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Get ready to delight your taste buds with my easy Spiced Carrot Cake Roll recipe! This unique dessert combines aromatic spices and sweet carrots, all wrapped around a creamy filling. You’ll love how simple it is to make, and it’s perfect for any gathering. In this post, I’ll walk you through every step, from prepping your ingredients to creating that stunning roll. Let’s dive into this delicious journey together!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: This cake beautifully marries the sweetness of carrots and pineapple with warm spices, creating a delightful and comforting flavor profile.
- Unique Presentation: The roll format makes this cake visually striking, perfect for special occasions or gatherings, impressing your guests with its charm.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether served as a dessert or a sweet treat with coffee, this cake fits perfectly in any setting, making it a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a fun and rewarding baking experience.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
Cream Cheese Filling
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
– Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish (optional)
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great spiced carrot cake roll. Start with your dry ingredients. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. The spices add warmth and flavor. Don’t forget the salt; it enhances the sweetness.
Next, collect your wet ingredients. You’ll need eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla. The eggs help bind the cake. The sugar adds sweetness. The oil keeps it moist. Carrots and pineapple bring natural sweetness and moisture. Grate those carrots finely to blend well.
Finally, for the cream cheese filling, you need softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. This filling will bring a tangy balance to the sweet cake.
Feel free to add chopped nuts as a garnish. They add a nice crunch and flavor. By using high-quality ingredients, your cake will taste amazing. Now, you’re ready to start baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pan
– Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
– Prepare a jelly roll pan
Start by preheating your oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C). This heat will help your cake rise nicely. Next, find a jelly roll pan. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the cake out later. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
– Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt
Take a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Then, add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients well. This mix gives your cake flavor and helps it rise.
Combining Wet Ingredients
– Beat eggs and sugar until thick
– Add oil and vanilla
In a large bowl, crack 4 large eggs. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat the mixture for about 3-5 minutes. It should look thick and pale. Now, slowly add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract too. Continue mixing until everything blends well.
Combining Ingredients
– Fold in carrots and pineapple
– Mix wet and dry ingredients without overmixing
Next, take 1 1/2 cups of finely grated carrots and 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple. Make sure the pineapple is well drained. Gently fold them into the egg mixture. Then, take your dry mix and add it to the wet mix. Fold gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your cake light and fluffy.
Baking the Cake
– Pour batter into the pan
– Bake for 15-20 minutes
Pour the batter into your prepared jelly roll pan. Spread it evenly across the pan. Now, place it in your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Rolling the Cake
– Invert onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar
– Roll the cake and let it cool
While the cake bakes, get a clean kitchen towel. Dust it generously with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, take it out of the oven. Quickly invert it onto the prepared towel. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one short end, roll the cake up tightly with the towel. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape for about 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling and Finishing
– Beat cream cheese filling
– Spread and re-roll cake before chilling
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. Once your cake has cooled, gently unroll it from the towel. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the cake. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel. Make sure the seam side is down. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
To ensure your spiced carrot cake roll bakes properly, follow these steps:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the cake rise well.
– Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper overhang to help later.
– Grease the parchment lightly. This will make it easy to lift the cake out.
To test if the cake is done, use a toothpick:
– Insert the toothpick into the center of the cake.
– If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
Rolling Tips
Rolling the cake can be tricky. Here are some tips to avoid cracks:
– After removing the cake from the oven, invert it onto the prepared towel. Do this quickly to keep it warm.
– Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar. This helps prevent sticking and cracking.
– Start rolling from one short end. Roll it tightly but gently. This keeps the shape nice.
Presentation Suggestions
Presentation adds charm to your dish. Here are some ideas:
– Dust the top of the rolled cake with powdered sugar. This gives it a lovely finish.
– For garnishes, consider using chopped pecans or walnuts. They add a nice crunch.
– You can also add sweet carrot decorations or edible flowers for a fun touch.
Pro Tips
- Ensure Even Grating: Use a box grater or food processor to finely grate the carrots for a smooth and even texture in your cake.
- Cooling with Towel: Dusting the kitchen towel with powdered sugar before rolling the cake helps prevent sticking and adds sweetness.
- Chill for Perfect Slices: Refrigerating the rolled cake for at least an hour allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice without squishing.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the cake to your preference; adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice can elevate the flavor profile.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out some ingredients for healthier options. Using applesauce instead of oil cuts fat and adds moisture. It keeps the cake soft and tasty. You can also use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. These add unique flavors while reducing refined sugar.
Flavor Variations
Want to change up the flavor? Add raisins or nuts to the batter for a fun twist. Chopped walnuts or pecans give nice crunch. You can also play with spice blends. Try adding allspice or cardamom for a different taste. These spices can make your cake even more exciting.
Cream Cheese Filling Alternatives
If you want a different filling, consider using mascarpone or Greek yogurt. Both will give you a rich and creamy texture. You can also flavor your cream cheese with vanilla, orange zest, or even coconut. These options add a fun twist to your cake roll.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
You can keep your spiced carrot cake roll in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To store it, wrap the roll in plastic wrap. This helps keep it moist and fresh. You can also place it in an airtight container for extra protection. Just remember to remove any nuts if you add them as a garnish before wrapping.
Freezing
If you want to save the cake roll for later, freezing is a great option. Slice it into pieces for easier thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they stay tasty for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, take a piece out and leave it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice and soft.
Serving Storage
For leftovers, store them the same way as the whole roll. Just wrap any remaining pieces well. If you want to reheat, do it gently in the microwave. Heat for just a few seconds at a time, checking often. This way, you will avoid overcooking it. Enjoy each bite of your delicious carrot cake roll!
FAQs
What is the difference between a cake roll and a regular cake?
A cake roll is a thin sheet of cake that is baked, rolled, and filled. It has a soft texture and is often filled with cream or fruit. A regular cake is thicker and baked in a pan without rolling. Cake rolls can be more delicate, while regular cakes are denser.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. This swap works well in most recipes. Be sure to check your other ingredients, too, as some may contain gluten.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
You can test if the cake is fully baked by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. It should spring back when lightly touched. If you see wet batter, it needs more time in the oven.
Can I use fresh carrots instead of grated?
You should grate fresh carrots for this recipe. Grating helps them cook evenly and blend into the batter. Whole carrots will not work well as they will not soften properly during baking. Use a box grater or food processor for the best results.
How can I add more moisture to the cake?
To add more moisture, you can include crushed pineapple or applesauce. These ingredients help keep the cake moist. You could also try adding a bit more oil or yogurt to the batter. Just be cautious not to add too much, or it may change the cake’s texture.
This blog post shared a simple recipe for a delicious cake roll. We covered all the ingredients, both dry and wet, and the cream cheese filling that adds flavor. I explained the step-by-step process of baking and rolling the cake, plus tips for success. Remember, you can make fun variations and store leftovers easily. Baking can be a joy, so try this recipe and impress everyone with your skills. Enjoy each bite of your homemade cake rol
Spiced Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
A delightful spiced carrot cake rolled with a creamy filling, perfect for dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 250 kcal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups finely grated carrots
- 0.5 cup crushed pineapple, thoroughly drained
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 0.25 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- to taste chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish (optional)
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes thick and pale in color, about 3-5 minutes.
Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil and add the vanilla extract while continuing to mix until well incorporated.
Gently fold in the finely grated carrots and the thoroughly drained crushed pineapple until evenly distributed.
Carefully add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture light.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel by generously dusting it with powdered sugar.
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and promptly invert it onto the prepared towel. Carefully remove the parchment paper. Starting from one short end, roll the cake tightly with the towel, forming a log shape, and allow it to cool completely in this rolled position, about 30 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it from the towel. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface of the cake.
Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, ensuring the seam side is at the bottom. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the filling.
To serve, slice the chilled roll into pieces and, if desired, garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
For an elegant touch, dust the top of the rolled cake with extra powdered sugar before serving and consider adding some sweet carrot decorations or edible flowers for a charming visual appeal.
Keyword carrot cake, dessert, roll cake
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