Description
This moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, featuring a tender spiced cake rolled with a luscious cream cheese filling. Perfect for special occasions or a delicious dessert, it combines warm cinnamon and ginger with fresh shredded carrots, all wrapped in a soft, rolled cake dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups carrots, finely shredded (about 2 large carrots)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting the cake once baked)
- linen tea towel or flour sack towel (longer than the pan)
Filling Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and ground ginger until combined and set aside.
- Beat Eggs: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the eggs on high speed for 5 minutes until they become light, frothy, and pale yellow. This step is crucial for a light cake texture.
- Add Sugar and Flavorings: To the beaten eggs, add the granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Continue beating until well combined and smooth.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients and Carrots: Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Then, carefully fold in the finely shredded carrots, ensuring an even distribution without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it out smoothly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake is springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare to Roll: Immediately after removing from oven, heavily dust a clean flour sack towel with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel by placing the towel over the cake, then flipping the pan and cake over. Gently peel off the parchment paper from the cake surface.
- Roll the Cake: Starting at one short end, roll the cake along with the towel tightly but gently to avoid cracking. Set the rolled cake aside to cool completely, preferably overnight, to help the cake hold its shape.
- Make the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using a handheld mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.
- Fill the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, gently unroll it. Use a silicone spatula to evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the cake, leaving a small margin at the edges.
- Re-roll and Finish: Carefully roll the cake back up, starting tightly but being careful not to squeeze out the filling. Place the finished roll on a serving plate and dust the top with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Beating the eggs for the full 5 minutes is essential for a light and fluffy cake texture.
- Make sure to dust the towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking when rolling it.
- For best results, allow the rolled cake to cool completely, preferably overnight, before adding the filling and re-rolling.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the roll cleanly without squishing the cake.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with a light-flavored oil such as canola or sunflower oil if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: carrot cake roll, cream cheese filling, spiced carrot cake, roll cake, dessert roll, holiday dessert, carrot dessert
