Name: Carrot Cake Roll Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded carrots (2 medium carrots); 3/4 cup flour; 3 eggs; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ginger; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, room temperature; 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter, room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar for rolling; Powdered sugar for dusting

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my carrot cake roll recipe, bringing comfort and joy to every slice.

Soft spices whisper tales of warmth and nostalgia.

Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to this delightful dessert.

Baking this treat feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of deliciousness.

Delicate cake layers roll perfectly with minimal effort, creating an impressive presentation.

Fresh carrots and warm cinnamon blend seamlessly for a truly magical experience.

You’ll want to savor each bite and share this irresistible creation with everyone around your table.

Rolled Carrot Treats for Dessert Lovers

Craft Delightful Dessert: A Carrot Roll Adventure that Steals Hearts

Bake with Ease: This recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros, making it a stress-free sweet treat to create.
Customize Your Comfort: Sprinkle personal touches like extra spices or nuts to transform this classic dessert into your signature creation.
Family-Friendly Flavor Fest: Kids and adults will love the soft, spiced cake with creamy filling, perfect for gatherings and special moments.
Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this showstopping dessert in minimal time, impressing guests with minimal kitchen effort and maximum deliciousness.

Ingredients for Rolled Carrot Treats

Cake Base Ingredients:

Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure and help bind the cake together.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Flour: Provides the main structure for the cake roll.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

Spice Blend:

Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the cake.
Ginger, Nutmeg, Cinnamon: Warm spices that add depth and complementary flavor to the carrot cake.

Moisture and Texture Ingredients:

Carrots: Shredded carrots add moisture, natural sweetness, and signature flavor to the cake.
Butter, Cream Cheese: Create a smooth, rich filling for the cake roll.
Powdered Sugar: Used in both the filling and for dusting the final cake, adding sweetness and visual appeal.

Rolled Carrot Treats How to Create Them

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F, getting ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Surface

Grab a 10×15″ jelly roll pan and line it with foil.

Give it a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Whip Those Eggs

Grab your mixer and beat the eggs until they become light and frothy, about 5 minutes of energetic mixing.

Step 4: Sweet Symphony

Pour in the sugar and vanilla, blending them into the eggs until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Dry Ingredient Dance

In a separate bowl, mix together:

Salt
Baking powder
Ground ginger
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Flour

Step 6: Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a harmonious batter.

Step 7: Carrot Celebration

Stir in the shredded carrots, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 8: Spread the Love

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it into a thin, even layer.

Step 9: Baking Bliss

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes until perfectly golden.

Step 10: Towel Transformation

Dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar, creating a sweet landing spot for your cake.

Step 11: Cake Flip

Carefully turn the hot cake onto the sugared towel and peel away the foil.

Step 12: Roll with It

Starting from the short end, gently roll the cake together with the towel.

Step 13: Cooling Countdown

Let the rolled cake cool completely for about 1 hour.

Step 14: Creamy Filling Prep

Beat butter and cream cheese until silky smooth.

Step 15: Sweeten the Deal

Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a luscious filling.

Step 16: Unroll and Spread

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly across the surface.

Step 17: Final Roll

Tightly re-roll the cake, encasing the creamy filling.

Step 18: Chill Out

Refrigerate the cake for 30-60 minutes to set the filling.

Step 19: Finishing Touch

Dust the rolled cake with a snow-like layer of powdered sugar just before serving.

Tips for Carrot Treats with Extra Softness

Beat eggs for the full 5 minutes to create an airy, light texture that helps the cake roll smoothly without cracking.
Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to prevent a dense, heavy cake that won't roll easily.
Watch the cake closely during baking; ovens vary, so start checking at 9 minutes to avoid overbaking and dryness.
Sprinkle plenty of powdered sugar on the towel to prevent the cake from sticking and make rolling simpler.
Letting the cake rest in the refrigerator helps the filling set and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Rolled Carrot Treats Fresh Spins and Ideas

Gluten-Free Carrot Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Carrot Cake Roll: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a plant-based version.
Low-Sugar Carrot Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar, reducing overall calorie and glycemic impact for diabetic-friendly option.
Nut-Infused Carrot Roll: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into batter and filling for extra crunch and nutritional boost, perfect for those wanting additional protein and texture.

Serving Rolled Carrot Treats After Meals

Festive Dessert Centerpiece: Slice this delightful carrot roll into beautiful rounds for an elegant party presentation that wows guests.
Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair each slice with a hot cup of spiced chai or Earl Grey tea to enhance the warm, aromatic flavors of the cake.
Seasonal Celebration Treat: Serve during fall gatherings or holiday events as a stunning dessert that captures the cozy essence of the season.
Brunch Showstopper: Offer bite-sized pieces on a decorative platter alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a delectable brunch addition.

Storing Carrot Treats the Simple Way

Store the rolled carrot cake in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container for extra protection.
Remove from freezer and let the cake gradually thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Keep wrapped to prevent moisture loss.
Bring the cake to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. For a slightly warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds on low power.

FAQs

What are the key spices in this carrot roll recipe?

Ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon provide warm, aromatic flavors that complement the sweet carrots and create a delightful taste profile.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The cake should be done in 9-11 minutes when it looks set and springs back lightly when touched, without appearing too dry or cracked.

Why do I need to roll the cake in a towel while it's hot?

Rolling the hot cake in a towel helps prevent cracking and trains the cake to hold its rolled shape, making it easier to fill and re-roll later without breaking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake roll a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set perfectly.

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.

Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

Make Your Day Sweeter: Irresistible Carrot Cake Roll Recipe