Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Writing Style

Hi Kitchies! Let me tell you about a dessert that’s as impressive to serve as it is delightful to eat—the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine the warm, spiced flavor of a traditional carrot cake, but with a twist that makes it feel oh-so-fancy. This roll is soft, moist, and filled with all the comforting spices you love, then wrapped around a tangy, luscious cream cheese frosting that’ll make you want to savor every single bite.

The best part? Don’t let its fancy appearance intimidate you. This dessert is a lot easier to make than it looks! With a few simple steps, you’ll have a masterpiece that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or just because you deserve something special. Plus, that swirl of frosting inside? It’s like finding a little piece of heaven in every slice.

Carrot cake is one of those timeless desserts that never fails to bring people together. Whether it’s the subtle hint of cinnamon, the crunch of walnuts, or the smoothness of the frosting, this carrot cake roll captures all of it in a stunning presentation that’s sure to be the star of your dessert table.

Recipe Overview in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style

Carrot cake, but make it classy! This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is the dessert you didn’t know you needed. It’s soft, spiced, and perfectly sweetened, rolled up with a rich cream cheese filling that balances the flavors like a pro.

With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can transform a classic dessert into an elegant showstopper. The result? A perfectly swirled slice of carrot cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Exciting Story

I made this carrot cake roll for the first time during Easter dinner a few years ago. My husband raised an eyebrow when I told him I was making a rolled cake—he thought I was being overly ambitious. But when I sliced into it and revealed that perfect swirl of cream cheese frosting, his jaw literally dropped. Since then, it’s been a family tradition. My kids love helping me roll the cake (with careful supervision), and everyone fights over the last slice! It’s become one of those recipes that feels like a hug on a plate.

Why This Carrot Cake Roll?

Eye-Catching Presentation: The rolled design with swirls of cream cheese frosting makes this dessert a showstopper.
Perfectly Spiced: Classic carrot cake flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger come together for a warm, comforting treat.
Moist Texture: Grated carrots add natural moisture, keeping the cake soft and tender.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill it overnight for easy slicing and serving.
Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like walnuts, raisins, or shredded coconut to make it your own.

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

For the Cake:

3 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp salt
2 cups finely grated carrots
Powdered sugar (for rolling)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups powdered sugar

How to Make a Carrot Cake Roll

Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla, and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in the grated carrots until evenly distributed.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
Roll the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake tightly (with the towel inside) starting from the short end. Let it cool completely while rolled.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and mix until creamy and lump-free.
Assemble the Cake Roll:
- Once the cake is cooled, gently unroll it. Spread an even layer of frosting over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Re-roll the cake (without the towel) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Slice and Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar, slice into even pieces, and enjoy your masterpiece!

Tips

Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake while it’s warm helps prevent cracks.
Grate the Carrots Finely: This ensures the batter stays smooth and the cake bakes evenly.
Don’t Overfill: Leave a border around the edges when spreading the frosting to avoid overflow.
Chill Before Slicing: Chilling the roll helps it hold its shape when sliced.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Add-Ins: Fold in chopped walnuts, raisins, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
Zesty Twist: Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy kick.

Make a Healthier Version

Low-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute in the cake and frosting.
Whole-Wheat Flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour.
Light Cream Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and butter.

Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style

And there it is—the perfect Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting! This dessert has everything you love about carrot cake in a gorgeous, swirled package that’s sure to wow your friends and family. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and always a hit. Don’t forget to share your creations with us—we can’t wait to hear what mix-ins and variations you come up with!

Relevant Categories: Desserts, Holiday Recipes, Party Favorites, Spring Recipes

Tags: Carrot Cake Roll, Cream Cheese Frosting, No-Crack Cake Roll, Easter Desserts, Holiday Baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this cake roll?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Why does my cake crack?
Cracking can occur if the cake isn’t rolled while warm. Be sure to roll it right after baking!
Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut if you’re short on time.
How long can I store this cake roll?
It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What can I use instead of a jelly roll pan?
A rimmed baking sheet of similar size works well—just adjust the bake time as needed.

Enjoy your picture-perfect dessert! 🥕