Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Soft & Spiced Delight

If you love carrot cake, you’ll absolutely adore this Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting! This delightful twist on a classic carrot cake features a soft, spiced cake rolled up with a rich and creamy frosting, making every bite moist, sweet, and incredibly delicious.

Perfect for Easter, springtime gatherings, birthdays, or a cozy dessert, this elegant yet easy-to-make roll cake will impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Roll

✅ Soft & Moist Texture – A tender sponge cake with warm spices and fresh carrots.
✅ Perfectly Spiced – Hints of cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the best flavors.
✅ Creamy & Sweet Filling – The smooth cream cheese frosting balances the cake beautifully.
✅ Great for Special Occasions – A fun, impressive dessert for holidays or afternoon tea.
✅ Easy to Make Ahead – Stays fresh and delicious for days!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Carrot Cake Roll

¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups grated carrots

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it well.

Step 2: Make the Carrot Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in vanilla extract and vegetable oil.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Stir in the grated carrots until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Step 4: Roll the Cake While Warm

While the cake is still warm, carefully flip it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
Peel off the parchment paper and gently roll the cake into a log, using the towel to help.
Let it cool completely (about 30 minutes).

(💡 Pro Tip: Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracks later!)

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together:
- Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and fluffy.

Step 6: Fill & Roll Again

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over it.
Roll the cake back up without the towel, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 7: Slice & Serve!

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with extra cream cheese frosting before serving.
Slice and enjoy this soft, spiced, and creamy dessert!

Serving Ideas & Pairings

☕ With Coffee or Tea – Perfect with a latte or chai tea.
🥕 With Toasted Nuts – Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top.
🍍 With a Tropical Twist – Add crushed pineapple to the frosting for extra flavor.
🍦 With Ice Cream – Serve with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.

Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Roll

🔹 Use Freshly Grated Carrots – They add the best moisture and flavor.
🔹 Roll While Warm – Prevents cracking and makes the cake easier to shape.
🔹 Chill Before Slicing – Helps the frosting set for a cleaner cut.
🔹 Make It Extra Spicy – Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for warmth.
🔹 Don’t Overbake – The cake should be soft and springy for easy rolling.

Fun Variations to Try

🔥 Pumpkin Carrot Cake Roll – Replace ½ cup of carrots with pumpkin puree.
🥥 Coconut Carrot Cake Roll – Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
🍏 Apple Carrot Cake Roll – Stir in ½ cup grated apples for extra sweetness.
🍫 Chocolate-Carrot Cake Roll – Mix in ¼ cup cocoa powder for a chocolaty twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Store the cake roll in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I Freeze Carrot Cake Roll?

Absolutely! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Why Did My Cake Crack?

This happens if the cake cools before rolling. Always roll it while warm!

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a GF-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is a show-stopping dessert that’s soft, spiced, and creamy—everything you love about classic carrot cake, but in a beautiful rolled form.

Whether you’re making it for Easter, birthdays, or just a cozy weekend treat, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress everyone.

Try this delicious, elegant dessert today, and enjoy every sweet, creamy, spiced bite!