Introduction

A Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake. This recipe combines the moist, spiced goodness of carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese filling, all rolled into a beautiful and elegant dessert. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, this Carrot Cake Roll is a winning choice.

Who Is This Recipe For?

The Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling is for those who love the flavors of carrot cake and crave a dessert that’s both delicious and visually appealing. It’s perfect for:

• Carrot Cake Enthusiasts: If you adore the flavors of carrot cake, this roll is a must-try.
• Baking Enthusiasts: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to baking, this recipe is a delightful challenge.
• Special Occasions: This cake roll makes for a stunning dessert at special gatherings and celebrations.

What Makes Carrot Cake Roll Special?

Classic Carrot Cake
The recipe incorporates the classic flavors of carrot cake, including grated carrots, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla.

Cream Cheese Filling
The luscious cream cheese filling adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced carrot cake.

Beautiful Presentation
The roll is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it an ideal dessert for special occasions.

Versatility
This dessert is perfect for both casual and formal settings, and it’s great for sharing.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the process of making the Carrot Cake Roll, let’s gather our ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake:

• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Dusting (Optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

Now, let’s get into the process of creating this delightful Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling:

Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.

Make the Carrot Cake

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly thickened.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Gently fold in the finely grated carrots.

Bake the Cake

1. Pour the carrot cake batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the cake is set and lightly browned.

Roll the Cake

1. While the cake is still warm, use the parchment paper to help you gently roll the cake, starting from the short side.
2. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Roll

1. Carefully unroll the cooled carrot cake.
2. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the unrolled cake.
3. Roll the cake back up without the parchment paper.

Chill and Serve

1. Place the carrot cake roll in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the cream cheese filling.
2. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
3. Slice and serve this elegant Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make the Carrot Cake Roll, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

• 15×10-inch Jelly Roll Pan: For baking the cake.
• Parchment Paper: To line the pan and aid in rolling the cake.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the cake and cream cheese filling.
• Electric Mixer: For beating the cream cheese filling.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cake.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any Carrot Cake Roll leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake roll should stay fresh for several days.

Recipe Swaps and Variations

While the classic Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling is delightful, you can experiment with variations:

• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cream cheese filling for a nutty crunch.
• Raisins or Cranberries: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries into the carrot cake batter for a fruity twist.
• Orange Zest: Add a touch of orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrusy flavor.
• Spiced Cream Cheese: Mix ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese filling for extra warmth.

FAQ

Q: Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting?
A: You can use store-bought cream cheese frosting as a time-saving alternative, but making it from scratch allows you to adjust the sweetness and flavor to your liking.

Q: Can I make the carrot cake roll in advance?
A: You can make the carrot cake roll a day in advance, keep it refrigerated, and dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Q: Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the carrot cake batter?
A: Certainly! Chopped nuts or dried fruit can be added to the carrot cake batter for added texture and flavor.

Q: Can I freeze the carrot cake roll?
A: It’s best not to freeze the carrot cake roll with the cream cheese filling, as the texture may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the unfilled rolled cake and add the filling when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

The Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the flavors of carrot cake with the creamy richness of cream cheese. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake roll is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, create this elegant dessert, and enjoy the unique flavors of the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration. Enjoy!