Name: Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups finely grated carrots; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Jump to Recipe

Bursting with classic carrot cake flavors and wrapped up in a dreamy swirl, this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is a true showstopper for any dessert table. Imagine the moist, spiced carrot cake you know and love, rolled up gently with a sweet, tangy cream cheese filling that never fails to wow a crowd. Whether it’s a spring celebration or a cozy weekend treat, this dessert delights with every slice, both in taste and in the beautiful spirals waiting inside.

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that a handful of pantry staples and a little bit of love can transform into something absolutely magical! Each ingredient for the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling plays an important role in its tender crumb, spicy-sweet aroma, and irresistibly creamy swirl.

All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy but soft structure needed for rolling without cracking.
Baking powder & baking soda: These help the cake rise just enough for a light, fluffy texture.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to every bite.
Ground ginger: Offers a little kick that brightens up the flavor.
Ground nutmeg: For the earthiest, coziest spice undertone.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spice notes.
Large eggs: Bind the batter and bring the cake its soft, sponge-like feel.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter for classic cake flavor.
Light brown sugar: Gives a hint of caramel depth and moisture.
Vanilla extract: Infuses both the cake and filling with comforting bakery aroma.
Finely grated carrots: The star of the show—adds natural sweetness, color, and a moist crumb.
Chopped walnuts (optional): For a little crunch and a nutty note, if you love them.
Cream cheese (softened): Delivers the tangy, silky base for the rich frosting swirl.
Powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens the filling to make it ultra-smooth.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds creaminess and stability to that dreamy frosting.

How to Make Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and give it a light coating of grease. This ensures your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling releases easily; don’t skip this step—nothing ruins a cake roll like sticky parchment!

Step 2: Mix Up the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Combining these not only distributes the spices evenly (hello, gorgeous flavor!) but also fluffs the flour so it folds seamlessly into your batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Batter

Grab a large bowl and beat the eggs with both sugars until the mix is thick and creamy—about two minutes with electric beaters. Add the vanilla extract and blend well. Now, gradually add your dry mix, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts (if using). Your batter will already smell heavenly!

Step 4: Bake the Carrot Cake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan—don’t worry if it looks thin, it will puff up perfectly. Bake for 10-12 minutes; check for doneness by gently pressing the top. The cake should spring back lightly. Meanwhile, prepare a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with powdered sugar—this is your rolling mat!

Step 5: Roll the Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven, act fast! Invert it onto your sugar-dusted towel and gently peel off the parchment. From a short side, tightly roll the cake up in the towel. Let it cool completely (about an hour). This step molds your sponge into that signature Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling shape—no cracks!

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This frosting is the heart of the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling, so keep beating until it’s ultra light and luscious—no lumps allowed.

Step 7: Fill and Roll Again

When the cake is cool, unroll it gently. Spread the cream cheese filling all over, right up to the edges. Re-roll (this time without the towel) and transfer it seam-side down onto a platter. Chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to set the swirl and make slicing a breeze. Now you’re ready for the big reveal!

How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar over the top adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely snowy finish. For extra flair, try sprinkling with finely chopped walnuts or orange zest. Edible flowers, marzipan carrots, or even a drizzle of caramel make your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling stand out on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

Pair each dazzling slice with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast in flavor and temperature. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai is a fantastic sidekick, balancing the creamy richness of the filling. This cake roll also shines alongside lighter fruit salads at brunch or as the sweet finale for your spring feasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, slice your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling into mini pinwheels and arrange on a pretty tiered cake stand. Or, cut thick slices and serve on individual dessert plates topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf. For special occasions, wrap whole rolls in cellophane and gift them—guaranteed to bring big smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling fresh and moist, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fabulous for up to 4 days—just slice off what you need and savor the rest!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap your completely cooled and filled cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight. It tastes just as magical as when you made it.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat, but if you like a bit of warmth with your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling, let slices come to room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended, as it may soften the frosting too much.

FAQs

Do I have to use walnuts in the cake?

Not at all! Walnuts are completely optional. If you love a little crunch and nutty flavor, toss them in, but the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is just as delicious without them.

Can I shred the carrots in advance?

Absolutely, but for the freshest flavor and texture, grate them right before making the batter. Pre-shredded carrots tend to dry out, so freshly grated carrots keep your cake roll moist and naturally sweet.

Is a jelly roll pan necessary?

A jelly roll pan is best because it gives the right thickness and flexibility for rolling. If you don’t have one, you can try a rimmed baking sheet of similar size, but watch the baking time, as thickness may vary.

Can the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

Why did my cake crack when I rolled it?

Cracks usually happen if the cake cools too much before rolling, or if it’s overbaked. Make sure to roll it while it’s still warm and don’t skip the towel—this helps keep everything smooth and flexible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is truly a treat worth sharing. The gorgeous swirls, tender crumb, and luscious cream cheese layer make it a reliable crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, share a slice, and watch this creative take on carrot cake become a new favorite!

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 1 cake roll (about 10–12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is a delightful twist on traditional carrot cake, featuring a light and fluffy cake rolled around a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any day!

Instructions

Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and both sugars until thick and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts, if using.
Bake the cake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with powdered sugar.
Roll the cake: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, carefully invert it onto the prepared towel. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel, starting from a short end. Let it cool completely, about 1 hour.
Make the cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and butter until smooth and creamy.
Fill and roll the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it gently and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake. Re-roll the cake without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving platter. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For best results, make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before making the frosting.
If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, you can increase the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in the cake batter.
Feel free to customize the filling by adding chopped nuts, raisins, or coconut to the cream cheese frosting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American