If you love classic carrot cake and adore the creamy richness of cream cheese frosting, this Carrot Cake Roll is your dream dessert rolled up into one sweet, swirly slice. It’s light, moist, warmly spiced, and filled with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts on the tongue.
More than just a treat—it’s a centerpiece. Perfect for Easter, spring brunches, potlucks, or a cozy afternoon tea, this carrot cake roll brings elegance and nostalgia together in one dessert that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.
???? Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the Carrot Cake Roll:
- 130g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 3 large eggs (about 150g)
- 150g granulated sugar
- 60g light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 180g finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 30g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 15g powdered sugar (for dusting towel and cake)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 225g cream cheese, softened
- 60g unsalted butter, softened
- 120g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
???? Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 38x25cm (10×15-inch) jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper. Lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with powdered sugar (this will help prevent sticking when you roll the cake).
Step 2: Make the Carrot Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with a hand mixer until pale and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes. Mix in vanilla extract.
Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, then gently stir in the grated carrots and chopped nuts if using.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the top springs back when gently touched.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Immediately after baking, carefully flip the hot cake onto the prepared sugared towel. Peel off the parchment paper. Starting from the short end, roll the cake up in the towel (yes, while it’s warm!). Let it cool completely on a wire rack—about 1 hour.
Step 5: Make the Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, and beat until fluffy and well blended.
Step 6: Fill and Re-Roll
Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it gently. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Carefully re-roll the cake (without the towel this time). Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving, if desired. Slice and watch the swirl reveal itself with every cut!
???? Nutrition Info (Per Slice – Based on 10 servings)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: ~210mg
Want to lighten it up? Swap half the flour for whole wheat and reduce the sugar slightly in the filling.
???? Tips & Tricks
- Grate your own carrots – pre-shredded carrots are too dry and won’t blend as well into the batter.
- No jelly roll pan? Use a 9×13-inch pan and just don’t spread the batter all the way to the edges.
- Don’t skip the towel dusting! Powdered sugar on the towel prevents your cake from sticking when you roll it.
- Add-ins: Try golden raisins, crushed pineapple (well-drained), or a touch of orange zest for added flavor!
- Make-ahead magic: Make the roll a day in advance and store it in the fridge—flavors deepen overnight!
???????? From My Kitchen to Yours…
Carrot cake is one of those classic desserts that always brings comfort and joy. Turning it into a roll makes it just a little more special—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. The swirl of tangy cream cheese inside that spiced, moist carrot cake is simply irresistible.
Whether you’re baking for Easter, Mother’s Day, or just because—you’re going to love this beautiful dessert. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a little twist on the classics can create something truly memorable.
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