Description
A soft, warmly spiced carrot cake rolled around a rich cream cheese frosting filling for an elegant dessert that’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a bakery-style treat at home.
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting towel
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thick and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and optional walnuts.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
- Dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. Turn the hot cake onto the towel, peel away the parchment paper, and roll the cake up from the short end with the towel inside. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly over the surface, and roll it back up without the towel.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred.
Orange zest can be added to the filling for a citrus flavor.
Garnish with toasted nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze well wrapped for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Serve chilled for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 82 mg
