Name: Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour (stir, spoon & level); ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground ginger; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ⅛ tsp ground cloves; 3 large eggs; ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar; 2 Tbsp oil (canola or vegetable); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups (226 g) shredded carrots, loosely packed; 8 oz (226 g) brick cream cheese, cold; 8 Tbsp (113 g) butter (1 stick), room temperature; 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients

¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour (stir, spoon & level)

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

⅛ tsp ground cloves

3 large eggs

¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

2 Tbsp oil (canola or vegetable)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups (226 g) shredded carrots (loosely packed)

8 oz (226 g) brick cream cheese, cold

8 Tbsp (113 g) butter (1 stick), room temperature

1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, then spray the pan lightly to help the paper stick, and optionally spray the parchment paper with a non-stick baking spray for easier release.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk the eggs. Add the sugar, oil, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just incorporated. Then carefully fold in the shredded carrots, preserving moisture and texture.

Step 5: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake for 10-13 minutes, until the cake springs back to the touch or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Immediately after removing from the oven, roll the cake gently from one short end to the other inside the parchment paper. Let it cool rolled for about 10 minutes to avoid cracking later when frosted.

Step 7: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating the cold cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add the butter 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until creamy after each addition. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Step 8: Carefully unroll the cooled cake. If minor cracks appear, handle gently. If the cake feels warm, leave it unrolled for a few more minutes to let steam escape. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake, leaving a 1-inch border on the edge you will roll toward.

Step 9: Starting at the frosted end, re-roll the cake tightly, tucking the edges as you go toward the unfrosted edge. Remove and discard the parchment paper as you roll.

Step 10: Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 1 hour to set and firm up.

Step 11: When ready to serve, use a hot, dry knife (heated under hot water and wiped) to slice the chilled or frozen cake roll cleanly. If frozen, allow slices to thaw 20-30 minutes at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For best results, shred the carrots finely using a grater or food processor for even texture.

If you prefer, substitute half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.

Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter can add pleasant crunch and depth.

Chill the cake roll well before slicing to prevent cracking and ensure clean cuts.

FAQs

Can I make the cake roll without parchment paper?

Parchment paper is highly recommended as it prevents sticking and makes rolling the cake much easier. Without it, the cake may tear or stick to the pan, so it’s best to use parchment for success.

What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?

You could substitute a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a whipped vanilla buttercream, but cream cheese frosting complements the spices and carrots best for this roll’s flavor profile.