Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling – Moist, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet

This Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful twist on a classic dessert — soft, spiced carrot cake rolled up with a luscious cream cheese filling. It’s beautiful to serve, easy to slice, and perfect for spring holidays, afternoon tea, or a sweet treat any time of year.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Powdered sugar (for dusting the towel)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet

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

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thick and light in color.
Add vanilla extract and mix.

4. Add Carrots & Nuts

Fold in grated carrots and nuts (if using).

5. Combine and Bake

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.

6. Roll the Cake

While cake is hot, carefully turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar.
Peel off parchment paper.
Starting from the short end, roll the cake and towel together into a spiral.
Let cool completely.

7. Make the Filling

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

8. Assemble the Roll

Carefully unroll the cooled cake.
Spread the filling evenly over the cake.
Roll it back up without the towel.

9. Chill and Serve

Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake Roll

Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and moisture.
Don’t overbake — this helps the cake stay flexible for rolling.
Dust generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking to the towel.

FAQ – Carrot Cake Roll

Q: Can I freeze carrot cake roll?
A: Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q: Can I make this without nuts?
A: Absolutely, just skip the nuts and follow the rest of the recipe.

Q: How do I keep it from cracking?
A: Rolling while hot and letting it cool rolled up helps prevent cracks.