If you’re a fan of classic carrot cake but love a creative twist, this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is a must-try! This dessert is soft, spiced to perfection, and filled with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Spiced: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves brings out the warm, cozy flavors of traditional carrot cake.
- Creamy and Dreamy: The rich cream cheese filling perfectly complements the moist cake.
- Show-Stopping Dessert: The rolled presentation makes this cake look impressive, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this in advance and store it in the fridge, making it perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 medium carrots, shredded
For the Cream Cheese Frosting Filling:
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 6 tbsp salted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 3 cups confectioners sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 10-11 tbsp milk
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Electric mixer (optional, for frosting)
- Clean tea towel
- Plastic wrap
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Lightly grease and line a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until well combined.
- Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and shredded carrots to the egg mixture and whisk again until smooth.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for 12 minutes until the cake is set but still soft.
- Remove from the oven and carefully transfer the cake onto a clean tea towel using the parchment paper.
- Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake lengthwise into a tight log with the tea towel inside.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Slowly add the confectioners sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined and creamy.
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake and evenly spread the filling over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Re-roll the cake tightly and wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Step 3: Add the Glaze
- In a bowl, mix the confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cake roll before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Carrots: Grate them finely for the best texture.
- Don’t Overbake: The cake should be soft and pliable for easy rolling.
- Roll While Warm: This prevents cracking and makes it easier to shape.
- Chill Before Slicing: This helps the filling set and makes clean cuts.
Variations and Swaps
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a lactose-free version.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth.
- Coconut Flavor: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosting before rolling.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serving from Frozen: Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Best Pairings
- Drink Pairings: Enjoy with a cup of chai tea, coffee, or a spiced latte.
- Side Pairings: Serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
FAQ
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! This cake roll can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge before serving.
What if my cake cracks while rolling?
If minor cracks appear, don’t worry! The frosting and glaze will cover them up.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
While homemade tastes best, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting in a pinch.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the towel?
Dust the towel lightly with confectioners sugar before rolling to prevent sticking.
Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely! The cake is delicious with just the cream cheese filling, but the glaze adds a lovely sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is an elegant twist on a classic dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of carrot cake in a new form.
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