Carrot Cake Roll Recipe

If you’re craving the nostalgic coziness of carrot cake but want something just a little extra-special, let me introduce you to my Carrot Cake Roll! Imagine a swirled masterpiece bursting with cinnamon-spiced carrots and tangy cream cheese filling, all rolled up like a sweet springtime hug. It’s delightfully tender, subtly spiced, and so fun to slice and share.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make this Carrot Cake Roll, just a handful of baking staples and a few fresh carrots. Every ingredient has a purpose: creating a tender sponge, adding that signature carrot sweetness, or delivering the luscious cream cheese filling we all crave.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its classic structure without making it dense; be sure to measure gently for best results.
• Spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves: This warming blend brings out the best in the carrots for a truly irresistible aroma and flavor.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake stay light and rise evenly for that perfect rollable texture.
• Salt: Just a touch sharpens all the other flavors and keeps the cake from tasting flat.
• Eggs: Give the cake structure, richness, and flexibility so it can be rolled up without cracking.
• Cane sugar (or granulated white sugar): Sweetens the cake without overpowering the spices.
• Avocado oil (or vegetable oil): Keeps everything moist and springy, never dry.
• Vanilla extract: A splash adds depth and brings together the flavors in both the cake and the frosting.
• Shredded carrots: The star of the show—shred them fresh for the brightest color and juiciest texture.
• Powdered sugar: Multitasks for rolling the cake and making the smooth, sweet filling.
• Cream cheese, butter, and more vanilla: You’ll whip these up for that dreamy filling—tangy, creamy, and just sweet enough. Don’t forget to let them come to room temperature!

Variations

One of the best parts about homemade Carrot Cake Roll is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste, special diets, or whatever you have in your pantry. Get creative and make it your own—every version is delicious!

• Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum) for a cake that’s every bit as soft and fluffy.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter for the filling—you’ll still get that luscious swirl!
• Nutty Delight: Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and a classic carrot cake vibe.
• Coconut Twist: Fold in shredded coconut with the carrots, or sprinkle toasted coconut on the finished roll for tropical flair.
• Spice Lovers: Add a pinch more ginger or a dash of allspice if you like a bolder, more aromatic cake.

How to Make Carrot Cake Roll

Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Tools

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a 15×10-inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper. Be sure to leave an overhang on the longer sides—this makes lifting the cake out a total breeze later! If you want the parchment to stick, just dab the pan with a little water or a quick mist of cooking spray. Trust me, this tiny step makes the finished Carrot Cake Roll come out perfectly intact.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and all those lovely spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing the dry ingredients together first ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout your cake—no clumps of cinnamon or bland bites here!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients & Combine

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk the eggs and sugar thoroughly for about a minute, until thick and a bit fluffy. Next, add in the oil, vanilla, and freshly shredded carrots, stirring just until combined. Now, fold in the dry mixture using a spatula and stir carefully—the batter should come together gently and remain light.

Step 4: Spread, Bake & Roll

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 10–13 minutes, just until the cake springs back when you touch it lightly with your finger. While it’s still hot, lift the cake out by the parchment and roll it up—starting from the short end—parchment and all! Place the roll on a wire rack and let it cool completely. Rolling while warm keeps the cake flexible and prevents cracks.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cake is cooling off, whisk the cream cheese, powdered sugar, softened butter, and a splash of vanilla together until creamy and smooth. If the filling feels too runny, just add a little more powdered sugar; too thick, add a tiny bit of water. The ideal consistency is thick but spreadable, so it stays put when you roll up your Carrot Cake Roll.

Step 6: Fill, Re-Roll & Chill

Gently unroll your cooled cake (it’s okay if the edges curl up a little) and spread the cream cheese filling evenly, leaving about three-quarters of an inch clear all around the edges. Carefully re-roll the cake, peeling off the parchment as you go, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the Carrot Cake Roll for at least an hour—this sets the filling and makes for beautiful slices!

Step 7: Slice, Garnish & Serve

When you’re ready to wow your family or guests, gently unwrap and transfer the Carrot Cake Roll to a platter. Dust generously with powdered sugar for a classic finish, slice off the ragged ends for a polished look, and serve up those impressive spirals. Each bite delivers sweet carrot, fragrant spice, and luscious tang—pure springtime happiness!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll

Garnishes

A generous snowfall of powdered sugar is a classic (and easy) way to dress up your Carrot Cake Roll, but don’t stop there! Try a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or walnuts, a few curls of orange zest for brightness, or delicate carrot ribbons for a whimsical spring touch.

Side Dishes

This Carrot Cake Roll is wonderful on its own with a cup of coffee or tea, but if you want to build a dessert platter, serve it alongside fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, or silky lemon curd for a pop of tartness that balances the cake’s sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Treat the Carrot Cake Roll as your centerpiece—arrange slices in a fan or spiral on a platter, dust with powdered sugar just before serving, or even cut into mini pinwheels for a party-perfect finger dessert! You can also stack slices with swoops of extra cream cheese frosting for a playful “cake sandwich” presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have them!) should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator. The Carrot Cake Roll actually gets even softer and more flavorful after a day or two, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for entertaining or afternoon snacking.

Freezing

Carrot Cake Roll freezes beautifully! Simply wrap the whole roll (or individual slices) snugly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and enjoy a slice of spring even in the chill of winter.

Reheating

You typically don’t need to reheat your Carrot Cake Roll—just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, a few seconds in the microwave will soften the cake and filling without melting everything together.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Roll is truly as delightful to make as it is to eat—spiraled with charm, full of flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles! Give it a try and share the joy with friends or family… one swirl at a time.

Print