Carrot Cake Roll Recipe: A Delicious and Moist Dessert Roll
Looking for a festive and unique dessert for your next gathering? This Carrot Cake Roll is the perfect treat! With its moist, spiced carrot cake and sweet, creamy cream cheese filling, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Here’s how you can create this delightful dessert roll.
Ingredients for the Carrot Cake Roll:
For the Carrot Cake:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, and lightly grease it. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using).
Step 2: Bake the Carrot Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown.
Step 3: Roll the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one short end, gently roll the cake and towel together into a log shape. Let it cool completely while rolled up.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Carrot Cake Roll
Once the cake is completely cooled, gently unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges.
Step 6: Roll and Serve
Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, using the parchment paper as a guide. Place the carrot cake roll seam-side down on a serving platter. If desired, dust with powdered sugar or garnish with chopped nuts.
Step 7: Chill and Slice
Refrigerate the carrot cake roll for at least 1-2 hours to set the filling. Slice into 1-inch pieces, and enjoy your delicious, festive carrot cake roll!
Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake Roll:
- Grate the Carrots Finely: Finely grated carrots give a smooth texture and ensure the cake doesn’t become too dense.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened before making the filling.
- Chill Before Slicing: Chilling the roll helps it hold its shape better when slicing.
- Try Different Fillings: While cream cheese is traditional, you can experiment with flavored fillings like whipped cream or mascarpone for variety.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Roll:
- Moist & Flavorful: The carrot cake is perfectly spiced and moist, while the creamy filling adds a rich texture.
- A Showstopper Dessert: The rolled-up appearance makes it a visually impressive dessert for any occasion.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for Easter, Thanksgiving, birthdays, or any special event.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert can be made in advance and refrigerated, making it perfect for holiday entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I make this carrot cake roll in advance? Yes, you can make the carrot cake roll up to 2 days ahead of time. Just refrigerate it and slice it when ready to serve.
Can I make this recipe without nuts? Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free dessert, simply leave out the walnuts or pecans.
Can I freeze this carrot cake roll? Yes, you can freeze the rolled cake (before adding the filling) for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then add the cream cheese filling before serving.
Conclusion: This Carrot Cake Roll is a delicious, decadent dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion. With its sweet, spiced carrot cake and creamy filling, it’s sure to impress your family and guests. Easy to make and customizable, this carrot cake roll is the ultimate dessert treat!
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