stick to the pan. Always line your jelly roll pan for easy removal.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not cooling properly: Rushing the cooling process can cause the cake to crack when rolling. Let it cool fully before attempting to roll.
• Using warm cream cheese: If your cream cheese is too warm, it won’t whip up properly. Ensure it’s cold for a smooth frosting.
• Cutting before chilling: Slicing the roll too soon can lead to messy pieces. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer first for clean cuts.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Wrap the Carrot Cake Roll tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Carrot Cake Roll

• For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• The roll can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Carrot Cake Roll

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making a Carrot Cake Roll.

What is a Carrot Cake Roll?

A Carrot Cake Roll is a dessert made of spiced carrot cake rolled with cream cheese frosting inside, creating a delicious treat perfect for special occasions.

How do I make my Carrot Cake Roll more moist?

Adding extra shredded carrots or a bit of applesauce can enhance moisture. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake.

Can I use boxed carrot cake mix?

Yes! You can modify it by adding additional spices or fresh carrots for an upgraded flavor while saving time.

How do I prevent cracks when rolling?

Allowing the cake to cool completely before rolling helps prevent cracks. Also, be gentle when unrolling and rolling again.

Can I customize my Carrot Cake Roll?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or even different flavored cream cheese frostings to personalize your dessert.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Roll is not only a beautiful dessert but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its delightful combination of spiced cake and creamy frosting makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins or flavors!