Introduction
Welcome to the delightful world of homemade carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting filling! There is something truly special about the combination of moist carrot cake and creamy frosting that makes this dessert a favorite for many. Imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delectable treat. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Carrot cake roll holds a unique place in the realm of desserts, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The slightly spiced cake, paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting, creates a heavenly experience with every bite. Not only is this dessert a feast for the taste buds, but it also adds a pop of color to your table, making it a visually appealing choice for any occasion.
As we delve into the details of this recipe, you will discover the ease of creating this masterpiece at home. From the first whisk of the batter to the final swirl of frosting, each step is a journey toward a scrumptious outcome. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on this culinary adventure together!
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s explore why this homemade carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting is a must-try dessert for all occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Our homemade carrot cake roll recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This easy carrot cake roll with frosting is a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The best cream cheese frosting for carrot cake adds a velvety richness that complements the light and fluffy cake, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors.
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit various needs. Whether you are looking for a gluten-free carrot cake roll recipe or a vegan carrot cake roll with cream cheese, you can customize this dessert to accommodate your preferences without compromising on taste.
Not only is this carrot cake roll delicious, but it also offers a nutritional boost from the carrots, adding a dose of vitamins and fiber to your dessert. The low sugar carrot cake roll frosting ensures that you can indulge in a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet cravings. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or simply craving a slice of comfort, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Now that you know why this recipe is a standout choice, let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to bake up a storm!
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake Roll:
– 3 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups finely grated carrots
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– Additional confectioners’ sugar (for rolling)
Optional Ingredient Substitutions:
– To make a gluten-free carrot cake roll, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
– For a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives in the frosting.
– Experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves for a unique flavor profile.
– Add chopped nuts or raisins to the cake batter for extra texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until thick and pale in color.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree and lemon juice until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
9. While the cake is baking, lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with confectioners’ sugar.
10. Once the cake is done, immediately invert it onto the sugared towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
11. Starting from a short end, gently roll up the cake with the towel inside and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
12. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy.
13. Carefully unroll the cake and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface.
14. Roll the cake back up without the towel, using the parchment paper to help guide the roll.
15. Wrap the carrot cake roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
16. When ready to serve, dust the roll with additional confectioners’ sugar and slice into rounds.
Expert Tips for Success
– Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for proper incorporation into the batter.
– Grate the carrots finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the cake.
– Use a light hand when folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to avoid overmixing.
– When rolling the cake, do it gently but firmly to prevent cracking.
– Chilling the cake before slicing helps it retain its shape and makes for cleaner cuts.
– For a decorative touch, pipe additional frosting on top of the sliced rounds before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
There are endless ways to customize this carrot cake roll to suit your preferences:
– Add a handful of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
– Swap the cream cheese frosting for a tangy lemon glaze for a refreshing change.
– Incorporate chopped pineapple into the cake for a hint of tropical sweetness.
– For a nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting before rolling.
– Experiment with different fillings like whipped cream or fruit preserves for a playful twist.
Serving Suggestions
When serving this carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting, consider these delightful pairings:
– A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on each slice add an extra touch of indulgence.
– Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness of the cake.
– Fresh berries on the side complement the flavors of the cake and add a burst of color to the plate.
– For a special occasion, dust the roll with edible gold or silver dust for a festive flair.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this carrot cake roll ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cake and frosting ahead of time, roll and assemble the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Q: How long will the carrot cake roll stay fresh?
A: When stored properly in the refrigerator, the carrot cake roll will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent drying out.
Q: Can I freeze the carrot cake roll?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake roll for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this homemade carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting is a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. With its moist cake, decadent frosting, and delightful flavors, this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a slice of comfort, this carrot cake roll is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. So, gather your ingredients, follow our step-by-step instructions, and indulge in a slice of heaven with every bite!

Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling
Indulge in the delightful combination of a moist carrot cake rolled with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This dessert offers a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- Confectioners' sugar (for dusting)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- Additional confectioners' sugar (for rolling)
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
-
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until thick and pale in color.
-
Stir in the pumpkin puree and lemon juice until well combined.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
-
Fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
-
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
-
While the cake is baking, lay out a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with confectioners' sugar.
-
Once the cake is done, immediately invert it onto the sugared towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper.
-
Starting from a short end, gently roll up the cake with the towel inside and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
-
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and confectioners' sugar until smooth and creamy.
-
Carefully unroll the cake and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface.
-
Roll the cake back up without the towel, using the parchment paper to help guide the roll.
-
Wrap the carrot cake roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
-
When ready to serve, dust the roll with additional confectioners' sugar and slice into rounds.

