Introduction
Imagine a moist and flavorful carrot cake, rolled up with a luscious cream cheese frosting filling—a delightful twist on the classic dessert! This Carrot Cake Roll recipe combines the comforting flavors of a traditional carrot cake with the elegance of a swiss roll presentation. Whether you’re looking for a stunning dessert to impress guests or simply craving a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe will not disappoint.
Carrot cake has a rich history rooted in European culinary traditions, where carrots were used as a natural sweetener in cakes during the medieval period. Fast forward to modern times, and carrot cake remains a beloved dessert for its unique flavor profile and moist texture. The addition of cream cheese frosting adds a creamy and tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
What sets this Carrot Cake Roll apart is its visual appeal and the element of surprise when slicing into the spiraled cake to reveal the beautiful layers of cake and frosting. It’s a show-stopping dessert that is surprisingly easy to make with a few simple ingredients and some patience. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable recipe and discover why it’s a must-try for any baking enthusiast!
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced carrot cake with the indulgence of creamy frosting—all rolled into one delightful dessert that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Carrot Cake Roll recipe offers a unique twist on a classic favorite, making it a standout dessert for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
The combination of moist carrot cake and creamy cream cheese frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Rolling the cake adds a touch of elegance to the presentation, making it ideal for special gatherings or celebrations.
It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a show-stopping finale to a dinner party.
For those looking to indulge in a delicious dessert while still incorporating some veggies into their diet, this recipe provides a sneaky way to enjoy the goodness of carrots in a sweet form.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Carrot Cake Roll, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake:
– All-purpose flour
– Baking powder
– Baking soda
– Ground cinnamon
– Salt
– Eggs
– Granulated sugar
– Vanilla extract
– Grated carrots
– Chopped walnuts (optional)
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– Cream cheese
– Unsalted butter
– Vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding raisins, pineapple, or other mix-ins to the cake batter, or by incorporating lemon zest or orange extract into the frosting for a citrusy twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake the cake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cake is baking, sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
9. Once the cake is done, immediately invert it onto the prepared towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
10. Starting from one of the shorter ends, gently roll the cake and towel together into a spiral. Allow the cake to cool completely while rolled.
11. In the meantime, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
12. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the surface.
13. Re-roll the cake (without the towel) starting from the same end, using the parchment paper underneath to help guide the roll.
14. Chill the Carrot Cake Roll in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a final touch!
Expert Tips for Success
For best results, make sure to grate the carrots finely to ensure they cook through and blend seamlessly into the cake batter.
When rolling the cake, do it gently and with the help of the towel to prevent cracking and ensure a tight spiral.
To enhance the flavor of the cream cheese frosting, consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice for a tangy kick.
Allowing the cake to chill in the refrigerator before serving helps the frosting set and makes it easier to slice into neat, beautiful swirls.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this Carrot Cake Roll recipe by incorporating the following variations:
– Swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor profile.
– Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the cake batter for a citrusy twist.
– Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the warmth of the cake.
– For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese in the frosting or substitute part of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
To serve this delightful Carrot Cake Roll, slice it into rounds and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance. Pair each slice with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea for a perfect dessert experience.
For a more indulgent serving option, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that is sure to impress your guests!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this Carrot Cake Roll ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cake roll a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply slice it before serving for a convenient dessert option.
Q: Can I freeze the Carrot Cake Roll?
A: While the cake roll is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it (unglazed) for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
A: Rolling the cake while it is still warm and using a towel to guide the process helps prevent cracking. You can also slightly underbake the cake for added flexibility.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded carrots for this recipe?
A: While fresh grated carrots provide the best texture and flavor, you can use pre-shredded carrots in a pinch. Just make sure they are finely shredded for even distribution in the batter.
Final Thoughts
As you embark on the culinary journey of making this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling, savor each step of the process and enjoy the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen. From mixing the batter to rolling the cake, every moment leads to a rewarding and delicious outcome that is worth every effort.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking to try something new or a novice in the kitchen eager to impress, this recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart with every bite!
Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling
A delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, this Carrot Cake Roll features a moist and flavorful carrot cake rolled up with a luscious cream cheese frosting filling. It combines the comforting flavors of a traditional carrot cake with the elegance of a swiss roll presentation, making it a show-stopping dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
- Invert the baked cake onto the prepared towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Gently roll the cake and towel together into a spiral, then allow the cake to cool completely while rolled.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread the cream cheese frosting over the surface, and re-roll the cake without the towel, using the parchment paper underneath to guide the roll.
- Chill the Carrot Cake Roll in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Facts
