Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a soft, spiced cake swirled with a tangy-sweet creamy center, this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is for you! This festive dessert marries classic carrot cake flavor with a luscious, smooth filling, rolled up into a gorgeous pinwheel that slices up beautifully for any occasion. Each bite is a perfect balance of warm spice, tender carrot, and silky cream cheese—trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again, whether for a holiday table or a weekday treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its taste but in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s creating that classic carrot cake flavor or making the cream cheese filling irresistibly smooth. Gather these essentials, and you’re halfway to rolling up the magic!

• Ground Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and classic spice to the cake—don’t skip it for that unmistakeable carrot cake flavor!
• All-Purpose Flour: Keeps the cake light yet sturdy enough to roll without breaking.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cake just enough lift for a tender, springy texture.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings out the spice flavors.
• Ground Ginger: Lends a gentle zing and depth to the cake’s spice blend.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds subtle richness and warmth.
• Ground Cloves: Packs a punch in a teeny amount; it gives the cake that special undertone of cozy spice.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and richness for an extra tender roll.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake just right and helps with moisture and browning.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft, so it’s easy to roll and never dry.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings together all the spicy-sweet flavors in both cake and frosting.
• Shredded Carrots: The star ingredient—use freshly grated for the juiciest, sweetest results!
• Confectioners Sugar (for filling and glaze): Makes the filling smooth and sweet, and creates a glossy glaze on top.
• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat and softened for extra creamy, tangy filling.
• Salted Butter: Adds unrivaled richness and a subtle salty contrast in the filling.
• Milk: Adjusts the glaze to the right drizzling consistency.

How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Let’s set ourselves up for rolling success! Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and get your 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan ready. Grease it lightly, then line with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the long sides—this extra “parchment handle” will help you lift the cake out super easily for rolling.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, stir together your flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This guarantees every bite is full of warm spice, and gets the cake’s structure just right.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Carrots

In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar until well mixed and a bit frothy. Add in vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and your freshly shredded carrots. Whisk until everything looks uniform and gorgeous.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Now, gently sprinkle the dry ingredients over the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together. You want just-unified batter, without overworking it—this keeps your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling light and tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layer

Pour the batter into your lined pan, spreading it into an even, thin layer from corner to corner. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes. The cake should be fragrant, golden, and spring back when gently touched.

Step 6: Roll While Warm

Work quickly but gently here! When the cake is baked, carefully lift it out using the parchment paper and invert it onto a clean tea towel. Peel off the parchment, then immediately roll the warm cake (with the towel inside) into a snug log. This helps the cake “memorize” its swirl, so it won’t crack when filled later. Place the rolled cake on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

While your cake cools, beat together softened cream cheese, salted butter, and vanilla extract until fluffy. Gradually add confectioners sugar, mixing until smooth, creamy, and irresistible. This is the ribbon of happiness waiting inside your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling!

Step 8: Fill and Roll Up Again

Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread a generous, even layer of cream cheese frosting filling over the cake, right to the edges. Re-roll the cake (without the towel this time), then place seam side down.

Step 9: Make and Drizzle the Glaze

For the finishing touch, whisk confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle liberally over the top of your roll. Let set for a few minutes, then slice and serve!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

Garnishes

Amp up the eye appeal and flavor by dusting your finished Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling with a flurry of extra confectioners sugar, a scattering of finely chopped toasted pecans, or even some pretty candied carrot curls. A few orange zest shavings make every slice look fresh from the bakery!

Side Dishes

This roll is rich and flavorful enough to serve on its own, but it pairs beautifully with light, refreshing accompaniments. Try it with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries on the side, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just slice and serve—get playful! Try cutting the roll into mini pinwheels for a party platter, stacking a slice atop pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce, or serving with a swirl of extra cream cheese frosting filling on the side for dipping. Your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is just as fun as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay moist and wonderful for 3–4 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying with your morning coffee as a special treat.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the unglazed roll (whole or sliced) in a double layer of plastic wrap plus aluminum foil, then stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then glaze just before serving for best texture.

Reheating

While you don’t need to reheat this dessert, you can let it come to room temperature for softer texture, or give individual slices a quick 10-second zap in the microwave for a slightly warm, gooey frosting filling. Be careful not to overheat, though—the frosting can melt quickly!

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

Freshly shredded carrots are always best for a moist cake texture and vibrant flavor. Pre-shredded can be a bit dry or coarse, but will work in a pinch—just give them a check for freshness and size!

What if my cake cracks when rolling?

Don’t worry—a few cracks are normal and magically disappear under the glaze! Rolling the cake while it’s warm is the best way to avoid big cracks, so be ready as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Can I make the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure to check the texture as you roll, since gluten-free cakes can be a touch more delicate.

Does the cream cheese frosting filling work for cupcakes?

Yes, this luscious cream cheese frosting filling is a star on carrot cake cupcakes, too! Whip up an extra batch and use it to frost cupcakes or even sandwich cookies for that same amazing flavor combo.

How far ahead can I make this dessert?

You can make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling up to two days in advance. Just keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge and glaze before serving for picture-perfect results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels special, tastes like a cozy hug, and impresses every time, give this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling a try! It’s a showstopper that’s easier than it looks—and I promise, once you make it, it’ll find a permanent spot in your dessert rotation. Let’s get rolling!

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