Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Introduction

The Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake. Instead of being baked in layers, the batter is spread thin, baked, and then rolled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. The result? A stunning spiral that tastes just as good as it looks.

Moist, spiced sponge, flecked with carrots and walnuts, wraps around a luscious cream cheese filling — making this cake perfect for holidays, special gatherings, or simply when you want to impress.

History

Carrot Cake Origins: Carrot cake has medieval roots, when carrots were often used as a sweetener in European puddings. It gained popularity in the U.S. during the mid-20th century and became a staple dessert.
Cake Rolls: The Swiss roll (or jelly roll) originated in Central Europe in the 19th century. Combining the carrot cake with the roll style became popular in American home baking for its stunning presentation.

The Carrot Cake Roll beautifully merges two traditions: the earthy sweetness of carrot cake and the elegance of a roulade.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

For the Carrot Cake Sponge

¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
3 large eggs
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (200 g) finely grated carrots
½ cup (50 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Powdered sugar (for dusting towel and rolling)

For the Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar, sifted

Benefits

Rich in nutrients: Carrots bring beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins.
Balanced indulgence: Cream cheese provides calcium and protein.
Portion control: Rolled cakes slice neatly into servings.
Festive appeal: A visually beautiful dessert perfect for celebrations.

Instructions & Methods

Step 1 — Prepare Pan and Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. Line with parchment paper and grease again.

Step 2 — Make Carrot Cake Batter

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until thick and pale (about 3–4 minutes with a mixer).
Fold in grated carrots and nuts.
Gently fold dry mixture into wet until just combined.

Step 3 — Bake the Sponge

Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly touched.

Step 4 — Roll the Cake

Lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust generously with powdered sugar.
While cake is still hot, invert it onto the towel.
Peel off parchment paper carefully.
Starting from a short side, roll cake and towel together into a tight spiral.
Cool completely (about 1 hour).

Step 5 — Make the Filling

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add vanilla and powdered sugar; beat until creamy.

Step 6 — Assemble the Roll

Gently unroll cooled cake.
Spread cream cheese filling evenly over the surface.
Re-roll cake (without towel) into a tight spiral.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour for best slicing.

Step 7 — Serve

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Slice with a sharp knife into clean spirals.

Formation Tips

Don’t overbake: The sponge must be flexible enough to roll.
Powder generously: Dusting the towel prevents sticking.
Cool fully: Rolling hot helps shape it, but unrolling before filling must happen when fully cooled.
Clean spirals: Use offset spatula to spread filling evenly for beautiful layers.
Festive décor: Top with candied carrots, walnuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate.

Conclusion

The Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling is a showstopper dessert — moist, spiced sponge, a creamy filling, and a picture-perfect spiral. It’s comforting yet elegant, making it equally at home at a family gathering or a holiday feast.

For the Lovers of Rolled Cakes

This dessert is for anyone who adores both beauty and flavor in their sweets. Lovers of carrot cake will fall in love with its new form, while roulade fans will appreciate its charm. It’s a cake that says: “Comfort and sophistication can live in the same bite.”