If you have a craving for a dessert that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious, this Easy Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the warm spices and tender texture of classic carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting that’s baked into a beautiful rolled presentation. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a holiday or simply want a fresh twist on a familiar favorite, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers maximum flavor and charm every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role in creating the fluffy, moist cake and creamy frosting that make this roll so unforgettable.
- 1 box carrot cake mix: The base of the cake, providing the perfect balance of spices and sweetness with a familiar, reliable texture.
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature): The star of the frosting, it adds tanginess and creaminess that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 12 oz container vanilla frosting: Pre-made for convenience, it mixes seamlessly with cream cheese to create a smooth, luscious icing.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Used for dusting the towel to prevent sticking and also as a sweet touch if you want to add extra sweetness.
How to Make Easy Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by following the package directions for the carrot cake mix, but make a little tweak: reduce the water by ¼ cup. This adjustment helps the cake hold together nicely when rolled. Keep the oil and eggs the same—they contribute to the moist texture that makes this cake so tender.
Step 2: Prep Your Pan
Line a jelly roll pan, roughly 10½ by 15½ inches, with parchment paper. For a no-fail release, give the paper a light spray of non-stick spray. This extra step saves you from sticky situations and keeps the cake surface smooth and intact.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake the batter for around 10 to 12 minutes, testing with a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out clean when the cake is perfectly done. The short bake time ensures your cake remains soft and pliable for rolling.
Step 4: Roll the Cake While Warm
As soon as your cake comes out of the oven, prepare a clean kitchen towel sprinkled generously with powdered sugar—this prevents sticking and helps shape your roll. Flip the cake onto the towel carefully, peel off the parchment paper, and then begin rolling it up from the short end with the towel inside. Don’t worry if it seems a little snug; this technique molds the cake, so when cooled, it unrolls with no cracks.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While the cake cools completely rolled up, whip up the frosting. Blend the cream cheese and vanilla frosting in a mixer until smooth and creamy. This luscious blend is what gives this dessert its signature rich, tangy finish.
Step 6: Assemble Your Cake Roll
Once cooled, gently unroll the cake and spread half of your cream cheese icing evenly across the surface. Then roll it back up carefully to keep that gorgeous swirl intact without pushing out the icing. Place your roll on a serving plate and liberally spread the remaining frosting on top for a beautiful, inviting finish.
Step 7: Chill and Slice
Pop your finished cake roll into the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve. When serving, slice it from the short ends into rounds, revealing those stunning cream cheese spirals inside. Each slice is a delightful bite of sweet, spiced cake and creamy frosting.
How to Serve Easy Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the icing for a bit of crunch and nutty aroma. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few edible flowers adds a charming touch, perfect for guests.
Side Dishes
This carrot cake roll pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a simple dollop of whipped cream to add freshness. For a cozy twist, serve with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or robust coffee to complement the warm spices in the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel or a scattering of shredded coconut alongside. You can also create mini carrot cake rolls using smaller pans to serve at parties or as delightful gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the leftover cake roll tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and fresh for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cake roll well in plastic wrap and then foil, placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
This cake roll is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warm, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes after refrigeration. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the frosting separate or the cake soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade carrot cake batter instead of box mix?
Absolutely! Homemade batter adds a personal touch and can be tailored to taste, but the key is to keep it moist and not too dense, so it rolls without cracking.
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You could try heavy-duty foil or a silicone mat, but parchment gives the best release, making the rolling process smoother and less stressful.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swapping cream cheese and frosting for dairy-free alternatives works beautifully. Just be sure to use firm cream cheese substitutes for the right consistency.
How long can I keep this cake roll before serving?
This dessert is best served within 1 to 2 days of assembly for optimal freshness, though it can be safely stored refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Is the Easy Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe suitable for a beginner baker?
Definitely! The simple instructions and use of a boxed mix make this recipe perfect even for those new to baking, delivering impressive results with minimal stress.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a fun baking adventure that results in a stunning centerpiece for any occasion. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps prove that incredible flavor and beautiful presentation don’t have to be complicated. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy carrot cake!
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Easy Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (includes cooling time)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful, moist carrot cake baked in a jelly roll pan, rolled with a luscious cream cheese and vanilla frosting blend. It’s a perfect dessert for gatherings and special occasions, featuring a tender cake wrapped around a smooth, creamy filling and topped with extra frosting for added indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box carrot cake mix
- Water, adjusted as per box directions, reduced by ¼ cup
- Oil and eggs as per box directions
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 12 oz container vanilla frosting (prepared)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling towel)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: Prepare the cake batter according to the box instructions, but reduce the amount of water called for by ¼ cup while keeping the oil and eggs the same.
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 10½ by 15½ inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Roll the Cake: While the cake is baking, spread a clean kitchen towel on the counter and generously sprinkle with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, immediately invert it onto the sugared towel, carefully peel off the parchment, and roll the cake up with the towel starting from the short end. Let the rolled cake cool completely for a few hours.
- Make the Frosting: In a mixer, blend the room temperature cream cheese with the prepared vanilla frosting until smooth and well combined.
- Fill and Re-roll: Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread half of the cream cheese frosting mixture evenly over the surface, then roll the cake back up gently without squeezing out the filling.
- Finish and Chill: Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving dish and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top. Chill the cake until ready to serve.
- Serve: When ready, slice the cake into rounds starting from the short ends and serve chilled.
Notes
- Reducing the water by ¼ cup helps prevent the cake from becoming too moist and difficult to roll.
- Sprinkling powdered sugar on the towel prevents the cake from sticking when rolling.
- Chilling the cake after assembling helps the frosting set and makes slicing cleaner.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth frosting incorporation.
- Use a gentle hand when rolling to avoid cracking the cake.
