Carrot Cake Roll

This Carrot Cake Roll is not only a delightful twist on a classic dessert but also an eye-catching centerpiece for any celebration. With its moist carrot cake and rich cream cheese frosting, this roll is perfect for Easter, birthdays, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests. The combination of spices adds warmth and flavor, while the roll shape makes it unique and fun to serve.

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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: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Mixtures
• Step 5: Bake the Cake
• Step 6: Cool and Roll
• Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting
• Step 8: Frosting Application
• Step 9: Re-roll Your Cake
• Step 10: Chill Your Roll
• Step 11: Slice and Serve
• How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll
• With Fresh Fruits
• With Whipped Cream
• With Nuts
• With Ice Cream
• As Individual Servings
• 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 prevent my Carrot Cake Roll from cracking?
• Can I use store-bought frosting instead of cream cheese?
• What can I add to my Carrot Cake Roll for extra flavor?
• Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Carrot Cake Roll comes together quickly with simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and fresh carrots creates a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will love.
• Versatile Presentation: Whether it’s a holiday or a casual get-together, this roll adds a special touch to your dessert table.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The homemade cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the spiced carrot cake, adding richness and creaminess.
• Great for Slicing: The roll format allows for easy slicing into beautiful pieces, making it ideal for serving.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your Carrot Cake Roll comes out perfectly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Parchment paper: This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to roll without tearing.
• Jelly roll pan: The shallow sides help the cake bake evenly, ensuring it rolls up nicely.
• Electric mixer: This tool simplifies mixing the ingredients quickly and evenly for both the cake and frosting.

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-inch) with parchment paper. For better adhesion, lightly spray the pan with cooking spray before placing the parchment.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Cinnamon
6. Ginger
7. Nutmeg
8. Cloves

Mix these dry ingredients well and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs, then add in
granulated sugar,
2. Add in the
oil,
3. And finally, mix in the
vanilla extract.

Whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the
shredded carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly across your prepared pan. Bake at 375˚F for about 10–13 minutes, or until it springs back when touched or a toothpick comes out clean from its center.

Step 6: Cool and Roll

As soon as you take it out of the oven, immediately roll up your cake from one short end to another while still inside the parchment paper. Let it cool for about 10 minutes in this rolled-up position.

Step 7: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a separate bowl:
1. Beat cold
cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add in
butter, two tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Then add in powdered sugar and
vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Step 8: Frosting Application

Carefully unroll your cake once cooled; if there are small cracks, don’t worry! Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on all but one inch at one end of your cake.

Step 9: Re-roll Your Cake

Starting from the frosted edge, re-roll your cake tightly towards the unfrosted end while gently removing parchment paper as you go along.

Step 10: Chill Your Roll

Wrap your complete cake roll in plastic wrap and chill in either refrigerator or freezer for at least one hour; freezing often yields better results!

Step 11: Slice and Serve

When ready to serve, use a hot knife to cut through your chilled Carrot Cake Roll carefully; this helps achieve cleaner slices! Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving if frozen.

Enjoy this delightful Carrot Cake Roll with family and friends!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll

Serving your Carrot Cake Roll can be as delightful as making it. This dessert pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and presentation.

With Fresh Fruits

• Berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of freshness.
• Citrus Slices – Orange or lemon slices provide a zesty contrast to the sweetness.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess without overpowering the cake’s flavors.

With Nuts

• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans – Sprinkling nuts on top adds a crunchy texture and complements the cake’s spices.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delicious balance with the spiced cake.

As Individual Servings

• Slice and Serve – For parties, cut the roll into individual slices and place them on decorative plates for an elegant touch.

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How to Perfect Carrot Cake Roll

Achieving the perfect Carrot Cake Roll involves some key steps that ensure it turns out beautifully every time.

• Preparation – Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Proper Rolling Technique – Roll the cake while it is still warm to prevent cracking.
• Bold Cooling Time – Allow the cake to cool completely before unrolling to maintain its shape.
• Bold Smooth Frosting Application – Spread frosting evenly for a neat appearance and easy slicing.
• Bold Chilling Before Serving – Refrigerate or freeze the roll for a firmer texture, making it easier to cut.

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:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that enhances the sweetness of the roll.
2. Creamy Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
3. Bold Spinach Salad – A light spinach salad with vinaigrette balances richness with its freshness.
4. Bold Roasted Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes echoes flavors in the carrot cake.
5. Bold Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can provide savory bites alongside the sweet dessert.
6. Bold Lemon Bars – These tangy treats add brightness to your dessert table and complement the spice in the roll.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Carrot Cake Roll, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Parchment Paper
  Always line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using cooking spray can help the paper stay in place.

• Overmixing the Batter
  Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to wet. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake that won’t roll well.

• Not Cooling Properly
  Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before rolling it. This helps prevent cracking and ensures a better shape.

• Using Warm Cream Cheese
  Make sure your cream cheese is cold when making the frosting. This ensures a smooth consistency and prevents it from becoming too runny.

• Cutting at the Wrong Temperature
  Use a hot knife to cut your cake roll while it’s still cold or frozen. This keeps the edges clean and prevents tearing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Carrot Cake Roll in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Carrot Cake Roll

• Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Carrot Cake Roll

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil.
• Microwave: Heat slices on low power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, warming slices gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Carrot Cake Roll:

How do I prevent my Carrot Cake Roll from cracking?

To avoid cracking, ensure that you cool the cake properly and roll it gently while it’s still warm.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead of cream cheese?

Yes! You can substitute with store-bought frosting if you’re short on time, but homemade cream cheese frosting adds a special touch.

What can I add to my Carrot Cake Roll for extra flavor?

Consider adding nuts, coconut, or raisins into the batter for added texture and flavor enhancements.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s designed for baking!

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Roll is an irresistible dessert perfect for Easter or any occasion. Its delightful blend of spiced carrot cake and creamy frosting makes it versatile enough for everyone’s taste buds. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite nuts or even using different spices! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!