Description of this recipe
The Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, transforming it into an elegant and visually stunning dessert. Instead of the traditional layered cake, this recipe offers a rolled version filled with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The combination of moist, spiced carrot cake and tangy-sweet frosting creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to impress, this dessert is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The roll format not only adds visual appeal but also ensures a perfect frosting-to-cake ratio in every slice, making it a truly satisfying treat.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with the Carrot Cake Roll, starting with its incredible taste and presentation. Here are a few more:
- Ease of Preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe uses a simple carrot cake mix as its base, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The rolling technique might seem intimidating, but with a few simple steps, it becomes surprisingly easy and fun.
- Perfect Frosting-to-Cake Ratio: Unlike traditional layered cakes, the rolled format ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced with the creamy, tangy frosting. No more dry edges or uneven frosting distribution!
- Visual Appeal: The swirl of carrot cake and creamy filling creates a beautiful visual effect that is sure to impress your guests. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds an extra touch of elegance.
- Versatility: This recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Add nuts, raisins, or pineapple to the cake batter for extra flavor and texture. Experiment with different extracts in the frosting, such as almond or lemon, to create your own unique twist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The Carrot Cake Roll can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for entertaining. In fact, chilling the roll before slicing actually enhances the flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1 box carrot cake mix, plus ingredients per package
- 1 cup grated carrot
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 5 tbsp butter, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Towel
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a raised-edge cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray. This ensures that the cake doesn’t stick and is easy to remove. Generously sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar and set aside. The powdered sugar prevents the cake from sticking to the towel when you roll it. The towel will help the cake maintain its shape while cooling. This is an important step as it can determine the appearance of your cake.
Step 2: Make the Cake
Prepare the carrot cake batter according to package directions or your own favorite carrot cake recipe. Using a cake mix simplifies the process and ensures consistent results, but feel free to use your go-to homemade recipe. Fold in the grated carrots. The carrots add moisture and a delightful texture to the cake. Make sure the carrots are finely grated to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake the cake, as this will make it dry and difficult to roll. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Overbaking can lead to cracks and difficulty in rolling.
Step 3: Roll the Cake
Immediately turn the hot cake out onto the sugared towel. Working quickly while the cake is still warm is crucial, as it will be more pliable and less likely to crack. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Be gentle when removing the parchment paper to avoid tearing the cake. Fold the towel over the short ends, then gently roll the cake from one short end into a log. The sugared towel will prevent the cake from sticking to itself and help it maintain its shape. Ensure you’re rolling tightly but not too tightly as to cause the cake to break. Let cool for 45–60 minutes. Allowing the cake to cool completely in the rolled position is essential for setting its shape and preventing it from cracking when you unroll it later. During this time the cake will set to the towel and be easier to roll later on.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with a hand mixer until smooth. Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting. If they are cold it could cause a chunky frosting and no one wants that! Add vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the frosting and adds a touch of warmth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until creamy and spreadable. Adding the powdered sugar gradually prevents it from clumping and ensures a smooth, consistent frosting. If you add it all at once, you may get a cloud of powder and a lumpy frosting!
Step 5: Assemble & Chill
Unroll the cooled cake gently. The cake has set in the towel and it should not break when unrolled. Spread frosting evenly over the surface. Make sure to leave the edges of the cake clean. The frosting should be spread in a smooth even layer. Re-roll the cake and place seam-side down on a serving plate. This will help the cake maintain its shape and prevent it from unraveling. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Chilling the cake allows the frosting to set and makes it easier to slice neatly. It also enhances the flavors and textures of the cake and frosting. If the cake isn’t chilled the frosting might be too soft when cutting it.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Moderate
Serving Suggestions:
The Carrot Cake Roll is a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:
- As is: Simply slice the roll and serve it on a plate. A dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
- With a dollop of whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the richness of the cake and frosting.
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Vanilla ice cream provides a cool and creamy contrast to the spiced carrot cake.
- With a drizzle of caramel sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a touch of sweetness and decadence.
- As part of a dessert platter: Include the Carrot Cake Roll alongside other desserts, such as cookies, brownies, and fruit, for a beautiful and varied dessert platter.
Tips:
- Use a high-quality carrot cake mix for the best results.
- Be sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Don’t overbake the cake, or it will be dry and difficult to roll.
- Roll the cake while it is still warm to prevent cracking.
- Cool the cake completely before frosting it.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for the frosting to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set.
- For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Add chopped nuts, raisins, or pineapple to the cake batter for added flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different extracts in the frosting, such as almond or lemon, to create your own unique twist.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling and chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving – estimate)
Calories: 350
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
The Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful and impressive dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist, spiced cake, creamy frosting, and beautiful swirl design, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of a cake mix base and simple rolling technique makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, while the endless customization options allow you to create your own unique twist. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday dessert or a simple yet elegant treat, the Carrot Cake Roll is a must-try recipe. It is a fun, festive, and flavorful alternative to traditional carrot cake, and once you try it, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. It is easy to transport and can be made ahead of time.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a homemade carrot cake recipe instead of a cake mix?
A: Yes, absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade carrot cake recipe, feel free to use it instead of the cake mix. Just make sure the batter is spread evenly in the prepared pan and baked until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Q2: What if my cake cracks when I try to roll it?
A: Cracking can happen if the cake is too dry or not rolled while still warm. Make sure not to overbake the cake and roll it as soon as it comes out of the oven. If it does crack, don’t worry! The frosting will help hold it together. You can also try patching up any cracks with extra frosting.
Q3: Can I freeze the Carrot Cake Roll?
A: Yes, the Carrot Cake Roll can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and serving.
Q4: Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?
A: Definitely! Adding nuts or raisins to the cake batter is a great way to add extra flavor and texture. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins are all excellent choices. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
Q5: How can I make the frosting less sweet?
A: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar. Start by adding only 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and taste. Add more as needed until you reach your desired sweetness. You can also add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
