Carrot Cake Roll

This Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The warm spices of carrot cake combined with rich and creamy frosting create a treat that is perfect for any occasion, especially Easter celebrations. Its unique rolled shape not only makes it visually appealing but also allows for easy serving and sharing. This dessert is sure to impress family and friends with its combination of flavors and textures.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• 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: Assemble Your Carrot Cake Roll
• Step 7: Chill Before Serving
• Step 8: Slice and Serve
• How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll
• Slice with Fresh Berries
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
• Garnish with Mint Leaves
• Serve with Whipped Cream
• Pair with Ice Cream
• 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
• How do I add nuts to my Carrot Cake Roll?
• Can I make this Carrot Cake Roll ahead of time?
• What if my Carrot Cake Roll cracks?
• Is there a gluten-free option for this Carrot Cake Roll?
• How do I customize my Carrot Cake Roll?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor – The blend of spices in the carrot cake complements the creamy frosting, creating a mouthwatering taste.
• Easy to Prepare – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible even for novice bakers.
• Versatile Presentation – The roll can be sliced into beautiful rounds, making it perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
• Customizable Filling – You can experiment with different fillings beyond cream cheese frosting, such as fruit preserves or whipped cream.
• Make Ahead Option – This dessert can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it convenient for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Carrot Cake Roll, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Jelly roll pan – The right pan ensures even baking and the proper shape for rolling.
• Electric mixer – Saves time and effort when creaming the ingredients, achieving a smooth texture in your frosting.
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking, making it easier to roll the cake without tearing.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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))
– 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 jelly roll pan (10×15 inches) with parchment paper. To ensure the paper stays in place, lightly spray the pan with cooking spray. You may also use Baker’s Joy cooking spray for added assurance against sticking.

Step 2: Make Carrot Cake Batter

In a bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Mix well and set aside.

In another large bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs, then beat in the granulated sugar, oil, and add 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

Next:
1. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
2. Fold in the shredded carrots gently.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake at 375˚F for about 10–13 minutes. The cake should spring back when touched or have a toothpick come out clean from its center.

Step 4: Roll the Cake

Once baked, immediately roll the cake from one short end to another while still inside the parchment paper. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before unrolling.

Step 5: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl:
1. Beat cold cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add room temperature butter (2 Tbsp at a time), mixing until smooth each time.
3. Finally, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract all at once; mix until well combined.

Step 6: Assemble Your Carrot Cake Roll

Carefully unroll your cooled cake gently; don’t worry if it cracks slightly—it’s normal! If still warm, let it sit unrolled for a few extra minutes to release steam.

Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over all but an inch of one end of the cake that you will roll towards.

Then:
1. Re-roll starting from the frosted end tightly towards the unfrosted edge while loosening parchment paper as you go. Discard any leftover parchment after rolling.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Wrap your entire cake roll in plastic wrap and chill in either your refrigerator or freezer for at least an hour (freezing is preferred).

Step 8: Slice and Serve

To cut your chilled cake roll:
1. Use a hot knife by running it under hot water first; this helps prevent any crumbling.
2. Allow slices to sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving if frozen.

Enjoy every bite of this delicious Carrot Cake Roll!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll

Serving your Carrot Cake Roll can be a delightful experience for you and your guests. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dessert that can enhance its flavor and appearance.

Slice with Fresh Berries

• Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to add a pop of color and freshness beside each slice. The tartness complements the sweetness of the roll beautifully.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the top adds richness. It creates an appealing contrast with the cream cheese frosting while adding a sweet touch.

Garnish with Mint Leaves

• Fresh mint leaves not only brighten the dish visually but also offer a refreshing flavor that balances the spiced cake.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of lightly whipped cream on the side makes for a creamy addition. It enhances the overall texture and taste experience as you enjoy each slice.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs wonderfully with the roll, making it an indulgent treat. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm spices in the cake.

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How to Perfect Carrot Cake Roll

To make sure your Carrot Cake Roll turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring your eggs and butter are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Don’t overmix – Mixing until just combined prevents the cake from becoming tough; you want it light and airy.
• Keep an eye on baking time – Every oven is different; check for doneness around 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Roll while warm – Rolling the cake immediately while it’s warm helps prevent cracks and makes it easier to shape.
• Chill before slicing – Chilling the cake roll firms it up, making it easier to cut clean slices without crumbling.
• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add nuts or raisins into the batter for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Carrot Cake Roll

Pairing your Carrot Cake Roll with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options that work well together.

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
2. Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory complement that balances sweetness.
3. Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and flavor, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
4. Tea Selection – Offer an assortment of herbal teas that can cleanse the palate between bites of cake.
5. Chocolate Shavings – Dark chocolate shavings sprinkled on top give an elegant touch while adding depth in flavor.
6. Coconut Macaroons – These chewy treats pair nicely with carrot flavors and provide an extra textural element.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Carrot Cake Roll can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your jelly roll pan can lead to sticking. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake tough. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed for a light texture.
• Not cooling properly: If you don’t cool the cake before rolling, it may crack. Allow it to cool fully in the parchment after baking.
• Using warm cream cheese: Warm cream cheese can make your frosting too runny. Make sure it’s cold for a perfect spreadable consistency.
• Rolling too tightly: Rolling the cake too tight can cause it to crack. Roll gently and leave some space for expansion inside.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent moisture build-up.

Freezing Carrot Cake Roll

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date so you know when it was frozen.

Reheating Carrot Cake Roll

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Wrap the roll in foil and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power in 15-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a pan over low heat, covering it to warm evenly without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Carrot Cake Roll.

How do I add nuts to my Carrot Cake Roll?

You can fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before spreading it onto the pan for added texture and flavor.

Can I make this Carrot Cake Roll ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and frost the roll up to two days ahead. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What if my Carrot Cake Roll cracks?

If your roll cracks, don’t worry! Just cover it with frosting, or you can create a rustic look by adding more frosting on top.

Is there a gluten-free option for this Carrot Cake Roll?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I customize my Carrot Cake Roll?

Feel free to add spices like cardamom or swap out shredded carrots with zucchini or pumpkin puree for different flavors!

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Roll is an incredible treat that brings joy and comfort during festive occasions like Easter. Its spongy texture paired with creamy frosting makes it versatile; you can easily customize it with nuts or different spices. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe!