Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love the cozy flavors of carrot cake but want a fun twist, this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a game-changer. Imagine a soft, tender sponge packed with the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, rolled up like a cozy little gift, then filled with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s not overly sweet but perfectly tangy. It’s just the kind of recipe that works beautifully for afternoon tea, birthday celebrations, or when you really want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe stands out because it takes all the best parts of a classic carrot cake and wraps it all up into one stunning, sliceable dessert. From my first try, I was hooked—not just on how gorgeous it looked on the plate, but also on how approachable the steps are, even if you’re not a baking pro. If you’re craving that moist, warmly spiced cake paired with a smooth, dreamy frosting, you’re in the right spot. I’ll walk you through everything so your roll comes out perfect every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients before we dive in. What I love about this carrot cake roll is that each ingredient plays a specific role in creating that soft texture and balanced flavor. You can easily pick these up at any grocery store, and the recipe even has an optional nut addition that adds a lovely crunch if you’re into that.

• All-purpose flour: The base of your sponge, giving structure but still keeping it tender.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These help the cake rise just enough to be fluffy but still rollable.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg: The warm spices that give this recipe its classic carrot cake vibe. Freshly ground if you can, it makes a difference.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully.
• Large eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
• Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: A perfect combo for sweetness and a hint of caramel depth.
• Vanilla extract: My secret weapon for adding warmth and bringing the spices together.
• Finely grated carrots: The star of the show – make sure to grate them finely so the texture stays silky.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor, but it’s totally okay to leave these out to keep it smooth.
• Cream cheese (softened): For the frosting—you want it room temp so it blends creamy without lumps.
• Powdered sugar (sifted): Keeps the frosting smooth and helps with that perfect sweetness balance.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the frosting hold its shape without getting runny.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is no exception. Sometimes I swap out the nuts for pecans or skip nuts entirely if I’m serving it to friends with allergies. Every variation brings a little something different to the party.

• Nut-free Version: I’ve made this plenty of times removing walnuts, and the texture still shines through—perfect for parties where nuts aren’t an option.
• Gluten-free Twist: I swap the flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup and it works beautifully for friends who need it.
• Spice Boost: On chilly days, I add a bit more cinnamon and a pinch of cloves to make it extra cozy.
• Frosting Swap: Sometimes I try a maple cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile—it’s decadent and delicious.

How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper—make sure it’s snug to prevent any batter leaks. Give the parchment a quick spray with nonstick spray because you’ll be rolling the cake while it’s warm, and you want it to release easily later. Prepare your grated carrots and have your softened cream cheese and butter ready to go; it really helps keep the frosting smooth.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Spices

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed so every bite has that warm, familiar carrot cake flavor.

Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step traps air into the batter, which is key for a soft cake roll.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Add Carrots and Nuts

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture along with the vanilla extract. Once combined, fold in the finely grated carrots and chopped walnuts if you’re using them. Be gentle here to keep the batter airy and light.

Step 5: Bake and Roll While Warm

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared jelly roll pan and spread it out carefully. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched. Don’t skip the test with a toothpick—it should come out clean. While it’s baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust liberally with powdered sugar. Once the cake comes out of the oven, immediately invert it onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll it up in the towel from the short end. This rolling while warm prevents cracking later—trust me on this trick!

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools rolled-up, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the sifted powdered sugar gradually, beating until fluffy. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract. You’ll want this frosting spreadable but not runny, perfect for rolling.

Step 7: Fill and Re-Roll the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Be careful not to tear the cake here. Then, carefully roll it back up without the towel this time. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour to let the frosting set—it’s worth the wait!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I like simple garnishes here—just a light dusting of powdered sugar on top or some extra finely chopped walnuts sprinkled for texture. Sometimes I’ll add a few edible flowers or thin carrot ribbons for that wow factor when I’m serving friends.

Side Dishes

This is a dessert that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee. For a more elaborate spread, try serving it alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the richness of the frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I’ve sliced the carrot cake roll into pinwheel shapes and placed them on a decorative platter with tiny dollops of frosting between slices, making it look like little bite-sized treats. You could even dust cocoa powder or cinnamon on top for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge. The roll stays moist and the frosting firm for up to 3-4 days, which means you can enjoy little slices of carrot cake goodness throughout the week without it drying out.

Freezing

If I’m prepping ahead, I freeze the whole, frosted roll wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and slice the next day. It surprisingly holds up well, and the texture is still lovely.

Reheating

I don’t typically heat carrot cake roll because I love the cream cheese frosting cold. But if you want to warm up a slice slightly, a few seconds in the microwave (about 8-10 seconds) is enough to soften without melting the frosting too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to desserts. It’s a fun way to enjoy classic carrot cake flavors in a pretty, elegant form without fuss or fancy tools. I love how it’s both comfortable and impressive—perfect for casual get-togethers or when you want to share something special with loved ones. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new family favorite too!

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