Carrot Cake Roll

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for Carrot Cake Roll
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Carrot Cake Rolls
4. How To Serve a Carrot Cake Roll
5. Why You'll Love This Recipe for Carrot Cake Roll
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. More Easter Day Desserts
10. JUMP TO RECIPE

Carrot cake roll is soft, spiced, and filled with creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. This homemade dessert bakes up light, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon and nutmeg. Rolled with a sweet cream cheese filling, every bite is moist and perfectly balanced. Make it for holidays, special occasions, or just because you love a good homemade treat!

This recipe is easy to make with the step-by-step photos and directions below. You’ll also find pro tips to help you roll it without cracks. Plus, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions so you can bake with confidence!

Carrot cake swiss roll takes in just thirty minutes and looks impressive with its swirl of sweet cream cheese filling. The soft, spiced cake stays moist, and every bite tastes like classic carrot cake with a creamy twist.

This homemade dessert works for Easter, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion when you want something unique. It rolls up easily, and the flavors get even better after chilling, making it perfect for make-ahead baking.

This carrot roll cake is the ultimate dessert to welcome spring and celebrate Easter with friends and family. Its vibrant flavors and festive look make it a delightful centerpiece for any gathering, promising smiles and satisfaction all around.

What you'll need to make this carrot cake roll recipe:

For The Carrot Cake:

• ¾ cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups of finely shredded carrots, about 2 to 3 whole carrots
• ½ cup of powdered sugar for dusting the cake once baked
• Clean linen kitchen towel that is 2 inches longer at the top and bottom of the cake pan

For The Cream Cheese Filling:

• 1 (6-ounce) package of cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter, room temperature
• 1½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
• 1¾ cups of powdered sugar

For The Glaze:

• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons of milk

Make your carrot cake roll even better by switching up ingredients and adding tasty extras! These easy swaps let you put your own spin on this classic dessert. Here are some of the best substitutions and additions:

• Substitute Walnuts: Swap in pecans or almonds for a slightly different crunch and flavor in the cake.
• Add Raisins: Mix in a handful of raisins for extra sweetness and a chewy texture.
• Substitute Spices: Use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Add Pineapple: Stir in crushed pineapple for a hint of natural sweetness and extra moisture.
• Substitute Brown Sugar: Replace white sugar with brown sugar to create a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Add Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical touch and added texture.

Try these swaps to make your carrot cake roll even better!

Follow along with our pictures and step-by-step instructions to make the best carrot cake roll. Use the tips and tricks below to get a soft cake that rolls easily without cracking. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, ginger, and nutmeg in a medium bowl, and set dry ingredients aside.

SECOND STEP: In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat the eggs for 5 minutes or until they are a light frothy yellow.

THIRD STEP: Add the sugar, vanilla, and oil to the eggs, then beat until well combined.

FOURTH STEP: Fold in the flour mixture and then the carrots.

FIFTH STEP: Pour batter into a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan lined with parchment paper and sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

SIXTH STEP: Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan, then bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes.

SEVENTH STEP: Remove the cake from the oven and run a sharp knife around the edges of the pan to loosen it.

EIGHTH STEP: Heavily dust a linen tea towel with powdered sugar and place it over the cake.

Lay a large, heavy cutting board on top of the towel, then quickly flip the cake over, taking care not to touch the hot pan with your hands.

NINTH STEP: Remove the pan and carefully peel the parchment paper off the cake. Generously dust the cake with powdered sugar.

Flip the ends of the towel over the short ends of the cake and carefully roll one end toward the other. Set aside the rolled carrot cake log to cool completely.

TENTH STEP: To make the filling, cream together the cream cheese and butter with a hand mixer in a medium mixing bowl at medium speed for 1 to 1½ minutes.

ELEVENTH STEP: Reduce the speed to low speed and add the vanilla and powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture.

Increase the speed to medium and blend for another minute until smooth.

TWELFTH STEP: To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until the glaze is completely smooth, then set it aside.

THIRTEENTH STEP: To assemble, slowly unroll the cooled cake roll.

FOURTEENTH STEP: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake with a spatula, avoiding the edges of the cake.

FIFTEENTH STEP: Using slow and even pressure, slowly roll the cake into a roll shape.

SIXTEENTH STEP: Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour or overnight.

SEVENTEENTH STEP: Drizzle the glaze over the finished cake before slicing.

EIGHTEENTH STEP: Cut the ends off the roll with a sharp or serrated knife, then gently slice the cake into 10 to 12 even slices. 

Allow the slices to thaw for a few minutes before serving. 

A carrot cake roll with cream cheese filling works for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or just craving something sweet. The soft, spiced cake and creamy filling make every bite irresistible. Serve it in different ways to match the season or event!

• Holiday Dessert Table: This roll looks fancy but is easy to make, making it perfect for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Slice it and serve with homemade whipped cream and pecan pie bars for a festive spread.
• Birthday or Party Treat: Kids and adults love this fun, swirled cake, and it’s easy to slice for guests. Serve it with chocolate chip bootie dip or no-bake caramel cheesecake bites for a party dessert everyone will enjoy.
• Weekend Sweet Treat: Sometimes, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy something homemade and delicious. Pair a slice with caramel iced coffee or homemade vanilla chocolate chip ice cream for an easy, anytime dessert.

Once you taste this incredible homemade carrot cake roll, it's sure to become a new favorite. With its moist cake and creamy filling, it captures all the classic flavors of traditional carrot cake in a delightful new form.

A cake roll is a favorite for so many reasons. It’s soft, spiced just right, and filled with creamy goodness. Plus, it looks fancy but takes less effort than you’d think!

Easy to Make: Simple steps and clear instructions make this recipe foolproof for bakers of any skill level.

Perfectly Spiced: Warm cinnamon and nutmeg give this cake the cozy flavor everyone loves.

Creamy Filling: The smooth cream cheese frosting balances the spiced cake for the best bite every time.

Looks Impressive: That swirl makes it look like a bakery treat without all the hard work.

Great for Any Occasion: Serve it for holidays, birthdays, or just because you need a homemade treat.

This carrot cake roll is a must-try, and once you bake it, you’ll want to make it again!

Why did my carrot cake roll crack when I rolled it?
If your carrot cake roll cracked, it probably cooled too much before rolling. Roll it while it’s still warm to keep it flexible.

How do I keep my cream cheese filling from being too runny?
To keep the cream cheese filling from getting runny, use softened but not melted cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar for the best texture.

Can I make a carrot cake roll without a jelly roll pan?
Yes, you can bake a carrot cake roll without a jelly roll pan. Use a quarter-sheet pan with similar dimensions for the best results.

How do I keep my cake from sticking to the towel?
To prevent sticking, sprinkle powdered sugar on the towel before rolling the cake. This helps absorb moisture and makes rolling easier.

Why is my carrot cake roll dry?
If your carrot cake roll turned out dry, it may have baked too long. Check for doneness early and remove it when the edges pull away.

Can I double this recipe to make two cake rolls?
Yes, you can double the recipe to make two cake rolls. Bake each cake separately to keep the texture light and fluffy.

What’s the best way to slice a carrot cake roll for serving?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This keeps each slice neat and prevents the filling from smearing.

Should I serve carrot cake roll warm or chilled?
This cake tastes best chilled. The cream cheese filling firms up, making it easier to slice and giving it a rich, smooth texture.

How thick should I slice my carrot cake roll?
Cut each slice about ¾ to 1 inch thick. This keeps the swirl intact and makes it easy to serve.

Can I serve carrot cake roll with a dusting of powdered sugar?
Yes, a light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a nice finishing touch. Sift it over the top right before serving.

What’s the best way to present carrot cake roll for a party?
Arrange the slices on a serving platter in a spiral pattern. This makes them easy to grab and looks impressive on the table.

Can I serve carrot cake roll with extra frosting on the side?
Yes, a small bowl of extra cream cheese frosting lets guests add more if they want a sweeter bite.

Follow the directions below to keep your carrot cake roll fresh and delicious. Learn the best ways to store, refrigerate, and freeze it, plus tips for keeping it soft and moist.

Can I make carrot cake roll ahead of time?
Yes, you can make carrot cake roll a day or two in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge.

What’s the best way to store leftover carrot cake roll?
Keep leftover carrot cake roll in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

Can I freeze carrot cake roll for later?
Yes, you can freeze carrot cake roll. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to one month.

How do I thaw a frozen carrot cake roll?
Thaw the carrot cake roll in the fridge overnight. Keep it wrapped while thawing to prevent condensation from making it soggy.

What’s the best way to reheat carrot cake roll?
This cake tastes best chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warm, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Can I reheat carrot cake roll in the microwave?
It’s not recommended since the cream cheese filling can melt too quickly. Instead, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving.