Tired of the same old desserts that leave your taste buds wanting more? I know that feeling all too well! This Carrot Cake Roll with velvety cream cheese frosting will transform your dessert game into something truly extraordinary each bite delivers the perfect balance of spiced carrot cake and luscious creamy frosting swirled together in harmony.
Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind FoodyDish! As someone who’s been perfecting this carrot cake roll recipe for years, I can promise you this: once you master this technique, you’ll never go back to standard layer cakes again. The joy on my family’s faces when I bring this to our gatherings is all the proof I need that this recipe is something special.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the freshest ingredients, mixing the perfect carrot cake batter, the secret to that flawless roll, and my special cream cheese frosting that makes everyone ask for seconds. Let’s create dessert magic together!
Why This Carrot Cake Roll Recipe Works
- Uses simple pantry ingredients most bakers already have on hand
- Requires only 15 minutes of prep time before baking
- Perfect for make-ahead occasions tastes even better the next day!
- Combines the classic carrot cake flavor with a stunning presentation
- Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Carrot Cake Roll
Fresh Carrots Matter
The star of this carrot cake roll is, of course, the carrots! For the best flavor and moisture, use fresh carrots that you grate yourself rather than pre-shredded ones. Look for firm, bright orange carrots without cracks. The fresher they are, the sweeter your cake will be.
Cream Cheese Selection
For the dreamiest frosting, choose full-fat cream cheese blocks rather than whipped or low-fat varieties. Philadelphia brand works consistently well, but any quality full-fat cream cheese will create that tangy-sweet flavor that makes carrot cake rolls irresistible.
Flour Considerations
All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. For a lighter texture, make sure to properly measure by spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can pack too much flour into your measurements.
Ingredients & Prep for Your Perfect Carrot Cake Roll
Cake Batter Essentials
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups freshly grated carrots, patted dry
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Kitchen Tools Needed
- 15×10-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towel
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Sifter for powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Carrot Cake Roll Cooking Instructions
Pre-Baking Carrot Cake Roll Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the short ends. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Grate your carrots using the fine side of a box grater, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs for 5 minutes until thick and pale yellow.
- Gradually add sugar, oil, and vanilla, continuing to beat until well incorporated.
Baking Your Carrot Cake Roll
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and optional walnuts.
- Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cake springs back when touched lightly in the center.
Rolling Technique for Carrot Cake Roll
- While the cake bakes, lay a clean kitchen towel on your counter and dust generously with powdered sugar.
- Immediately upon removing cake from the oven, turn it out onto the prepared towel.
- Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting from the short end, roll the cake up with the towel inside. This pre-roll helps train the cake to curl without cracking.
- Allow the rolled cake to cool completely on a wire rack (about 1 hour).
Frosting Your Carrot Cake Roll
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and salt, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread frosting evenly over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Re-roll the cake (without the towel this time), using the towel to help guide it.
- Wrap the finished cake roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Roll
Avoiding Cracked Carrot Cake Roll
- Don’t overbake your cake—it will become dry and prone to cracking
- Roll the cake while it’s hot from the oven
- Use a light touch when spreading the frosting to prevent tearing
- If small cracks appear, don’t worry the frosting will help hide them!
Tool Recommendations for Carrot Cake Roll
- A silicone spatula helps spread batter evenly in the pan
- A microplane grater makes quick work of fresh nutmeg
- Metal measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate measurements
- A serrated knife works best for clean slices when serving
Storage & Serving Carrot Cake Roll
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- For best flavor, remove from refrigerator 20 minutes before serving
- Freeze whole or in slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months
For more cake inspiration, check out my collection of cake roll recipes on Pinterest where I share my favorite combinations and decorating ideas!
Flavor Variations for Your Carrot Cake Roll
Spice Upgrades
Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of cloves to the batter for a more complex spice profile. For an unexpected twist, try adding cardamom—it pairs beautifully with carrots and creates a unique flavor experience.
Mix-Ins Options
Beyond the classic walnuts, try adding raisins, crushed pineapple (well-drained), shredded coconut, or even white chocolate chips. Each variation offers a different texture and flavor dimension.
Frosting Alternatives
While traditional cream cheese frosting is divine, consider a maple cream cheese version by replacing vanilla extract with maple syrup, or add orange zest for a citrusy brightness.
| Variation | Mix-Ins | Frosting Flavor | Best Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Walnuts | Traditional Cream Cheese | Year-round |
| Tropical | Coconut & Pineapple | Coconut Cream Cheese | Summer gatherings |
| Spiced | Extra cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg | Maple Cream Cheese | Fall holidays |
| Luxurious | Golden raisins & pecans | White Chocolate Cream Cheese | Special celebrations |
Serving Suggestions for Carrot Cake Roll
- Dust with additional powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant finish
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh mint leaf for presentation
- Serve alongside a cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee
- For dessert platters, add fresh berries around slices for color contrast
- Drizzle plates with a thin line of caramel sauce for restaurant-worthy presentation
FAQs About Carrot Cake Roll
Can I make this carrot cake roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake roll actually tastes better after resting for 24 hours as the flavors meld together. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and keep refrigerated.
Why did my carrot cake roll crack?
Cracking usually happens when the cake is overbaked or cooled too much before rolling. Make sure to roll it while still hot from the oven and follow the pre-rolling technique with the towel.
Can I use carrot cake mix for this roll?
While it’s possible, I don’t recommend it. Boxed mixes contain leavening agents that make the cake too fluffy and prone to cracking. The homemade recipe provides the perfect texture for rolling.
How do I know when my carrot cake roll is done baking?
The cake is done when it springs back when touched lightly in the center, and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. This typically takes 10-12 minutes at 375°F.
Conclusion
There’s something truly magical about unveiling a perfectly rolled carrot cake with swirls of cream cheese frosting inside. The combination of spiced cake and tangy frosting creates a dessert experience that’s both comforting and impressive. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine over the years!
Whether you’re making this for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or to impress dinner guests, this carrot cake roll is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to take a picture of your creation—I’d love to see how it turns out!
Print
Carrot Cake Roll: Creamy Frosting Dreams Come True!
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft, spiced carrot cake baked into a tender roll and filled with luscious cream cheese frosting a beautiful twist on classic carrot cake.
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract (filling)
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
4. Mix in oil and vanilla extract.
5. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
6. Gently fold in grated carrots.
7. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cake springs back when touched.
9. Immediately invert cake onto a powdered sugar–dusted towel and peel off parchment.
10. Carefully roll cake up with the towel and allow to cool completely.
11. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
12. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
13. Unroll cooled cake, spread filling evenly, then reroll tightly.
14. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Grate carrots finely for a smoother roll texture.
Do not overbake or the cake may crack when rolling.
Store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: carrot cake roll, carrot cake swiss roll, cream cheese cake roll, spiced dessert