From the moment I baked my first Carrot Cake Roll Recipe, I knew this dessert would become a favorite in my kitchen. When I sliced into that beautiful spiral of moist carrot cake wrapped around creamy frosting, I honestly felt proud of myself. Rolling it looked intimidating at first, but once I tried it, the process felt fun and surprisingly simple.
Every slice disappeared quickly, and everyone asked for seconds. If you love classic carrot cake, this rolled version is even more exciting to serve and enjoy. You can also enjoy similar TikTok Spaghetti Recipe ideas for fun and unique homemade meals.
Ingredients
Here’s everything needed to make this soft and flavorful carrot cake roll, along with helpful tips for best results.
For the Carrot Cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour — gives the cake structure while keeping it light enough to roll.
- ½ tsp baking powder — helps create a soft, airy texture.
- ½ tsp baking soda — works with moisture and sugar to lift the cake.
- ½ tsp salt — balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon — classic carrot cake spice.
- ½ tsp ground ginger — adds gentle warmth.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg — deepens the flavor.
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves — optional, but adds bold spice depth.
- 3 large eggs — help the cake stay flexible for rolling.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar — sweetens and creates a soft crumb.
- 2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil — keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract — rounds out all flavors.
- 2 cups finely shredded carrots — fresh carrots give the best moisture and texture. You might also enjoy exploring Pasta Chips Recipe for a crunchy snack variation alongside your baking.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, cold — keeps filling firm and easy to roll.
- 8 Tbsp butter, softened — adds creaminess and flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar — sweetens and smooths the filling.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract — enhances overall taste.
Note: This recipe yields about 12 slices, making it perfect for gatherings or family dessert nights.
Variations
This recipe is easy to customize depending on preference or dietary needs.
- Dairy-free versions can be made using plant-based cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- Sugar-free alternatives work well using monk fruit or erythritol sweeteners.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for crunch.
- Raisins or shredded coconut add sweetness and texture.
- Orange zest mixed into the filling gives a fresh citrus twist.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10–13 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes including chilling
Equipment You Need
- Jelly roll pan (10×15 inch) – ensures thin, even baking for rolling.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and aids rolling.
- Mixing bowls – needed for combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer – helps achieve smooth frosting.
- Spatula – spreads batter and filling evenly.
- Plastic wrap – helps the roll firm up while chilling.
How to Make Carrot Cake Roll Recipe?
Making a cake roll may seem tricky, but it’s actually quite simple once you follow each step carefully. The key is rolling while warm and chilling properly afterward. Take your time and enjoy the process. Soon you’ll have a bakery-style dessert at home.
Prepare the Pan and Batter
Preheat the oven and line your baking pan with parchment paper so the cake releases easily. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla in another until smooth. Gently combine everything, then fold in freshly shredded carrots to finish the batter.
Bake and Roll
Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake until the cake springs back when touched. Immediately roll the warm cake with parchment paper from the short side to shape it while cooling. Let it rest so the roll form sets naturally.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat cream cheese until smooth before adding softened butter for a creamy texture. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until silky and spreadable. The filling should be thick but easy to spread without tearing the cake.
Frost and Re-Roll
Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread frosting evenly, leaving a small border so filling doesn’t spill out. Slowly roll the cake back up, keeping it tight but gentle. Remove parchment as you roll.
Chill and Slice
Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic and chill for at least an hour to firm up. Chilling helps slices stay clean and neat. Use a warm knife for smooth cuts when serving.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my own experience, these tips make the recipe even easier and tastier:
- I grate carrots finely so they blend smoothly into the cake.
- I freeze the roll briefly before slicing for perfect swirls.
- I avoid overbaking so the cake stays flexible for rolling.
- I use a warm knife to keep slices neat.
- I always chill thoroughly so the roll holds its shape.
How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll Recipe?
Serve slices chilled or slightly softened at room temperature for best texture. Dust with powdered sugar for a simple presentation, or add whipped cream on the side. Chopped nuts, carrot ribbons, or a drizzle of caramel sauce make it look extra special for gatherings or holidays.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per slice:
- Calories: 228 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fat: 10 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing: Keep the roll wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
Freezing: Freeze the whole roll or slices for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled or slightly softened, so simply let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons this dessert quickly becomes a favorite:
- It combines classic carrot cake flavor with an impressive rolled presentation.
- Perfect for holidays, parties, or weekend baking projects.
- Soft cake and creamy filling create an irresistible texture contrast.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to prepare at home.
- Flexible recipe allows creative flavor additions and dietary adjustments.
If you’ve never tried making a cake roll before, this carrot cake roll is the perfect place to start. It looks fancy but comes together easily, and the flavor is comforting and nostalgic. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it for every special occasion.
Carrot Cake Roll Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven and line your baking pan with parchment paper so the cake releases easily. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla in another until smooth. Gently combine everything, then fold in freshly shredded carrots to finish the batter.
- Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake until the cake springs back when touched. Immediately roll the warm cake with parchment paper from the short side to shape it while cooling. Let it rest so the roll form sets naturally.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth before adding softened butter for a creamy texture. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until silky and spreadable. The filling should be thick but easy to spread without tearing the cake.
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread frosting evenly, leaving a small border so filling doesn’t spill out. Slowly roll the cake back up, keeping it tight but gentle. Remove parchment as you roll.
- Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic and chill for at least an hour to firm up. Chilling helps slices stay clean and neat. Use a warm knife for smooth cuts when serving.
Notes
- I grate carrots finely so they blend smoothly into the cake.
- I freeze the roll briefly before slicing for perfect swirls.
- I avoid overbaking so the cake stays flexible for rolling.
- I use a warm knife to keep slices neat.
- I always chill thoroughly so the roll holds its shape.