Carrot Cake Roll
This Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for Easter celebrations or any special occasion. With its fluffy spiced carrot cake and rich cream cheese frosting, this roll captivates with every slice. It’s not only visually impressive but also incredibly delicious, making it a hit among family and friends. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying it as an everyday treat, this dessert is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This Carrot Cake Roll is simple to prepare, even for beginner bakers.
- Deliciously Unique: The combination of spiced carrot cake and creamy frosting makes for a standout dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Easter brunch or a family gathering, this roll fits right in.
- Impressive Presentation: The rolled appearance looks elegant and sophisticated on any dessert table.
- Make-Ahead Option: Chill the roll ahead of time for added convenience.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Carrot Cake Roll, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Jelly roll pan (10×15-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Jelly roll pan: This shallow pan helps the cake bake evenly and maintain its shape when rolled.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, ensuring easy removal of the cake from the pan.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Spatula: Great for spreading batter evenly in the pan and frosting the cake.
Ingredients
This Carrot Cake Roll is made with a blend of flavorful ingredients that come together to create a moist and delectable dessert.
For the Cake
- 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)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 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 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. You can use a little cooking spray on the pan to help keep the paper in place.
Step 2: Make Carrot Cake Batter
In a bowl, combine:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Ground cinnamon
6. Ground ginger
7. Ground nutmeg
8. Ground cloves
Set this mixture aside.
In another large bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs.
2. Beat in granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla extract.
Now add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until just combined, then fold in shredded carrots. Spread this batter evenly into your prepared pan.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Bake at 375˚F for about 10–13 minutes. The cake should spring back when lightly touched or have a toothpick come out clean from the center.
Step 4: Roll the Cake
As soon as it comes out of the oven, carefully roll the cake from one short end to another while still inside the parchment paper. Leave it rolled up for about 10 minutes to cool slightly.
Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl:
1. Beat cold cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add butter (in 2 Tbsp increments), mixing until smooth after each addition.
3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla all at once; mix until fully combined.
Step 6: Unroll and Frost
Gently unroll your cooled cake. If cracks appear, don’t worry! If warm, let it sit unrolled for a few extra minutes to cool completely before spreading frosting over all but an inch at one end that you will be rolling towards again.
Step 7: Re-roll and Chill
Start rolling from the frosted end tightly towards the unfrosted edge while removing parchment paper as you go along. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator or freezer for at least one hour before slicing.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Use a hot knife to cut slices off your chilled Carrot Cake Roll easily—perfectly cold slices will thaw slightly within 20–30 minutes at room temperature before serving! Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll
Serving a Carrot Cake Roll is as delightful as making it. This versatile dessert can be enjoyed in several ways, making it perfect for any occasion.
For Afternoon Tea
- Slice and Share: Cut the roll into thick slices and serve on a platter with a side of tea or coffee.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Pair each slice with fresh berries or citrus segments for a refreshing contrast.
As a Dessert Platter
- Garnish with Whipped Cream: Top slices with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy texture.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce can add sweetness and enhance the flavors.
At Parties
- Mini Rolls: Cut smaller pieces for easy handling at gatherings. These bite-sized treats are perfect for mingling guests.
- Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top for a touch of decadence.
With Ice Cream
- Serve à la Mode: Place warm slices on plates and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious hot-and-cold treat.
- Pair with Sorbet: For a lighter option, serve alongside fruit sorbet to cleanse the palate.
How to Perfect Carrot Cake Roll
Achieving the perfect Carrot Cake Roll is all about technique and care. Here are some tips to ensure your roll turns out flawlessly.
- Boldly Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment helps prevent sticking and makes rolling easier.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake while baking; removing it just before it springs back ensures moistness.
- Cool Before Unrolling: Allow the cake to cool slightly before unrolling; this minimizes cracking.
- Spread Frosting Evenly: Apply the cream cheese frosting evenly to avoid uneven rolls or filling spilling out.
- Wrap Tightly: When rolling, make sure to tuck tightly but gently; this helps maintain shape without breaking the cake.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerating or freezing the rolled cake sets it nicely and makes cutting easier.
Best Side Dishes for Carrot Cake Roll
A Carrot Cake Roll pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Consider these options for an enhanced dining experience.
- Creamy Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds freshness, balancing the richness of the cake roll.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and earthiness that contrast beautifully with sweet dessert.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides a savory companion, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness, making it perfect for springtime meals.
- Nutty Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars offer a chewy texture that complements the soft cake roll nicely.
- Vanilla Yogurt Parfaits: Layered yogurt with fruits and granola provide both sweetness and creaminess, making them ideal accompaniments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Carrot Cake Roll can be delightful, but it’s easy to make mistakes along the way. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
-
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use the right tools and techniques to measure flour and sugar correctly. Spoon and level the flour for best results.
-
Skipping the cooling step: Rolling the cake while it’s hot can lead to cracks. Always let it cool for at least 10 minutes before rolling.
-
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your cake dense. Mix just until combined, then gently fold in the carrots.
-
Ignoring frosting temperature: Using cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in frosting. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth blend.
-
Forgetting to chill before slicing: A warm roll can be difficult to cut. Chill your carrot cake roll in the refrigerator or freezer to make slicing easier.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep the cake roll wrapped with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
Freezing Carrot Cake Roll
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Carrot Cake Roll
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat slices on low power for about 15-20 seconds at a time until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding the Carrot Cake Roll:
Can I use a different frosting?
Yes! While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can try whipped cream or chocolate ganache as alternatives for a different flavor twist.
What can I add to my Carrot Cake Roll?
Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, raisins, or even pineapple for added texture and flavor.
How do I know when my cake is done baking?
The cake is ready when it springs back when lightly touched or when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.
How long does it take to chill the Carrot Cake Roll?
Chilling takes about 1 hour, but you can leave it longer if needed. This helps firm up the roll for easier slicing.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Roll combines classic flavors with an elegant presentation, making it perfect for any occasion, especially Easter. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it by adding nuts or using different frostings. Give this delightful dessert a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Carrot Cake Roll
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of our Carrot Cake Roll, a charming twist on the classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! This fluffy spiced carrot cake is filled with rich cream cheese frosting and rolled to perfection, creating a visually stunning treat that tastes as good as it looks. Ideal for Easter brunch or everyday celebrations, this easy-to-make recipe will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 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
- 8 oz brick cream cheese (cold)
- 8 Tbsp butter (1 stick, room temperature)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla. Combine both mixtures and fold in shredded carrots.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 10–13 minutes until springy.
- Roll the cake with parchment while warm; let cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter together before adding powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Unroll cooled cake gently, frost it (leaving one end unfrosted), then re-roll tightly.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
