There’s a certain nostalgic comfort in the flavors of a classic carrot cake. The moist, spiced cake paired with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting is a timeless combination. But what if you could elevate this beloved dessert into a more elegant and impressive form? Enter the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese – a beautiful and delicious way to enjoy carrot cake. This recipe brings together the familiar flavors you love in a stunning presentation that’s perfect for any occasion.
Imagine biting into a slice of this roll: the tender cake, infused with the warmth of cinnamon, encases a luscious cream cheese filling. The roll not only tastes divine but also looks like a work of art on your dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging in a sweet treat with a cup of tea, this Carrot Cake Roll will surely impress your family and guests alike.
Ingredients and Their Roles
For the Cake:
3 eggs: The eggs provide structure and stability to the cake, ensuring it holds together well when rolled.
2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sugar adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Oil keeps the cake moist and soft.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a subtle depth of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, giving the cake its light and fluffy texture.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and a touch of spice, complementing the sweetness of the carrots.
3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Flour provides the necessary structure to the cake.
2 cups shredded carrots: The star of the cake, carrots add moisture, sweetness, and a lovely texture.
Powdered sugar for dusting (about 3/4 cup): Powdered sugar prevents the cake from sticking to the towel when rolled and adds a finishing touch.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Cream cheese provides the creamy, tangy base for the filling.
4 tablespoons butter, room temperature: Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
2 cups powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the filling and ensures a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the filling.
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15″ jelly roll pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat 3 eggs on high speed for about 5 minutes until they become frothy and dark yellow in color.
Gradually beat in 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just blended. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in the 2 cups of shredded carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center.
2. Prepare the Towel and Roll:
While the cake is baking, lay out a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and generously sprinkle it with powdered sugar. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the towel.
Once the cake is done, immediately remove it from the oven and invert it onto the prepared towel.
Carefully peel off the foil or parchment paper from the back of the cake.
Starting at the short end, carefully roll the cake up with the towel. This initial rolling with the towel helps set the shape of the roll.
Let the rolled cake cool completely on a wire rack, seam side down.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat together 6 ounces of room temperature cream cheese and 4 tablespoons of room temperature butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually beat in 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined and fluffy. The filling should be smooth and spreadable.
4. Assemble the Cake Roll:
Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it from the towel. Be gentle to avoid cracking the cake.
Evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from oozing out when rolled.
Carefully re-roll the cake tightly without the towel. Place it seam side down on a serving platter.
Chill the cake roll in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5. Serve:
Before serving, dust the top of the cake roll with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Slice the cake roll into rounds using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between slices for neat edges.
Serve chilled and enjoy the delicious combination of moist carrot cake and creamy cream cheese filling!
Tips and Variations
Nuts: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans over the cream cheese filling before rolling the cake. The nuts add a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the cake and the creaminess of the filling.
Spice: Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cake batter. These spices will add warmth and depth, making the cake even more aromatic and flavorful.
Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cake roll. Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk or lemon juice until it reaches a pourable consistency, then drizzle it over the chilled cake roll.
Storage: Store any leftover cake roll covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Conclusion
This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The process of making it is as enjoyable as the end result, with the delightful anticipation building as you roll, fill, and finally slice into the cake. The combination of moist, spiced carrot cake and rich, tangy cream cheese filling is irresistible, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re making this for a special celebration or as a weekend treat, the Carrot Cake Roll is sure to become a favorite. Its beautiful presentation and delectable taste will have everyone asking for seconds. So, take your classic carrot cake to the next level with this elegant and delicious roll – a true testament to the timeless appeal of carrot cake. Enjoy every bite!
