Here’s a step-by-step recipe that works every time:
🥕 Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
✅ Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Roll:
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground ginger
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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3 large eggs
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½ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup packed light brown sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)
For the Filling:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Chopped pecans for garnish
🧁 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
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Lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it with powdered sugar.
Step 2: Make the Cake
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In a bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy (2–3 min).
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Stir in the grated carrots.
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Fold in the dry ingredients just until combined.
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Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Step 3: Bake
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Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the top springs back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4: Roll the Cake
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While hot, carefully invert the cake onto the prepared towel.
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Peel off the parchment paper.
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Starting from the short end, gently roll up the cake with the towel inside.
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Let it cool completely (30–60 minutes).
Step 5: Make the Filling
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Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until creamy and fluffy.
Step 6: Fill and Roll Again
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Carefully unroll the cooled cake.
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Spread the filling evenly over the cake.
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Gently re-roll the cake (this time without the towel).
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Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
🎉 To Serve
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Dust with powdered sugar and slice with a serrated knife.
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Optional: sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts before rolling for texture.
Let me know if you’d like a gluten-free version, or a cream cheese maple filling variation — both are great for fall!