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Carrot Cake Roll

This Carrot Cake Roll recipe combines the timeless flavors of spiced carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese filling. It’s perfectly moist, brimming with fresh carrots, and topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Whether for a holiday celebration or a casual treat, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.


Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • Dry Ingredients:
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients:
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups finely grated carrots
  • Optional:
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dry Mix

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thick and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

  1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
  2. Gently fold in the grated carrots and walnuts (if using).

Step 5: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
  2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Step 6: Roll the Cake

  1. Dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar.
  2. Turn the hot cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake up in the towel (starting from a short side).
  3. Let the rolled cake cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

  1. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Step 8: Fill and Roll

  1. Unroll the cooled cake and spread most of the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border.
  2. Carefully re-roll the cake (without the towel) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
  3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

  1. Spread the reserved cream cheese filling on top of the cake roll.
  2. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts for garnish.
  3. Slice and serve!

Helpful Tips

  1. Prevent Cracking: Rolling the cake in a towel while it’s still warm helps prevent cracks by keeping the cake pliable.
  2. Grating Carrots: Use the finest side of a box grater for evenly distributed moisture.
  3. Chill Time: Chilling the cake roll ensures the filling sets, making it easier to slice cleanly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes! While cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, buttercream or whipped cream can also work.

2. Can I make the cake roll ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

3. What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

You can use a standard baking sheet, but ensure the dimensions are close to 15×10 inches for consistent results.

4. Can I freeze the cake roll?

Yes. Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

5. How do I prevent the cake from cracking?

Rolling the cake in a powdered sugar-dusted towel immediately after baking keeps it pliable, reducing the risk of cracks.


Conclusion

This Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful way to transform traditional carrot cake into an elegant dessert. Packed with warm spices, sweet carrots, and a dreamy cream cheese filling, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Easy to prepare and stunning to serve, this dessert is bound to become a go-to recipe in your repertoire. Enjoy every bite!