Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling!!!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to hang over the edges slightly for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.

2. Make the Carrot Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend of warm spices is what gives carrot cake its signature flavor!

In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and grated carrots, then mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined. If you’re using nuts, fold them in gently at this point.

3. Bake the Carrot Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as the cake bakes quickly!

4. Roll the Cake

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately place a clean kitchen towel on the counter. Dust the towel with a generous amount of powdered sugar. Carefully turn the hot cake out onto the towel (the parchment paper should peel off easily). Starting at one short end, gently roll the cake up with the towel inside. Let it cool completely while it’s rolled up—this will help the cake hold its shape once filled.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.

6. Unroll the Cake and Fill

Once the carrot cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it from the towel. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface of the cake, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Be gentle to avoid tearing the cake.

7. Roll the Cake Again

After spreading the filling, carefully roll the cake back up (this time without the towel). Be sure to roll it tightly, but not too tightly, so the filling doesn’t squeeze out. Once rolled, place the cake seam-side down on a platter.

8. Chill and Serve

Chill the rolled cake in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours to allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld. Before serving, dust the top with a little more powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Slice into rounds, and enjoy the perfect balance of moist carrot cake and creamy, tangy filling.

Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake Roll:

• Grate the Carrots Finely: The finer you grate the carrots, the smoother the texture of the cake. Use a box grater or a food processor to get finely grated carrots.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the filling. This helps them blend together more easily and results in a smooth filling.
• Be Gentle When Rolling: Rolling the cake while it’s still warm is key to achieving that perfect spiral. Just be gentle, and don’t force it—if it starts to crack, it’s okay! You can still cover it with frosting or powdered sugar to make it look beautiful.
• Flavor Variations: For a fun twist, you can add shredded coconut, golden raisins, or even a bit of orange zest to the cake batter for extra flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling:

• Elegant Presentation: This rolled cake looks like a showstopper and is perfect for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, or afternoon tea. The beautiful swirl of cake and cream cheese filling makes it an impressive dessert to serve.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The warm spices in the carrot cake, combined with the rich, tangy cream cheese filling, create a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s not too sweet but utterly delicious.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Unlike traditional carrot cakes that are often heavy, this roll is light, moist, and soft, thanks to the cake’s thinness and the cream cheese filling.
• Customizable: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite flavors, or top it with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture. You can also add a bit of cinnamon or ginger to the filling for extra spice.

Final Thoughts:

The Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Its light, airy texture and creamy filling make it a refreshing alternative to traditional layered cakes, and its easy-to-slice, beautiful presentation is sure to impress guests. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time.

Next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s both showy and scrumptious, try this carrot cake roll. It’s the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and sweetness—and it just might become your new go-to dessert for every occasion!