Carrot Cake Roll

This Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for Easter and other celebrations. Its spiced carrot cake, combined with a luscious cream cheese frosting, creates an irresistible treat that is sure to impress your friends and family. With its unique presentation and delicious flavor, this cake roll stands out at any gathering.

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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 Carrot Cake Batter
• Step 3: Bake the Cake
• Step 4: Roll the Cake
• Step 5: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 6: Frost and Re-Roll the Cake
• Step 7: Chill and Serve
• Step 8: Slice Your Cake Roll
• How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll
• For a Festive Touch
• Pairing with Beverages
• Presentation Ideas
• 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?
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
• What can I do if my cake cracks while rolling?
• Can I customize my Carrot Cake Roll?
• How do I ensure my frosting is perfect?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Flavorful: The warm spices in the carrot cake paired with creamy frosting create a deliciously balanced flavor profile.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for Easter or spring gatherings, this cake roll can also be enjoyed as an everyday treat.
• Impressive Presentation: The rolled format not only looks stunning but also makes serving easy and elegant.
• Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or raisins for added texture, or experiment with different frostings!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Carrot Cake Roll, gather essential tools that will make the process smoother. Having everything ready ensures you can focus on creating this delicious dessert.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Electric mixer (for frosting)
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Jelly Roll Pan: The right size pan ensures that your cake cooks evenly and rolls up perfectly.
• Electric Mixer: Using an electric mixer makes whipping the cream cheese frosting quick and easy, resulting in a smooth texture.

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.

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. Tip: Use a little cooking spray on the pan to help the paper stick to it. Optionally spray parchment paper with Baker’s Joy for extra non-stick assurance.

Step 2: Make Carrot Cake Batter

1. In a bowl, combine:
2. Flour
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt
6. Cinnamon
7. Ginger
8. Nutmeg
9. Cloves

Set this mixture aside.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
2. Eggs
3. Granulated sugar
4. Oil

5. Vanilla extract

6. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until almost combined. Gently fold in shredded carrots.

7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

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

Step 4: Roll the Cake

Immediately roll the cake from short end to short end within the parchment paper. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes while rolled.

Step 5: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl:
1. Beat cold cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add butter in increments of 2 tablespoons, beating until smooth after each addition.
3. Finally, mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 6: Frost and Re-Roll the Cake

1. Carefully unroll the cooled cake; if it cracks slightly, don’t worry!
2. Evenly spread cream cheese frosting over all but one inch of one end of the cake.
3. Re-roll starting from the frosted end, gently tucking as you go towards the unfrosted edge.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Wrap your entire cake roll in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator or freezer for at least one hour (freezing is recommended for easier cutting).

Step 8: Slice Your Cake Roll

Using a hot knife (run under hot water), slice your chilled cake roll carefully for clean cuts. Let thaw at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving if frozen.

Enjoy your homemade Carrot Cake Roll as an elegant dessert perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll

Serving a Carrot Cake Roll can be as delightful as making it. This dessert not only looks impressive but also offers a delicious twist on traditional carrot cake. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.

For a Festive Touch

• Garnish with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside slices of fresh oranges or berries to complement the sweetness.

Pairing with Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee enhance the spiced cake, making it a perfect pairing for afternoon tea or coffee breaks.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can balance the sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.

Presentation Ideas

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the visual appeal.
• Serve on a Decorative Plate: Presenting your cake roll on a colorful or decorative plate makes it more inviting.

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How to Perfect Carrot Cake Roll

To ensure your Carrot Cake Roll turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips. Each step can make a significant difference in the final product.

• Boldly Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F; this helps the cake rise correctly.
• Boldly Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh carrots and quality spices for the best flavor in your cake roll.
• Boldly Test Doneness: Check if the cake is done by using a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted in the center.
• Boldly Chill Before Serving: Chilling the rolled cake for at least an hour helps set the cream cheese frosting and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot Cake Roll

Serving side dishes with your Carrot Cake Roll can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some delightful options that pair well with this dessert.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the spiced flavors beautifully.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cake.
3. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream provides a lovely texture contrast and additional richness.
4. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over individual slices adds an indulgent touch.
5. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet cuts through the sweetness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser.
6. Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top add flavor and an appealing texture to each slice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Carrot Cake Roll can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can ruin your dessert. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using stale ingredients: Always use fresh spices and leaveners. Old baking powder or stale flour can lead to a dense cake.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your jelly roll pan can result in a cake that sticks, making it hard to roll. Always use parchment or spray the pan adequately.
• Overbaking the cake: Baking for too long will dry out your Carrot Cake Roll. Keep an eye on it and remove it as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
• Not cooling the cake properly: Rolling the cake while it’s too hot can cause it to crack. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before rolling.
• Rushing the frosting step: If your cream cheese frosting is too soft, it won’t hold up well in the roll. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Carrot Cake Roll

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
• The roll can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Carrot Cake Roll

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Warm each slice for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Carrot Cake Roll that you might find helpful.

What is a Carrot Cake Roll?

A Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful dessert made from spiced carrot cake rolled around cream cheese frosting, offering a unique twist on traditional carrot cake.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare your Carrot Cake Roll in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to serve.

What can I do if my cake cracks while rolling?

If your cake cracks, don’t worry! Just be gentle when unrolling and spreading frosting. A little frosting can help hide any imperfections.

Can I customize my Carrot Cake Roll?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or even pineapple for extra flavor and texture.

How do I ensure my frosting is perfect?

Make sure both your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smooth and creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Roll is not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious, making it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different flavors or fillings. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!