Are you searching for the best homemade carrot cake roll recipe? Look no further! This easy, moist carrot cake roll with rich cream cheese frosting is the ultimate dessert for carrot cake lovers. Whether for Easter, Thanksgiving, or a weekend treat, this classic rolled carrot cake is guaranteed to impress.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a fluffy, perfectly spiced carrot cake roll that won’t crack, along with expert baking tips, storage solutions, and pro hacks.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Roll Recipe
Super moist & flavorful – The perfect blend of cinnamon, ginger, and freshly grated carrots.
Easy to roll without cracking – Follow our tips for a smooth roll every time!
Creamy, tangy filling – Made with real cream cheese, butter, and vanilla.
Perfect for any occasion – Great for Easter, holidays, birthdays, and tea parties.
Make-ahead friendly – Stays fresh in the fridge and can be frozen for later!
Ingredients for Moist Carrot Cake Roll
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (key spice for warm flavor!)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature for best results)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup finely grated carrots (fresh carrots provide moisture!)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional but adds crunch!)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make a Carrot Cake Roll – Step-by-Step
Step1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan, line it with parchment paper, and lightly grease the paper.
Step2: Mix the Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale.
- Stir in the grated carrots and gently fold in the dry ingredients.
Step3: Bake the Cake
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans (if using).
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
Step4: Roll the Cake While Warm
- Lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it with powdered sugar.
- Turn the cake out onto the towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll the cake up with the towel and let it cool completely.
Step5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until creamy.
Step6: Fill and Reroll the Cake
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly, then reroll it without the towel.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Dust with powdered sugar before slicing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Carrot Cake Roll
Use fresh carrots – Pre-shredded carrots are too dry; always grate fresh for extra moisture.
Don’t overbake – Overbaking makes the cake brittle, causing cracks.
Roll while warm – This prevents cracks and helps the cake hold its shape.
Chill before slicing – A cold cake roll slices cleaner for a professional presentation.
Customize the filling – Add a pinch of cinnamon or maple syrup for extra flavor!
How to Serve Carrot Cake Roll
With coffee or tea – A cozy dessert for any time of day.
Drizzled with caramel sauce – Adds richness to every bite.
With fresh berries – Strawberries and raspberries complement the creamy filling.
Topped with toasted pecans – Adds a satisfying crunch.
Carrot Cake Roll Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 17g
- Sugar: 30g
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thawing: Let thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving.
FAQs – Common Questions About Carrot Cake Roll
Why does my carrot cake roll crack?
Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracks. Overbaking can also cause dryness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Can I freeze a carrot cake roll?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
How long does it take to make a carrot cake roll?
Total time: 1 hour 32 minutes (including chilling time).
Related Recipes – More Desserts You’ll Love!
Conclusion & Call to Action
Now that you know how to make the best-ever carrot cake roll, it’s time to give it a try! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this easy, step-by-step recipe ensures success.
Have you made this recipe? Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out!
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Easy Carrot Cake Roll Recipe – Moist & Irresistible Dessert
Description
Are you searching for the best homemade carrot cake roll recipe? Look no further! This easy, moist carrot cake roll with rich cream cheese frosting is the ultimate dessert for carrot cake lovers. Whether for Easter, Thanksgiving, or a weekend treat, this classic rolled carrot cake is guaranteed to impress.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a fluffy, perfectly spiced carrot cake roll that won’t crack, along with expert baking tips, storage solutions, and pro hacks.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (key spice for warm flavor!)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs (room temperature for best results)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup finely grated carrots (fresh carrots provide moisture!)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional but adds crunch!)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan, line it with parchment paper, and lightly grease the paper.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale.
- Stir in the grated carrots and gently fold in the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans (if using).
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
Step 4: Roll the Cake While Warm
- Lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it with powdered sugar.
- Turn the cake out onto the towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll the cake up with the towel and let it cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, beating until creamy.
Step 6: Fill and Reroll the Cake
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly, then reroll it without the towel.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Dust with powdered sugar before slicing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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Use fresh carrots – Pre-shredded carrots are too dry; always grate fresh for extra moisture.
Don’t overbake – Overbaking makes the cake brittle, causing cracks.
Roll while warm – This prevents cracks and helps the cake hold its shape.
Chill before slicing – A cold cake roll slices cleaner for a professional presentation.
Customize the filling – Add a pinch of cinnamon or maple syrup for extra flavor!