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Easy Carrot Cake Roll Recipe – Moist & Irresistible Dessert

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

Scale

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

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale.
  3. 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

  1. Lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it with powdered sugar.
  2. Turn the cake out onto the towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
  3. Roll the cake up with the towel and let it cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

  1. Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
  2. 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.

Notes

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!