Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re a fan of carrot cake, you’re in for a treat with this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful dessert combines the classic flavors of carrot cake with the elegance of a rolled cake, all wrapped around a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or just because, this cake roll is sure to impress your family and friends. With a prep time of 20 minutes and a total time of 1 hour and 32 minutes, this recipe is both manageable and rewarding. Each serving contains approximately 350 kcal, making it a satisfying and indulgent treat.

Ingredients to Prepare

This recipe yields 8 servings. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Carrot Cake Roll:

For the Carrot Cake:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely grated carrots
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

How to Make

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and pale.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Fold in the grated carrots.

3. Bake the Cake:

• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

4. Roll the Cake:

• While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel by dusting it generously with powdered sugar.
• Once the cake is done, immediately invert it onto the prepared towel.
• Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then gently roll the cake and towel together, starting from the short end.
• Allow the rolled cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

5. Prepare the Frosting:

• In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and butter until smooth and creamy.

6. Assemble the Cake Roll:

• Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it gently.
• Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Re-roll the cake without the towel.
• Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

7. Serve:

• Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired before slicing.
• Enjoy your Delightful Carrot Cake Roll with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting!

Helpful Tips

• Grating Carrots: Use the finest side of your grater to ensure the carrots blend smoothly into the cake batter.
• Rolling the Cake: Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking. Rolling it in a towel dusted with powdered sugar helps keep it from sticking.
• Frosting Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy frosting.

Cooking Tips

• Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. You can add a pinch of cloves or allspice for additional warmth.
• Cooling the Cake: Make sure the cake is completely cool before unrolling to frost, as a warm cake can melt the frosting.
• Uniform Spread: Spread the frosting evenly and leave a small border to prevent it from oozing out when you roll the cake back up.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish: Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flair.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Beverage Pairing: Pair with a cup of hot coffee, spiced tea, or a glass of dessert wine to complement the flavors.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 35g
• Fiber: 2g

Storage and Leftovers

• Storage: Store any leftover cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The cake roll can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary.

Similar Recipes to Try

If you love this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting, you might enjoy these other delightful desserts:

1. Classic Carrot Cake: A moist and flavorful carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, perfect for any celebration.

2. Pumpkin Roll: A spiced pumpkin cake rolled around a creamy filling, ideal for fall gatherings.

3. Lemon Roll Cake: A light and zesty lemon cake roll filled with a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting.

4. Chocolate Swiss Roll: A rich chocolate cake rolled around a fluffy whipped cream filling, perfect for chocolate lovers.

5. Red Velvet Cake Roll: A beautiful red velvet cake rolled around a luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

• It’s best to use freshly grated carrots for this recipe as pre-shredded carrots can be too coarse and dry.

2. How do I prevent the cake from cracking?

• Roll the cake while it’s still warm and pliable. Rolling it in a towel dusted with powdered sugar helps prevent sticking and cracking.

3. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Let it soften at room temperature before spreading on the cake.

4. Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake batter?

• Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor.

5. How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftover cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

6. Can I make this cake roll gluten-free?

• Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

The Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful and elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Combining the classic flavors of carrot cake with a creamy and smooth frosting, this cake roll is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, it’s a dessert that you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it with your favorite beverage and enjoy a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and happy baking!

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