Carrot Cake Roll: 5 Steps to Heavenly Delight

June 13, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making a carrot cake roll! There’s something so delightful about the way the soft, spiced cake rolls up around that luscious cream cheese filling. It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form! I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was a rainy afternoon, and the smell of cinnamon and carrots filled my kitchen. I couldn’t wait to see how it would turn out! And guess what? The combination of sweet, grated carrots with that rich cream cheese frosting is just heavenly. You’re going to love how easy it is to whip up this carrot cake roll, and trust me, it’s always a showstopper at any gathering! Whether it’s for a birthday, tea party, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake roll is a real treat that never fails to impress. Let’s get started!

Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious carrot cake roll:

2 cups finely grated carrots: Make sure to grate them finely so they blend beautifully into the cake!
1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake, giving it structure without being too heavy.
1 cup granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness that balances the spices and carrots.
4 large eggs: These will help your cake rise and give it a lovely, fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This little guy helps the cake to rise and stay light.
1 teaspoon baking soda: It works hand-in-hand with the baking powder for that perfect lift.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Ah, the warm spice that makes this cake smell like heaven!
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those lovely flavors.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: This keeps the cake moist and tender—no dry carrot cake here!
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: This is the star of your filling, making it rich and creamy.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: To sweeten the cream cheese filling just right!
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for filling: To keep that delightful flavor consistent throughout.

Now that you have everything ready, you’re one step closer to creating a masterpiece! Let’s move on to the fun part—preparing your carrot cake roll!

How to Prepare Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and soon enough, you’ll have a gorgeous carrot cake roll to impress everyone!

Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out just right!
Prepare your pan: Grab a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan, and grease it up. Then, line it with parchment paper. This will make it super easy to roll later and prevent any sticking—nobody likes a broken cake!
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything’s evenly mixed. This step is key to get that lovely flavor throughout your cake!
Beat the eggs and sugar: In another large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You want it to be pale and airy, which will help your cake rise beautifully!
Add the wet ingredients: Next, pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Mix until everything’s well combined. The oil helps keep your cake moist, so don’t skip this!
Combine wet and dry: Now, gently stir in your flour mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cake light and fluffy!
Fold in the carrots: Time to add those grated carrots! Fold them in gently using a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. You’ll love the vibrant color and texture they add!
Spread the batter: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. It should look smooth and inviting!
Bake it: Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it—overbaking can lead to a dry cake!
Prepare the towel: While the cake is baking, get a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle powdered sugar all over it. This will help prevent sticking when you roll the cake later.
Roll the cake: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, flip it onto the prepared towel. Remove the pan and gently peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one end, roll the cake up with the towel inside. This is what gives it that lovely roll shape! Let it cool completely while rolled up.
Make the filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and the extra vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling is going to be the star of the show!
Unroll and fill: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface of the cake, making sure to get it all the way to the edges.
Roll it back up: Now, roll the cake back up without the towel. Don’t worry if it cracks a little—it’s still going to be delicious! Wrap it up in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
Slice and serve: After chilling, take it out, slice it into nice rounds, and serve! You’re in for a treat with every bite of that fluffy cake and creamy filling!

And there you have it! With these straightforward steps, you’ll have a delightful carrot cake roll that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process and don’t forget to sneak a bite while you work—it’s too good to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can whip up this cake roll in no time, making it a perfect option for last-minute dessert cravings!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet carrots and creamy frosting is a match made in heaven—each bite is bursting with flavor!
Impressive Presentation: Rolling the cake makes it look fancy and elegant, perfect for impressing friends and family without a lot of extra effort.
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite nuts, spices, or even swap in different fillings to make it your own!
Light and Moist: The cake stays wonderfully moist and fluffy thanks to the grated carrots and oil, making it hard to resist!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a regular weekday, this carrot cake roll is a delightful treat that fits right in.

Tips for Success

Getting the perfect carrot cake roll might seem daunting at first, but I promise, with a few simple tips, you’ll be a pro in no time! Here are my top recommendations to help you avoid common pitfalls:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no more flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it to be light and fluffy!
Grate Carrots Finely: For the best texture, make sure to grate your carrots finely. This helps them blend into the cake seamlessly and ensures every bite is delicious!
Use a Clean Towel: When rolling the cake, make sure your kitchen towel is clean and generously dusted with powdered sugar. This prevents the cake from sticking to the towel and helps maintain its shape.
Roll While Hot: Roll the cake right after it comes out of the oven. This allows it to hold its shape as it cools, making it easier to fill later on!
Let It Cool Completely: Allow the rolled cake to cool fully before unrolling it and adding the filling. This step is crucial to avoid a messy filling situation!
Chill Before Slicing: After adding the filling and rolling it back up, chilling the cake for about 30 minutes helps it firm up. This makes slicing much easier and neater!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of the carrot cake roll. Happy baking!

Variations

One of the best things about this carrot cake roll is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or to add a little fun twist. Here are some delicious variations to consider:

Nuts: Want some crunch? Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful texture. Just be sure to chop them finely so they mix in well!
Raisins or Pineapple: For a touch of sweetness, mix in some raisins or crushed pineapple (drained) into the batter. They’ll add bursts of flavor that complement the carrots beautifully!
Different Spices: Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and spice. It can really elevate that cozy flavor!
Coconut: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist! It gives the cake a lovely chewiness and pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese filling.
Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top after it’s filled and rolled for a decadent treat!
Frosting Alternatives: Swap out the cream cheese filling for a whipped cream or even a chocolate ganache for a different dessert experience altogether!

With these variations, you can make this carrot cake roll your very own every time you bake it. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your beautiful carrot cake roll ready to go, let’s talk about some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience! Trust me, the right pairing can make your cake even more enjoyable.

Coffee: A rich cup of coffee is a classic pairing! The warmth and bitterness of coffee perfectly complement the sweetness of the carrot cake roll, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
Tea: If you prefer tea, a soothing cup of chai or Earl Grey goes wonderfully with the spiced flavors of the cake. It’s like a warm hug in a cup!
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side adds a lovely creaminess that pairs beautifully with the cake’s texture.
Fresh Fruit: Some sliced strawberries or a handful of fresh berries alongside the roll not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Ice Cream: For a decadent touch, serve slices with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The melting ice cream mingling with the carrot cake roll is simply divine!
Light Dessert: If you’re looking to keep things light, consider serving the cake roll with a side of fruit salad. The fruity freshness complements the richness of the cake perfectly.

These serving suggestions will not only enhance your carrot cake roll but also create a lovely dining experience for you and your guests. Enjoy every bite and savor the moments!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this wonderful carrot cake roll, and now you’re wondering how to keep it fresh for later. Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with some simple storage tips to make sure it stays delicious!

First off, if you have leftovers (and I hope you do, because it’s just so good!), wrap the carrot cake roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent it from drying out and keeps it moist. You can also place it in an airtight container if you prefer. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to avoid any fridge odors sneaking in!

If you want to keep it longer, you can absolutely freeze it! Just slice the roll into individual pieces, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes! The carrot cake roll will be good in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date so you don’t forget about it!

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen slice, simply take it out and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. No need to reheat it—this delightful cake is best served chilled, letting that creamy filling shine!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every bite of your carrot cake roll, whether it’s fresh from the oven or a delightful leftover treat. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for this delightful carrot cake roll. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Here’s a breakdown per serving (1 slice):

Calories: Approximately 230
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 3g

These values give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in with each slice. It’s a sweet treat, but when you savor it in moderation, it makes for a lovely dessert experience! Enjoy every delicious bite of your carrot cake roll!

FAQ Section

Can I use other types of flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can experiment with other flours! For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum, as that will help with the texture.

What can I do if my cake cracks while rolling?
Don’t worry if your cake cracks a bit! It happens to the best of us. Just gently press the edges together when you’re rolling it back up with the filling. The frosting will cover up any imperfections, and it’ll still taste amazing!

How do I know when my cake is done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready! Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking, though—this can dry out your carrot cake roll.

Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake and roll the cake a day in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge until you’re ready to add the filling. It actually gets even better as it sits and the flavors develop!

What’s the best way to slice the carrot cake roll?
To get nice clean slices, use a sharp serrated knife and make gentle sawing motions. This will help avoid squishing the cake and keep those pretty layers visible. Enjoy your beautiful slices!

carrot cake roll - detail 1

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.