Here’s a soft, spiced Carrot Cake Roll with creamy filling—beautiful, moist, and easier than it looks. I’ll give clear steps so it rolls without cracking.
🥕 Carrot Cake Roll
Ingredients (serves 8–10)
Cake:
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely grated carrots (packed)
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving extra over the sides.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale (about 3 minutes).
- Mix in oil and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Gently fold in grated carrots.
Step 3: Bake
- Spread batter evenly in the pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the cake springs back when touched.
Step 4: Roll While Warm
- Lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust with powdered sugar.
- Turn the hot cake out onto the towel.
- Carefully peel off parchment paper.
- Roll the cake from the short end, towel included.
- Let cool completely (prevents cracking).
Step 5: Make the Filling
- Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
Step 6: Fill & Re-Roll
- Gently unroll the cooled cake.
- Spread cream cheese filling evenly, leaving a small border.
- Roll the cake back up (without towel).
Step 7: Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before slicing.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with cream cheese glaze.
Tips for Success
🥕 Grate carrots finely for a smooth roll
🥕 Roll cake while warm—this is key
🥕 Don’t overbake or the cake will crack
Optional Add-Ins
- Finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- Raisins (small amount)
- Orange zest in the filling