If you love carrot cake and you’re a fan of cream cheese frosting, then you’re about to fall head over heels for this Carrot Cake Roll. It’s everything you adore about a classic carrot cake—moist, spiced, and sweet—rolled up with a smooth, rich cream cheese filling in every bite. Think of it like your favorite slice of carrot cake, but elevated into a soft, swirl-wrapped showstopper that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
This dessert is not just about looks—it’s practical, too. Unlike a multi-layer cake that takes up space and requires slicing and stacking, this roll is compact, easy to portion, and perfect for serving at special occasions. Whether you’re preparing an Easter dessert, a fall gathering treat, or just want to bake something that looks fancy without the hassle, this Carrot Cake Roll will never let you down.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Roll
- Moist, Spiced Perfection – Carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg come together for warm, comforting flavor.
- Luscious Cream Cheese Filling – A smooth and tangy frosting rolled inside the cake makes every bite irresistible.
- Elegant Presentation – That spiral swirl? Always impressive, no matter the occasion.
- Portable and Sliceable – Great for potlucks, holiday tables, or easy grab-and-go desserts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can bake and chill it ahead of time, freeing you up on busy days.
- Not Too Sweet – Perfectly balanced flavors that satisfy without overwhelming.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 slices
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 21g
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Roll
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (packed)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Dusting and Assembly:
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for rolling and dusting)
- Parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel
Step-by-Step Instructions for Carrot Cake Roll
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This helps ensure a smooth release once the cake is baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, and mix until combined.
Step 4: Fold in Carrots and Dry Mix
Gently stir in the grated carrots, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want the batter light and airy.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched.
Step 6: Roll the Cake While Warm
Immediately turn the hot cake out onto a powdered sugar-dusted towel or parchment paper. Carefully peel off the parchment from the cake’s underside. Starting at the short end, gently roll the cake up with the towel inside. Let it cool completely while rolled—this step helps the cake “remember” its shape.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Fill and Roll
Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it carefully. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake surface. Then, gently re-roll it without the towel, sealing the edges as you go.
Step 9: Chill and Serve
Wrap the finished roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Dust the top with extra powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Ingredient Background
What makes this Carrot Cake Roll so flavorful and satisfying? It’s all in the combination of humble, yet powerful ingredients that each bring something special to the table.
Carrots, the heart of the recipe, offer moisture and natural sweetness while sneaking in a good dose of nutrition. Finely grated carrots blend right into the batter and ensure the cake stays soft and tender. Carrots are also rich in beta-carotene and fiber, giving this dessert a subtle wholesome edge beneath its indulgent flavor.
Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg provide the warm, cozy notes that define a classic carrot cake. Cinnamon adds a familiar sweetness and warmth, while nutmeg deepens the flavor with a slightly earthy, aromatic touch. Together, they bring balance and complexity without overpowering the delicate carrot flavor.
Cream cheese is the soul of the filling. Smooth, tangy, and just slightly tart, it balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly. When whipped with powdered sugar and butter, it transforms into a luxurious, cloud-like spread that’s rich without being too heavy. This contrast between soft, spiced cake and creamy filling is what makes every slice irresistible.
Technique Tips for Carrot Cake Roll
This recipe is fairly straightforward, but a few extra tips can take your Carrot Cake Roll from great to bakery-worthy.
The most important technique is to roll the cake while it’s still warm. This step is absolutely crucial—if you wait until the cake cools, it’ll be more prone to cracking. Rolling it warm helps the cake form a memory of its shape and allows it to cool in a rolled position without breaking. Just be gentle and patient as you roll it with the towel or parchment paper inside.
When preparing the filling, make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened. Cold ingredients won’t blend smoothly, and you’ll end up with a lumpy frosting instead of a velvety filling. Take them out of the fridge 30–60 minutes beforehand to ensure a flawless texture.
Lastly, for that perfect, professional finish, dust the top of the roll with powdered sugar just before serving. It adds a simple yet elegant touch and helps disguise any minor imperfections. You could also pipe a little extra cream cheese frosting on top or garnish with finely chopped nuts or candied carrot curls for a show-stopping presentation.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
Sure, this roll cake is beautiful on its own, but you can dress it up or switch it around depending on your occasion or mood.
For a spring or Easter-themed presentation, decorate the top of the roll with mini fondant carrots, edible flowers, or a drizzle of white chocolate. It brings a playful, festive look to the dessert table without much extra work.
If you want to turn this into individual servings, cut thick slices of the roll and lay them flat on dessert plates. Top each one with a swirl of cream cheese frosting, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a toasted pecan for a plated, restaurant-style vibe.
To make this a layered carrot cake roulade, double the cake recipe and bake two sheets. Fill and stack them, then slice into squares or rectangles for a multi-layered, spiral-filled carrot cake that looks ultra fancy without being fussy.
Freezing and Storing Carrot Cake Roll
This dessert stores and freezes surprisingly well, making it a convenient option for prep-ahead baking.
To store short-term, wrap the finished Carrot Cake Roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps maintain the shape, flavor, and texture. Be sure it’s sealed tightly to prevent the cake from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
For longer storage, you can freeze the entire roll or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and dust with fresh powdered sugar before slicing.
If freezing slices, place parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking and allow easy removal one serving at a time. It’s the perfect sweet treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.
Healthier Twist Ideas
Looking to enjoy your Carrot Cake Roll with a lighter twist? You’ve got options!
Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add fiber and whole grain goodness. The flavor becomes slightly nuttier and more rustic, and the texture still stays soft if you don’t overmix.
To reduce fat and calories, replace some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. You’ll retain the cake’s moisture without sacrificing much flavor. A 50/50 split between oil and applesauce works beautifully.
For a lighter filling, use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt cream cheese. You can also reduce the powdered sugar in the filling by ¼ cup without a noticeable difference. Adding a dash of lemon zest to the filling gives it a fresh punch and cuts through the richness naturally.
Serving Suggestions for Events
The Carrot Cake Roll is a show-stopper dessert that fits right into a variety of events and gatherings.
At an Easter brunch, serve it alongside pastel macarons, fruit salad, and herbal teas. It brings a lovely springtime vibe to the table and balances rich egg-based dishes beautifully.
For a Thanksgiving dessert table, this cake roll is a welcome contrast to heavy pies. It pairs wonderfully with warm spiced cider or a light pumpkin mousse. Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to enhance the autumn feel.
If you’re planning a tea party or baby shower, slice the roll into neat, uniform slices and arrange them on a tiered cake stand. They’re elegant, mess-free, and easy for guests to nibble while mingling. Pair with spiced chai or a creamy latte for the perfect complement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake roll the day before serving?
Yes! In fact, it often tastes better the next day once the flavors have settled. Just keep it wrapped and chilled.
2. What if my cake cracks during rolling?
Minor cracks are normal and can be covered with powdered sugar or decorative garnishes. If it breaks badly, you can turn it into a trifle!
3. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
It’s best to use freshly grated carrots. Pre-shredded carrots are too coarse and dry, affecting the cake’s texture.
4. Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans and golden raisins are classic carrot cake add-ins. Fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the pan.
5. Do I need a jelly roll pan?
Yes, a jelly roll pan (10×15 inches) is ideal for a thin, flexible cake. A regular baking sheet won’t give you the same results.
6. Can I freeze a filled cake roll?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze whole or sliced for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
7. How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between slices. Chilling the roll helps it cut smoothly.
8. What’s the best way to prevent sticking during rolling?
Dust your towel or parchment paper generously with powdered sugar before rolling the warm cake.
9. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly more delicate, but it still rolls beautifully.
10. Can I make a chocolate version of this cake roll?
Sure! Swap the carrot cake batter for a chocolate sponge and fill it with cream cheese or chocolate mousse filling.
Conclusion
The Carrot Cake Roll is more than just a twist on a classic dessert—it’s a flavor-packed showpiece that’s surprisingly simple to make. With warm spices, tender carrot cake, and a dreamy cream cheese filling rolled into a beautiful swirl, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress every time.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a gathering, or just because, this cake roll offers all the charm of traditional carrot cake in a lighter, easier-to-serve form. Add your own twist with nuts, garnishes, or decorative flair, and you’ll have a dessert that tastes like tradition but feels fresh and modern.
Welcome to Cozy dishes! I’m Louise, and this is your warm, welcoming kitchen corner filled with feel-good recipes that bring comfort to everyday moments. Whether you’re making a simple dinner or baking something sweet, you’ll find cozy, approachable dishes made with heart.
