Easy Carrot Cake Roll

This Easy Carrot Cake Roll is a light and delicious dessert that combines the flavors of spiced carrot cake with creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, this cake roll is a fun twist on traditional carrot cake. The tender, moist cake is rolled with smooth cream cheese frosting, creating a beautiful swirl that’s both eye-catching and irresistible.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 15×10-inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes thick and light in color.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, mixing well.
5. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Stir in the vegetable oil, grated carrots, and chopped walnuts until evenly combined.
6. Spread the Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly-roll pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
7. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. The cake should be golden brown and fully set.
8. Cool the Cake: Once baked, loosen the edges of the cake from the pan and carefully turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Be gentle to avoid tearing the cake.
9. Roll the Cake: Starting from the narrow end, roll the cake and towel together. Place the rolled cake on a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Frost and Serve: Unroll the cooled cake and remove the towel. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake. Roll it back up without the towel, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Nuts-Free: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version.
• Vegan: Use flax eggs or chia eggs in place of regular eggs, and substitute dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
• Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and ginger according to your preference. You can also add nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Frosting: Swap the cream cheese frosting with a whipped cream topping or a dairy-free frosting.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the carrot cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: The carrot cake roll can be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to eat it warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the cake, roll it up, and refrigerate it. Frost it just before serving.
2. Can I freeze the carrot cake roll? Yes, you can freeze the cake before frosting it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and frost before serving.
3. What can I use instead of walnuts? You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit them completely if you prefer a nut-free cake.
4. Can I make the frosting ahead of time? Yes, the cream cheese frosting can be made in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
5. Can I make this cake in a different pan? This recipe is designed for a jelly-roll pan, but you can use a similar-sized baking sheet or a larger pan for a thinner cake.
6. Can I make this cake without eggs? Yes, substitute eggs with flaxseed or chia eggs to make the cake egg-free.
7. How do I keep the cake from cracking when rolling? Be sure to let the cake cool slightly before rolling and make sure it’s rolled gently, using a towel to help guide the roll.
8. Can I add more spices? Yes, feel free to experiment with additional spices such as nutmeg, cloves, or allspice.
9. Can I make a dairy-free version? Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese to make the frosting dairy-free.
10. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making my own? Yes, you can use store-bought cream cheese frosting if you’re short on time.

Conclusion

This Easy Carrot Cake Roll is a fun and flavorful dessert that combines the moistness of carrot cake with the creamy richness of cheesecake-style frosting. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a birthday, or a family gathering, this cake will surely impress everyone with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.

Print