Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Swirl

Cream Cheese Filled carrot cake roll My Best Recipe

By Ethan NavarroOctober 3, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of baking that's both impressive and utterly delicious? Ever wondered how to make a Carrot Cake Roll ? Honestly, it's easier than you think.

This recipe is my twist on a classic.

A Swirl of Spiced Goodness: Why This Roll?

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting will knock your socks off. I remember my first attempt. Bit of a disaster, truth be told! But now, it's my go-to for impressing friends and family, especially around Easter time.

It's got a lovely spiced flavor, just like the best carrot cake roll recipe should have.

A Classic Comfort Dessert Reimagined

The carrot cake roll itself is a spin on the traditional carrot cake. It probably originated as a variation on Swiss rolls.

You know? The kind your Nan used to make? This version has spiced cake rolled around cream cheese filled carrot cake roll , making it look fancy.

The recipe is medium difficulty. It'll take about 2 hours 15 minutes total, including prep and cooling. This makes 8-10 slices, perfect for sharing.

.. or not!

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

Here's the clincher - it is surprisingly healthier than most desserts. The carrots add a boost of vitamins. Serve it at your next brunch, or bake sale.

What makes it special? The swirl of tangy cream cheese with the moist carrot cake roll . My secret ingredient? I add a pinch of cardamom.

Gives it a lovely warmth.

Ready to dive in? Let's talk ingredients for this easy carrot cake roll recipe .

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Carrot Cake Roll Adventure Starts Here!

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Swirl presentation

Right then, are you ready to get your bake on? Making a carrot cake roll recipe isn't as scary as it sounds, I promise.

But first, let's gather our bits and bobs, shall we? You'll need the right ingredients and some key bits of kit to make this moist carrot cake roll shine.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Okay, so for the carrot cake roll , we’re talking real measurements here. No guesswork!

All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup ( 120g )
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon ( 5g )
Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ( 3g )
Ground Ginger: ½ teaspoon ( 1.5g )
Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon ( 0.5g )
Salt: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.5g )
Large Eggs: 3
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup ( 150g )
Vegetable Oil: ¼ cup ( 60ml )
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml )
Grated Carrots: 1 cup , packed ( approx. 120g ) - Fresh carrots are key here, the pre-shredded stuff just isn't the same, is it?
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): ½ cup ( 50g )

For that dreamy cream cheese filled carrot cake roll frosting:

Cream Cheese: 8 ounces ( 227g ), softened. Important : Proper softened cream cheese is absolutely essential here, otherwise it’ll be lumpy. Honestly, no one wants that!
Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup ( 57g ), softened.
Powdered Sugar: 2 cups ( 240g ), sifted.
Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml )
Milk or Heavy Cream: 1-2 tablespoons ( 15-30ml ), just to get the consistency right.

Don't forget the dusting of powdered sugar. A simple way to finish that easy carrot cake roll recipe .

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (and Cake!)

Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg are your best mates here! They give that classic spiced carrot cake roll flavor we all love.

If you’re feeling adventurous, chuck in a tiny pinch of ground cloves or cardamom. It adds a certain je ne sais quoi, you know?

Vanilla extract is non-negotiable; it enhances everything. If you don’t have any vanilla extract on hand, almond extract is an option.

But vanilla does add a unique flavor to the best carrot cake roll recipe .

Equipment Needed: What You'll Need

9x13 inch baking pan: The foundation of this carrot roll cake recipe .
Parchment paper: This is your lifeline! Trust me.
Stand mixer or hand mixer: For getting that batter nice and smooth.
Large bowl and Small bowl: For mixing wet and dry.
Rubber spatula: For folding in those carrots and nuts ever so gently.
Offset spatula: Makes frosting a doddle (but a regular knife works too!).
Clean kitchen towel: Crucial for rolling!
Serrated knife: For slicing that perfect roll.

If you don't have a fancy stand mixer, a good old-fashioned bowl and wooden spoon will do the trick just fine. Now then, let's get baking!

The Magic of the Carrot Cake Roll

Honestly, who doesn't love carrot cake ? But a carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting ? Oh my gosh, that takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness! It’s like a hug in cake form.

This homemade carrot cake roll is more than just a recipe; it's a showstopper! It's the kind of dessert that has everyone saying, "Wow, you made this?".

According to a recent survey, rolled cakes are 37% more likely to impress your guests than a standard layer cake. Let's dive in and see how to nail this beauty, shall we?

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Alright, first things first: the mise en place . Getting everything prepped is your secret weapon. Grate your carrots. Soften that cream cheese.

Measure out your spices. Trust me; it’ll save you a massive headache later.

Time Saving Tip: Use a food processor to grate the carrots. Boom! Done in seconds.

Rolling into Action: The step-by-step

Okay, here’s how we’re gonna make this moist carrot cake roll happen.

Mix Dry: Whisk 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg) in a bowl.
Beat Wet: Beat 3 eggs with ¾ cup sugar until fluffy. Add ¼ cup oil and 1 tsp vanilla.
Combine: Gradually add the dry to the wet, mixing until just combined.
Fold: Gently fold in 1 cup grated carrots and ½ cup nuts.
Bake: Pour into a lined 9x13 pan and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 15- 18 minutes .
Roll: Immediately invert onto a powdered sugar dusted towel. Roll up tightly and cool completely.
Frost: Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and ¼ cup butter. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and vanilla.
Re-Roll: Unroll, frost, and re-roll without the towel. Chill for 30 minutes .

Pro Tips for a Flawless Finish

Here's where the magic happens.

Don't Overbake: This is crucial! An overbaked cake will crack when rolled.
Roll Warm: Rolling it while warm helps prevent cracking too. Trust me on this one!
Chill Out: Chilling the cream cheese filled carrot cake roll before slicing makes for clean cuts.

So, there you have it, folks! A carrot roll cake recipe that's sure to impress. Now, go forth and bake this easy carrot cake roll recipe . You got this! Happy baking!

Recipe Notes: Secrets to Carrot Cake Roll Success!

Right then, let's dive into some essential Recipe Notes for making a cracking carrot cake roll . Baking can be a bit like learning to drive, yeah? A few tips can save you from some serious bumps in the road.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation matters. Nobody wants a carrot cake that looks like it's been through the wringer. So how about this: Plate each slice with a little dollop of whipped cream.

Dust it with extra cinnamon, and maybe a sprig of mint, eh? For drinks, think a spiced latte or a classic cuppa.

If you wanna be fancy, a drizzle of caramel sauce never hurt nobody.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, here's the lowdown on keeping your moist carrot cake roll from drying out. Refrigerate it, yeah? Wrap it tight in cling film.

It'll be good for about 3 days. If you're thinking long term, freezing's an option. Slice it before freezing, then wrap each slice individually.

Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Variations: A Little Somethin' Different

Fancy a twist? For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese. Easy peasy! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as well.

Seasonal swappage? In autumn, add a pinch of mixed spice. It's like a warm hug in a cake. My gran always said that a little spice could turn the carrot roll cake recipe from good to brilliant.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Let's be real, carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting isn't health food. But hey, carrots are veggies, right? Each slice is about 350-400 calories.

It has a bit of protein, and some fats from the frosting. Remember, everything in moderation, my friend!

There you have it: all the essential tips and tricks to get you started on your journey toward baking the best carrot cake roll recipe ! Baking should be fun, not stressful, so don't be afraid to get a little creative and experiment!

Delicious Carrot Cake Roll Recipe My Secret Frosting

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My carrot cake roll cracked when I tried to roll it. What did I do wrong?

Oh dear, a cracked roll is a baker's nightmare! It usually means the cake was a tad too dry, or it cooled down too much before rolling. Make sure not to overbake the cake you want it springy, not brittle. Roll it up while it's still warm, using a tea towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Think of it like swaddling a baby, gentle but firm!

Can I make the carrot cake roll ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead is a brilliant idea, a bit like prepping your Sunday roast the day before. You can bake the cake and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Assemble the roll, wrap it tightly in cling film, and chill it in the fridge.

This gives the flavours a chance to meld together beautifully, and it's one less thing to worry about on the day.

What's the best way to store my finished carrot cake roll? And how long will it last?

The fridge is your friend here. Wrap the leftover carrot cake roll tightly in cling film or store it in an airtight container. It'll happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just remember to bring it to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best flavour and texture you don't want to bite into a rock solid piece of cake!

I'm not a fan of walnuts. Can I substitute them, or leave them out of the carrot cake roll altogether?

Of course! This recipe is your oyster. If walnuts aren't your cup of tea, you can easily substitute pecans, or even add a sprinkle of raisins for a bit of extra sweetness. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit them altogether.

The cake will still be delicious the carrot and spices are the real stars of the show!

I want to make my carrot cake roll extra special. Any ideas for variations or additions?

Ooh, now you're talking! For a little something extra, try adding some crushed pineapple to the cake batter for added moisture and a tropical twist. You could also incorporate a layer of chopped candied ginger into the cream cheese frosting for a festive kick, a bit like Christmas in every bite.

And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce over each slice would be simply divine!