Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

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This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Imagine everything you love about traditional carrot cake—moist, warmly spiced, and studded with shredded carrots—rolled up with a silky, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts into every spiral. It’s elegant enough for special occasions, yet cozy and familiar enough for a casual afternoon treat.

The combination of textures is what makes this dessert irresistible: the tender crumb of the spiced carrot cake wraps around the rich, sweet frosting like a warm hug. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few shreds of carrot for garnish, this roll is not just a dessert—it’s a showstopper that looks just as impressive as it tastes.

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Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

• A fun, elegant twist on a classic favorite
• Perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and tang
• Easier to make than it looks—and great for make-ahead entertaining
• Moist, flavorful cake with a dreamy creamy filling
• Gorgeous presentation for holidays, brunches, or birthdays

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To successfully make this Carrot Cake Roll, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Jelly roll pan (10×15 inches): This shallow pan is key for creating the thin, flexible cake layer needed for rolling.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easier to roll the cake without tearing.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for making a smooth, fluffy cream cheese frosting.
• Fine mesh sieve: Helps evenly dust powdered sugar over the cake and roll.
• Clean kitchen towel: Used to roll the cake while it’s still warm, helping set the shape.

Each of these tools plays an important role in maintaining structure, avoiding cracks, and achieving the perfect spiral.

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Preparation Tips

Grating the carrots finely ensures they blend smoothly into the batter without affecting the cake’s texture. Use room temperature eggs for better volume and mixing. Make sure not to overbake the cake—it needs to stay flexible for rolling. When the cake comes out of the oven, work quickly to roll it up with the towel to set its shape before it cools. Allow the cake to cool completely before unrolling and spreading the cream cheese frosting to avoid melting.

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Ingredients for this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

For the Carrot Cake:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Extra shredded carrots or chopped nuts (optional)

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.

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Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a stand or hand mixer on high speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light and thickened. Add in the vanilla extract and mix to combine.

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Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. Then fold in the grated carrots (and nuts, if using) with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix.

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Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly with an offset spatula. Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the top springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

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Step 6: Roll the Cake

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, run a knife along the edges to loosen it. Invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper carefully. Starting from the short side, gently roll the cake up in the towel (like a jelly roll). Let it cool completely in this rolled-up form.

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Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined and fluffy.

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Step 8: Fill and Re-Roll

Once the cake is completely cooled, gently unroll it. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface, leaving a small border along the edges. Re-roll the cake (without the towel) as tightly as possible without squeezing the filling out.

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Step 9: Chill and Serve

Wrap the filled cake roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with shredded carrots or chopped nuts, if desired. Slice and enjoy!

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Notes

This Carrot Cake Roll is a beautiful blend of moist spiced cake and rich, tangy cream cheese filling. For best results, always use fresh, finely grated carrots—not pre-shredded store-bought ones—as they contain more moisture and better flavor. If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the frosting. The cake can be made a day ahead, making it a convenient dessert for gatherings or holidays.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking the cake: This makes it dry and prone to cracking when rolled. Check it early and often.
• Skipping the towel roll step: Rolling the cake while warm is key to preventing breaks later.
• Using cold cream cheese or butter for the frosting: This can lead to a lumpy texture. Always soften them first.
• Filling the cake while still warm: This will melt the frosting and ruin the texture. Let it cool completely.
• Overmixing the batter: Doing so will make the cake dense instead of soft and tender.

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Storage Instructions

Wrap the assembled carrot cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic and then in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing. It’s best served chilled or at cool room temperature for clean cuts and the best frosting consistency.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per slice (based on 10 slices)

• Calories: ~280
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 21g
• Protein: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cake from cracking?

Roll it while it’s still warm in a towel dusted with powdered sugar to help it hold its shape without breaking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking.

What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

You can use a rimmed baking sheet close in size (10×15 inches), but make sure it’s shallow to ensure proper cake thickness.

Can I add raisins or pineapple to the batter?

Yes, but be careful with moisture. If using pineapple, drain it very well. Limit extra add-ins to keep the cake rollable.

Can I freeze the carrot cake roll?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

How far in advance can I make this?

You can make it up to a day or two ahead. Store refrigerated until ready to serve.

How do I get a clean slice?

Chill the roll and use a sharp, serrated knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Homemade cream cheese frosting is best, but in a pinch, store-bought can work. Soften and whip it slightly before spreading.

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Conclusion

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday table or simply to impress guests with your culinary skills, this cake roll delivers every time. Its delightful swirl, cozy spice blend, and creamy filling make it a memorable treat worth mastering. Once you try it, it might just become your new go-to for special occasions.

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