Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Imagine the cozy warmth of classic carrot cake wrapped up in a perfectly soft spiral, layered with rich, velvety cream cheese frosting. That’s exactly what you get with this Carrot Cake Roll. It’s a delightful twist on a timeless dessert, turning the familiar into something spectacular. The texture is tender yet sturdy enough to roll, the spices shine through each bite, and the creamy swirl adds just the right balance of sweetness.

Whether you’re making this for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or just because you love carrot cake, this dessert is a true showstopper. It looks impressive, but don’t be fooled — with a few tips and some love, it’s easier to make than you might think. Every slice reveals that gorgeous swirl of cream cheese and spiced cake, making it just as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Roll

This dessert brings everything you adore about carrot cake into a more elegant and portable form. You get all the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and freshly grated carrots in every bite, plus the iconic cream cheese frosting that ties it all together. It’s moist, sweet, spiced, and wonderfully balanced.

The roll format also makes serving incredibly simple and clean. Each slice is neat, beautiful, and bakery-worthy without the need for layers or complicated decoration. Plus, it stores easily and even tastes better the next day!

What Kind of Carrots Should I Use for a Carrot Cake Roll?

Freshly grated carrots are essential here. Pre-shredded carrots from a bag are often too dry and coarse for a soft, rollable cake. Using a fine grater or food processor ensures your cake will stay moist and tender. Opt for medium-sized carrots with vibrant orange color — they’ll be sweeter and more flavorful, giving your carrot cake roll that classic taste and texture you’re after.

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Ingredients for the Carrot Cake Roll

Every ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, contributing to the cake’s texture, flavor, and structure. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake, giving it structure while staying soft.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Provide the lift the cake needs to roll without cracking.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices that are signature to carrot cake.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Eggs: Create structure and help the cake remain flexible enough to roll.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its golden color.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Freshly grated carrots: The star ingredient, adding moisture, sweetness, and texture.
• Powdered sugar: For dusting the towel when rolling and sweetening the frosting.
• Cream cheese: The base of the frosting; rich, tangy, and smooth.
• Butter: Softened, it helps make the frosting creamy and stable.

How To Make the Carrot Cake Roll

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thick and pale. Stir in the vanilla and oil until smooth.

Step 4: Fold in Carrots

Gently stir in the grated carrots until well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Spread evenly in the prepared pan and bake until the cake springs back when touched.

Step 6: Roll the Cake

Turn the warm cake onto a clean, powdered sugar-dusted towel. Carefully peel off the parchment and roll the cake with the towel. Let it cool completely in the rolled-up shape.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and smooth.

Step 8: Fill and Re-Roll

Unroll the cooled cake, spread the frosting evenly, then roll it back up without the towel. Chill before slicing for best results.

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How to Serve and Store This Carrot Cake Roll

This carrot cake roll serves around 8 to 10 people, making it an ideal dessert for small gatherings, birthdays, or cozy family dinners. For the best presentation, slice it with a sharp, clean knife and wipe the blade between each cut to maintain those beautiful swirl patterns.

To store, keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the roll (whole or sliced) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What to Serve With Carrot Cake Roll?

Fresh Berries

A handful of raspberries or strawberries adds a juicy brightness that balances the richness of the cream cheese.

Whipped Cream

A light dollop of homemade whipped cream on the side adds a soft, airy contrast.

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The warmth and slight bitterness of coffee enhance the spices in the carrot cake beautifully.

Chai Tea or Spiced Latte

For a cozy pairing, go with something that mirrors the spiced profile of the cake.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Creamy and subtle, vanilla ice cream melts into the cake for an indulgent bite.

Toasted Pecans or Walnuts

Sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts over each slice to add crunch and depth.

Honey Drizzle

A light drizzle of honey can complement the natural sweetness of the carrots.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this carrot cake roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this cake tastes even better after chilling. Make it a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

2. My cake cracked when rolling — what did I do wrong?
Cracks usually occur if the cake is overbaked or not rolled while still warm. Be sure to roll it while it’s hot from the oven to prevent breaking.

3. Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting?
You can, but homemade cream cheese frosting has a fresher taste and a thicker texture, which helps the roll hold its shape better.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of regular flour. Check the texture after baking to ensure flexibility.

5. How long will leftovers last?
Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to retain moisture and prevent drying out.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

You can find more sweet inspiration on my Pinterest board here: Life With Livia Recipes

Conclusion

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is everything you love about a traditional carrot cake, but with a fresh, elegant twist. It’s moist, spiced, creamy, and absolutely beautiful on any dessert table. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or bringing it to a brunch gathering, it’s sure to impress. Happy baking!

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