Spiced Carrot Cake Roll

Spiced Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of traditional carrot cake while presenting it in an elegant, rolled format. This cake features a warm blend of spices, tender carrots, and a luscious cream cheese filling, all topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat, this dessert is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 medium carrots, grated

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze:

3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
10-11 tablespoons milk

Directions

Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15-inch by 10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing again. Stir in the grated carrots until well combined.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
6. Roll the Cake: Once baked, immediately lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place the cake onto a large wooden cutting board and gently roll the cake, starting from one short end, while it’s still warm. Keep the parchment paper on the cake as you roll. Transfer the rolled cake to a cooling rack and let it cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the confectioners’ sugar, softened cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Fill the Cake: Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Gently re-roll the cake without the parchment paper.
3. Chill the Cake: Wrap the filled cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

Make the Vanilla Glaze

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and 10-11 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable.

Serve

1. Finish the Cake: Remove the chilled cake from the fridge, unwrap it, and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top of the cake.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into even pieces and enjoy this delightful dessert!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 10 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare, 12 minutes to cook, and a total of 1 hour and 32 minutes, including chilling time.

Variations

• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Incorporate raisins or chopped dried apricots for a sweet burst in every bite.
• Spice Adjustment: Adjust the spices to your taste by adding more or less cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and fill it the day you plan to serve.
2. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
   You can use mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a different flavor.
3. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
   The cake is done when it springs back lightly when touched and is lightly golden around the edges.
4. Can I freeze the carrot cake roll?
   Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
5. How do I keep the cake from cracking when rolling?
   Make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm and gently apply even pressure.
6. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes, you can enjoy the cake roll plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
7. What other fillings can I use?
   Consider using a chocolate ganache or a different flavored cream filling.
8. Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
   This recipe is not vegan, but you can substitute eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives.
9. How can I adjust the sweetness?
   You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or glaze to suit your taste.
10. What can I serve with the cake roll?
    It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea and can be served alongside fresh fruit.

Conclusion

Spiced Carrot Cake Roll is a charming dessert that combines the warm flavors of spiced carrot cake with a creamy filling and a sweet glaze. This beautiful cake is perfect for celebrations or as a special treat to enjoy at home. Its delightful presentation and rich flavors will surely impress your guests and become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Print