Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese: 5 Magical Steps

Name: Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese: 5 Magical Steps
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup grated carrots; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 8 ounces cream cheese; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the carrot cake roll with cream cheese! It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form. Seriously, every bite is a delightful blend of moist carrot cake wrapped around a velvety cream cheese frosting that makes my heart sing! I first discovered this gem during a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. Everyone was raving about it, and I just knew I had to add it to my recipe collection.

This cake roll is not just for birthdays or holidays; it’s perfect for any celebration—or even a cozy night in! Trust me, when you bring this to a potluck, you’re guaranteed to be the star of the show. The way the spices mingle with the sweetness of the carrots and the creaminess of the frosting is simply magical. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which makes it all the more enjoyable. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making this delicious treat!

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese

Before we get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need to create this delightful carrot cake roll! Having all your ingredients ready makes the process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup all-purpose flour – This is the base of our cake, giving it that lovely structure.
1 teaspoon baking powder – This helps the cake rise and achieve that perfect fluffiness.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – A little boost to ensure it rises just right!
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors beautifully.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds that warm, comforting spice that makes carrot cake irresistible.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Just a hint of nutmeg gives it a delightful depth of flavor.
3 large eggs – These will bind everything together and keep our cake nice and moist.
1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key! This will give our cake the perfect touch of sweetness.
1 cup grated carrots – Freshly grated is best! It adds moisture and that classic carrot flavor.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts – For a bit of crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer!
8 ounces cream cheese – This is the star of our frosting, making it rich and creamy.
1/4 cup unsalted butter – Adds a lovely richness to our frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar – This sweetens our frosting to perfection and gives it that smooth texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a splash for that warm, sweet flavor that ties everything together.

Once you’ve got everything measured out, you’re all set to start creating your masterpiece! Trust me, the smell of this cake baking will have everyone in your house buzzing with excitement.

How to Prepare the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese

Alright, my friend, let’s roll up our sleeves and get into the nitty-gritty of making this scrumptious carrot cake roll! Each step is simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a baking rockstar by the end. Let’s do this!

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we need that oven to be nice and hot when we put our cake in! While that’s heating up, grab a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan. Grease it lightly and then line it with parchment paper. This little step makes it so much easier to roll the cake later and keeps it from sticking. Trust me, you don’t want to wrestle with a sticky cake!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Now, in a medium bowl, let’s combine our dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I love the aroma of the spices mixing in the air! It immediately brings that cozy fall feeling, right? Make sure everything is well combined; we want a uniform mixture to give our cake that lovely rise and flavor.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another larger bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is thick and pale. This can take a few minutes, but it’s so worth it for that light, fluffy texture. Once it’s looking great, gently fold in the flour mixture we set aside earlier, along with the grated carrots and chopped walnuts. Be gentle here; we want to keep all that air we just whipped in! Just mix until everything is combined, and then we’re ready to spread.

Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared jelly roll pan. It should look nice and smooth—like a canvas waiting for a masterpiece! Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want to check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when it’s ready. The smell will be heavenly, so be prepared for some serious temptation!

Roll and Cool the Cake

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes. Then, here comes the fun part! Carefully roll the cake up in the parchment paper—starting from the short end—and create a log. This helps shape it for later. Let it cool completely while it’s rolled up. This is key to keeping its shape and preventing cracks when we fill it!

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In the meantime, let’s make that luscious cream cheese frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until it’s fluffy and fabulous. You won’t believe how good this tastes—try not to eat it all before we finish the roll!

Assemble the Carrot Cake Roll

Now, gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting all over the surface. Then, roll it back up tightly but carefully. Don’t worry if it cracks a little; it’s all part of the charm! Once it’s rolled up, pop it in the fridge for a bit to chill. This helps everything set beautifully and makes slicing a breeze.

And there you have it! You’re almost ready to slice into this delicious carrot cake roll with cream cheese, and I can hardly wait for you to taste it!

Tips for Success

Now that we’ve covered the steps, let’s make sure you achieve the most perfect carrot cake roll ever! Here are some of my favorite pro tips to keep in mind:

Use fresh ingredients: Freshly grated carrots and high-quality eggs make all the difference in flavor and texture. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Don’t skip the parchment paper: This is your best friend for easy rolling and helps prevent sticking. You’ll thank yourself later when it rolls out smoothly!
Be gentle when mixing: When you’re folding in the flour mixture with the wet ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want that light, airy texture!
Let it cool completely: Allow the cake to cool down completely after rolling it up. If it’s still warm when you frost it, the frosting might melt, and we definitely don’t want that!
Chill before slicing: Once you’ve assembled the cake roll, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help the frosting set and make slicing much easier.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add your twist! A bit of orange zest in the frosting or some coconut flakes in the batter can elevate your carrot cake roll to the next level.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress everyone with your delicious carrot cake roll with cream cheese. Enjoy every moment of the baking process, and don’t forget to savor the delicious results!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for our delightful carrot cake roll with cream cheese. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided some general estimates, they’re not set in stone. It’s always a good idea to calculate based on your own ingredients if you need precise numbers. Enjoy your baking, and remember, it’s all about the love you put into it!

FAQ Section

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! If walnuts aren’t your thing, feel free to substitute them with pecans. They’ll add a lovely nuttiness to the cake just like walnuts do. You could even try slivered almonds for a different twist! Just make sure to chop them up a bit so they blend nicely into the batter.

How should I store leftovers?

To keep your leftover carrot cake roll fresh and delicious, store it in the refrigerator. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. It should last for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it probably won’t last that long because it’s just too tasty! If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to slice it before wrapping to make it easier to grab a piece whenever you’re craving a sweet treat.

Can I freeze the carrot cake roll?

Yes, you can definitely freeze the carrot cake roll! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This way, you can have a slice of deliciousness ready whenever the craving hits! Just remember to give it some time to come back to room temperature before slicing for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, this carrot cake roll with cream cheese is not just a dessert; it’s an experience! First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. You won’t spend hours in the kitchen, yet the end result looks and tastes like a million bucks!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Want to add a little twist? Go ahead! You can sprinkle in raisins, swap the nuts, or even play with spices. It’s like each roll can be a new adventure, and I just love that about it! Plus, the combination of moist carrot cake and creamy frosting is just heavenly. Seriously, every bite melts in your mouth.

And let’s not forget about the presentation! This cake roll looks so gorgeous when it’s sliced, showcasing those beautiful swirls of orange and white. It’s a real showstopper on any dessert table, and I can guarantee it will impress your friends and family. They’ll think you spent the whole day baking when, in reality, you just followed a few simple steps!

So, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, this carrot cake roll is the way to go. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Get ready for the compliments to roll in!

carrot cake roll with cream cheese - detail 1

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.