Irresistible Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you’re a fan of carrot cake, prepare to have your taste buds taken on a delightful journey. The combination of a soft, flavorful carrot cake roll and creamy, tantalizing cream cheese frosting is a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to delight your senses. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion – from family gatherings to holiday celebrations.
Carrot cake has long been a beloved classic, and for good reason. The natural sweetness of the carrots, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. By rolling up this decadent cake and topping it with a silky cream cheese frosting, you’ll elevate the experience to new heights of indulgence.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this carrot cake roll apart is the perfect balance of textures. The moist, tender cake contrasts beautifully with the creamy, tangy frosting, creating a delightful flavor experience in every bite. Plus, this recipe is incredibly accessible, as the ingredients are easily found in most kitchens. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of a make-ahead dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or in need of a showstopping dessert, this carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting is sure to exceed your expectations. Its versatility makes it a fantastic option for a variety of occasions, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting ❓
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The beauty of this carrot cake roll is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of sweet carrots, warm spices, and rich cream cheese creates the classic carrot cake-inspired flavor profile that has made these types of recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes until they are thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is thick and glossy.
• Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots.
• Step 4: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.
• Step 5: While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it with powdered sugar. As soon as the cake is done, flip it out onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
• Step 6: Starting from the short end, tightly roll up the cake in the towel. Allow it to cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Step 7: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
• Step 8: Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
• Step 9: Refrigerate the carrot cake roll for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Compared to traditional carrot cakes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this carrot cake roll saves you 40% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 295mg
These carrot cake rolls provide approximately 20% of your daily carbohydrate requirements and 25% of your daily fat needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use a sugar substitute instead of granulated sugar.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and vegan butter or coconut oil for the frosting.
• Added protein: Mix in 1/4 cup of unflavored protein powder to the cake batter or add chopped nuts or seeds to the filling.
• Boost vegetables: Grate an extra carrot or two into the batter for an even more nutrient-dense dessert.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the carrot cake roll.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Complement the carrot cake roll with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad for a more balanced meal.
• For a holiday gathering, create an elegant dessert platter with the carrot cake roll, festive Christmas cookies, and a selection of seasonal berries.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Letting the cake cool completely in the pan: This can cause the cake to stick to the pan and make it difficult to roll. Flipping the cake out onto a towel while it’s still warm is crucial for a successful roll.
• Skimping on the powdered sugar: Dusting the towel with enough powdered sugar helps prevent the cake from sticking as you roll it up. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the sugar.
• Overfilling the cake: Adding too much cream cheese frosting can make the roll difficult to roll and increase the chances of cracking. Spread the frosting evenly and avoid using too much.
• Skipping the refrigeration step: Chilling the rolled cake before slicing helps the frosting set and makes for cleaner, more presentable slices.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These carrot cake rolls retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: You can freeze the unfilled cake roll before spreading the frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before filling and serving.
• Freezing baked: Allow the filled and frosted cake roll to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: If serving the carrot cake roll warm, unwrap it and place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help restore the soft, moist texture of the cake.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the carrot cake roll in advance?
Yes, you can make the carrot cake roll ahead of time. The unfilled cake can be frozen for up to 3 months, and the filled and frosted cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I substitute the carrots with another vegetable?
While carrots are the traditional choice for carrot cake, you can experiment with other grated vegetables, such as zucchini or sweet potatoes. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different, but the texture and overall concept will remain the same.
Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?
To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and vegan butter or coconut oil for the frosting. These substitutions will allow you to enjoy the carrot cake roll without any dairy products.
Why is my carrot cake roll cracking when I roll it up?
Overbeating the egg mixture or overbaking the cake can cause it to become too dry and brittle, leading to cracking when you try to roll it up. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully, and don’t over-mix the batter. Additionally, rolling the cake while it’s still warm and pliable will help prevent cracking.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the carrot cake roll?
Absolutely! You can get creative with your carrot cake roll by adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut to the batter or the cream cheese filling. Just be mindful of the overall texture and adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
Conclusion
These carrot cake rolls represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a decadent dessert for a family gathering or a showstopping treat for a special occasion, they’re sure to impress with their moist, tender cake and creamy, tantalizing cream cheese frosting. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these carrot cake rolls demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the rolling and frosting process. So, gather your loved ones, indulge in the irresistible combination of carrot cake and cream cheese, and savor every delectable bite of this irresistible dessert.
Print
Irresistible Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
• Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes until they are thick and lemon-colored. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is thick and glossy.
• Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots.
• Step 4: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.
• Step 5: While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it with powdered sugar. As soon as the cake is done, flip it out onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
• Step 6: Starting from the short end, tightly roll up the cake in the towel. Allow it to cool completely, about 1 hour.
• Step 7: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
• Step 8: Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
• Step 9: Refrigerate the carrot cake roll for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Irresistible Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting
