There’s something so magical about baking a carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting filling! The sweet, spiced aroma wafting through my kitchen always takes me back to family gatherings, where this dessert would steal the show. I remember my grandmother whipping it up, her laughter echoing as we eagerly awaited the first slice. This delightful dessert is not just a feast for the eyes, but it also offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. The moist, fluffy cake pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy frosting, making it a crowd-pleaser at any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just a cozy afternoon treat, this carrot cake roll is versatile enough to fit right in. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over again!
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delightful carrot cake roll! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups grated carrots: Make sure to grate them finely for even baking and a smooth texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This will give the cake structure; sift it if you want a lighter texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! This will help balance out the spices and flavors.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: The molasses in the brown sugar adds a rich flavor that complements the carrots beautifully.
- 4 large eggs: These will help bind everything together and create that lovely fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cake rise, making it light and airy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent that works with the baking powder for extra fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A must-have spice that gives the cake that warm, comforting flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Optional, but they add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened): This is the star of the cream cheese frosting filling—make sure it’s soft for easy mixing!
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness to the frosting; let it sit at room temperature to soften.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: For that sweet, creamy filling—sift for a smoother texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavors beautifully.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a show-stopping carrot cake roll that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling
Preheat and Mix Ingredients
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for that perfect baking environment! While it’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the grated carrots, flour, both sugars, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. I like to use a whisk here to really blend everything well, ensuring there are no lumps. Once it’s all mixed, gently fold in the chopped walnuts if you’re using them. Trust me, those little bits of crunch make a difference!
Bake the Cake
Now it’s time to spread that glorious mixture onto a greased baking sheet. Make sure to spread it evenly so it bakes uniformly. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean! While it’s baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. This will help prevent sticking when you roll it up.
Prepare the Filling
While the cake is cooling, let’s whip up that creamy filling. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth and luscious mixture. I can’t stress enough how important it is to beat it until there are no lumps—this will give you that dreamy consistency that complements the cake perfectly!
Roll the Cake
Once your cake is baked, carefully invert it onto the prepared towel. Start rolling it up from one short end, using the towel to help you. This might feel a bit tricky, but take your time! The key here is letting it cool completely in this rolled-up position. This way, it remembers its shape when you unroll it later. After about 30 minutes, you’re ready to unroll it, spread that creamy filling evenly, and then roll it back up. Refrigerate it for at least an hour to set, and then it’s showtime!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just a bit of mixing and baking, you can have this delicious dessert ready in no time!
- Deliciously moist: The combination of grated carrots and cream cheese frosting creates a moist, flavorful treat that will have everyone raving.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties and gatherings, this carrot cake roll is sure to impress your guests.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with nuts, raisins, or different spices to suit your taste!
- Beautiful presentation: The rolled shape looks stunning on a dessert table, making it a showstopper.
Tips for Success
Getting your carrot cake roll just right can be a breeze with a few handy tips! First, make sure your cake is completely cool before applying the cream cheese filling. This helps prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off—no one wants that mess! If you’re short on time, you can pop the rolled cake into the fridge for a quick chill instead of waiting. And don’t hesitate to experiment! You can substitute the walnuts for pecans or even add some shredded coconut for an extra twist. Also, if you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, try using whipped cream or a buttercream instead. Just remember, no matter what, have fun with it—baking should be a joyful experience!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delicious carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting filling, there are plenty of delightful options! I love pairing it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte; the spices in both beverages complement the cake perfectly. You might also consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence! If you want to keep things light, a dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a lovely touch. No matter how you serve it, this cake roll is sure to be the star of the dessert table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting filling fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, but trust me, it might not last that long! If you want to save it for later, you can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat; this cake is best served chilled, allowing the creamy filling to shine!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. But here’s a rough estimate for each slice of this delightful carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting filling:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can change depending on your ingredient choices. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re indulging in a delicious treat!
FAQ About Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling
Got questions about making this delightful carrot cake roll? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use other types of nuts? Absolutely! Pecans or even almonds work beautifully in this recipe, so feel free to switch it up.
What if I don’t have cream cheese? No worries! You can substitute with mascarpone cheese or even a fluffy whipped cream for a lighter filling.
Can I make this in advance? Yes! You can prepare the roll a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember to wrap it tightly to keep it fresh!
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling? The key is to let it cool in its rolled-up shape. This helps it maintain the form without cracking when you unroll it.
Hopefully, these answers help you feel more confident in your baking adventure! Enjoy every moment of making this delicious treat!
Print
Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious carrot cake roll filled with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix grated carrots, flour, sugars, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Fold in chopped walnuts.
- Spread the mixture onto a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Once baked, invert the cake onto the towel and roll it up. Let it cool.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly.
- Roll the cake back up and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying the filling.
- You can add raisins for extra sweetness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: carrot cake roll, cream cheese frosting, dessert recipe
