Creamy Carrot Cake Roll

Carrot Cake Roll has a way of slowing the morning down, especially during the days leading up to Easter. I remember making it one quiet afternoon when the house felt settled and unhurried, the kind of day where baking becomes part of the rhythm rather than a task to finish.

My husband was nearby, folding napkins at the table and occasionally stepping closer to check on the oven. The scent of cinnamon and ginger drifted through the kitchen while the carrots waited in a bowl, freshly shredded and bright.

Later, my grandchildren came in from outside, shoes dusty from the yard, curious about why the cake was baked so thin. They watched closely as the warm cake was rolled inside parchment paper, asking questions about how it would look once sliced.

Small moments like that tend to stay with me, especially when the recipe invites patience and gentle hands. The kitchen felt calm, filled with quiet conversation and steady movement.

Once the cake cooled and the cream cheese frosting was spread, the final roll felt almost ceremonial. Carrot Cake Roll rested in the refrigerator while the day moved along, and when it finally came out to be sliced, the spiral drew everyone in. Plates were filled slowly, and the table felt complete. That balance of care, time, and shared anticipation is what keeps this dessert part of our spring tradition.

Short Description

Carrot Cake Roll is a light spiced cake made with shredded carrots, rolled with smooth cream cheese frosting, then chilled and sliced into tender swirls.

Key Ingredients

Carrot Cake

• ¾ cup all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups shredded carrots

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces brick cream cheese, cold
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools Needed

• 10 x 15 inch jelly roll pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Offset spatula
• Plastic wrap

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 10 x 15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, using a light coating of cooking spray to hold the paper in place. Lightly spray the parchment if desired.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients.
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir well and set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Beat in the sugar, oil, and vanilla until fully combined.

Step 4: Make the Batter.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until almost combined. Gently fold in the shredded carrots. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 5: Bake the Cake.
Bake for 10 to 13 minutes, until the cake springs back lightly when touched or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Roll While Warm.
Immediately roll the cake from short end to short end inside the parchment paper. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes in the rolled position.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting.
Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the butter 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until smooth.

Step 8: Fill and Re Roll.
Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread frosting evenly over the surface, leaving a 1 inch border at the end. Roll the cake back up gently, removing the parchment as you go.

Step 9: Chill and Slice.
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. Slice using a hot knife for clean cuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light texture with classic carrot cake flavor

Smooth cream cheese filling in every slice

Beautiful presentation without complicated steps

Ideal for holidays and spring gatherings

Easy to prepare ahead

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Cake Cracking While Rolling
Rolling a cooled cake can cause breaks.
Solution: Roll the cake immediately while warm.

Sticky or Dense Texture
Overmixing the batter can affect crumb.
Solution: Mix just until ingredients are combined.

Runny Frosting
Warm butter or cream cheese can soften the filling too much.
Solution: Use cold cream cheese and room temperature butter.

Uneven Spiral
Inconsistent rolling pressure can distort the shape.
Solution: Roll gently and evenly from edge to edge.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Slice and serve chilled

Pair with coffee or tea

Add fresh berries on the side

Serve on a platter for brunch or dessert tables

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months

Thaw slices at room temperature before serving

Avoid microwaving to preserve texture

FAQs

1. Can Carrot Cake Roll be made ahead of time?
Yes, it is best when chilled and can be made a day in advance.

2. Can nuts be added?
Finely chopped walnuts may be added to the batter if desired.

3. How do I prevent sticking?
Use parchment paper and roll while the cake is warm.

4. Can the frosting be made sweeter?
Add extra powdered sugar in small amounts.

5. Should it be served cold or room temperature?
Both work, but chilled slices hold their shape best.

Tips & Tricks

Shred carrots finely for a smoother crumb

Chill the roll before slicing for clean edges

Use a serrated knife warmed under hot water

Recipe Variations

Spiced Citrus Roll
Add orange zest to the batter and frosting.

Nut Filled Version
Sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the frosting before rolling.

Lightened Frosting
Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt for a softer filling.

Final Thoughts

Carrot Cake Roll carries a quiet sense of care from the first mix to the final slice. The gentle spices, soft crumb, and smooth filling come together in a way that feels fitting for spring gatherings and family tables.

As the cake is rolled, chilled, and served, Carrot Cake Roll becomes part of the shared pace of the day. It rewards patience and attention, offering a dessert that feels thoughtful without being complicated.