Name: Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 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 light brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups finely grated carrots; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and a little bit fancy, this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine a tender, spiced carrot cake rolled up with luscious cream cheese filling—it’s like a hug on a plate! Whenever I make this, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, birthdays, or that weekend treat you didn’t know you needed.

What makes this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so special is its balance of flavors and textures. The moist carrot cake, lightly spiced and flecked with crunchy walnuts, pairs beautifully with the smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. If you’ve never tried a cake roll before, don’t worry—I’ll guide you through every step, so you can roll it like a pro and enjoy every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work in perfect harmony to create that iconic carrot cake flavor with a creamy twist. When you’re shopping, try to find the freshest carrots and soft cream cheese—trust me, it makes a difference in texture and taste.

All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure without weighing down the delicate cake.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise lightly and stay fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the acids in the recipe to make the roll tender.
Ground cinnamon: The warm spice that sings in every bite.
Ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that complements the carrots beautifully.
Ground nutmeg: Just a dash for that cozy spice vibe.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Eggs: Essential for moisture and binding, plus they add richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while keeping a light crumb.
Light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall taste with its subtle warmth.
Finely grated carrots: The star ingredient—freshly grated for the best texture and sweetness.
Chopped walnuts (optional): For crunch and a nutty contrast, but feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.
Cream cheese (softened): The creamy, tangy filling that makes this roll irresistible.
Powdered sugar (sifted): For a smooth frosting that’s not grainy.
Unsalted butter (softened): Helps give the frosting that luscious, spreadable texture without overpowering the cream cheese.

Variations

I love finding little ways to put my spin on this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Sometimes I swap out walnuts for pecans, or add a bit of crushed pineapple in the filling for extra moisture and sweetness. Trying different variations keeps it fresh and fun!

Pineapple addition: Adding crushed pineapple to the batter gives it a tropical twist and extra moistness—I tried this last summer and everyone loved it.
Nut-free: If you’re making this for a crowd with allergies, just skip the nuts. The cake is still bursting with flavor.
Gluten-free version: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with great success; just watch the texture and don’t overmix.
Spice level: Feel free to amp up the cinnamon or ginger if you like a bolder spice profile; I like that touch of warmth especially in cooler months.

How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Spices and Flours

Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. I find sifting these together not only makes the batter extra smooth but ensures those spices are evenly distributed. It’s amazing how even small steps like this can avoid clumps and give your cake that perfect crumb.

Step 2: Beat Eggs and Sugars Until Fluffy

Next, beat your eggs with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture turns pale and slightly thickened—about 3-4 minutes. The fluffiness here traps air, making for a wonderfully light and tender cake roll. It might be tempting to rush, but trust me, this little patience pays off every time.

Step 3: Combine and Fold in Carrots and Nuts

Gently fold in your dry ingredients along with vanilla extract and finely grated carrots. If you’re using walnuts, now’s the time to add those in too. Folding carefully prevents deflating the batter, which keeps your cake from getting dense. I like to save a handful of nuts to sprinkle on top before baking for an extra crunch surprise.

Step 4: Bake and Prepare for Rolling

Pour the batter into a parchment-lined jelly roll pan and spread it evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched. While the cake cools for just a few minutes, place a clean kitchen towel on your workspace and sprinkle it generously with powdered sugar to avoid sticking when you roll. Rolling while still warm helps set the shape without cracking.

Step 5: Frost and Roll the Cake

To make the frosting, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Unroll your slightly cooled cake gently, spread the frosting in an even layer, and then carefully re-roll. Use the towel to guide it and keep it tight but gentle. This part feels trickier the first few times, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really fun and satisfying.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I often dust the top with extra powdered sugar and sprinkle on some chopped walnuts or toasted pecans for a nice crunch. Sometimes I grate a little orange zest over it for a fresh burst that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake roll tastes great alongside a cup of chai tea or a strong coffee; the spices pair perfectly. I’ve also served it with fresh berries for a light contrast, which is such a nice way to balance the richness of the cream cheese filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I’ve frosted the outside lightly and decorated with edible flowers or piped little rosettes of cream cheese frosting. Cutting the roll into thick slices and stacking them on a pretty platter makes a simple dessert feel extra special and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long!

Freezing

If I’m prepping ahead, I freeze the rolled cake without frosting first, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, and then thaw it in the fridge overnight before frosting. I find frosting freezes less well, so I prefer to add that fresh for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Carrot Cake Roll is best served cool or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, I pop slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds—any longer and the cream cheese gets too soft. It’s a quick way to revive that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I make the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake can be baked a day in advance and wrapped tightly to keep it moist. I recommend frosting it the day you plan to serve for the freshest cream cheese flavor, but you can prepare the frosting ahead and keep it refrigerated too.
What if my cake cracks when I roll it?

This happens if the cake cools too much before rolling or if it’s rolled too tightly. To prevent cracks, roll the cake while it’s slightly warm but not hot, and use a powdered sugar-dusted towel to help ease the roll. If cracks appear, just patch them with frosting—it’s delicious and no one will mind!
Can I substitute the walnuts?

Yes, pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds work well if you want a different flavor or texture. You can also leave nuts out entirely if you prefer a nut-free version. The cake remains moist and flavorful without them.
How do I get the cream cheese frosting smooth and not grainy?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. Also, always sift the powdered sugar before adding it. Beat the mixture well until smooth and creamy—this usually takes a few minutes but makes all the difference.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! Although rolling a cake might sound intimidating, this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is straightforward with clear steps. Just follow the tips about rolling while warm and using a towel, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to pull off a beautiful roll.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it feels like homemade goodness with a little extra wow factor. It turns simple ingredients into a gorgeous dessert you’ll be proud to share. Give it a try—you’ll not only impress your friends and family, but you’ll probably find yourself craving it again and again, just like I do!