Description
Moist, warmly spiced carrot cake wrapped around a thick layer of tangy cream cheese frosting—this Carrot Cake Roll is everything you love about the classic dessert, just in a fun and elegant form. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or an anytime sweet treat, this roll is a showstopper both in presentation and flavor. Unlike traditional layer cakes, this roll delivers swirls of frosting in every slice and is easier to serve. It’s lightly sweet, beautifully spiced, and a great way to spotlight fresh carrots in dessert form. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make with a little rolling confidence.
Ingredients
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups freshly grated carrots
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for dusting towel and topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until thick and pale. Mix in vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Fold in the freshly grated carrots.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly pressed.
5. Immediately after baking, lift the cake with the parchment and invert onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment, then gently roll the cake with the towel from the short end. Cool completely.
6. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
7. Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly. Carefully re-roll the cake (without the towel), wrap in plastic, and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
8. Dust the top with powdered sugar before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and flavor.
Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
Chill for at least 1 hour to firm up the frosting and enhance slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: carrot cake roll, cream cheese roll, carrot dessert, easy cake roll