Heavenly Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

Are you ready to elevate your dessert game with a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake? Look no further than this scrumptious Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling! Bursting with warm spices, tender carrots, and a decadent cream cheese filling, this dessert is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup pureed cooked carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the pureed carrots and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and springs back when touched.
3. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Roll the Cake

1. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
2. Carefully invert the warm cake onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper.
3. Starting from one short end, gently roll up the cake and towel together. Place seam side down and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake Roll

1. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
2. Gently re-roll the cake, this time without the towel. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Raisins or Pineapple: For extra sweetness and texture, consider adding 1/2 cup of raisins or drained crushed pineapple to the cake batter.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version of the cake.
• Spice Adjustment: Adjust the amount of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to suit your taste preferences.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s a modified version of the Carrot Cake Roll:

• Flour Substitute: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour.
• Sugar Substitute: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Prepare a keto-friendly cream cheese frosting using powdered erythritol instead of powdered sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cake roll in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Q: Can I use pumpkin puree instead of carrots? A: Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of pumpkin puree for the carrot puree to make a delicious pumpkin roll instead.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the irresistible charm of this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling, a dessert that combines the comforting flavors of carrot cake with the elegance of a rolled cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is guaranteed to delight your senses and leave a lasting impression on your guests. So, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to a slice of heavenly goodness with this delightful dessert!