Spiced Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

For a twist on the classic carrot cake, this Spiced Carrot Cake Roll combines the warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with a rich and creamy filling. Rolled to perfection, this dessert is as elegant as it is delicious. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, it’s a show-stopping treat that’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• Powdered sugar (for rolling)

For the Filling:

• 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper and giving it a light greasing.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking powder, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and flour.
4. Add Carrots: Gently fold in the shredded carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cake bounces back when gently pressed.

Roll the Cake:

1. Get Ready to Roll: While the cake is still warm, carefully flip it onto a kitchen towel that’s been generously sprinkled with powdered sugar. Gently remove the parchment paper.
2. Roll the Cake: Starting from the short end, roll the cake tightly (with the towel inside) to form a spiral.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.

Assemble the Cake Roll:

1. Unwrap the Cake: After the cake has cooled, gently unroll it. Evenly spread the cream cheese filling across the cake, leaving a slight border at the edges.
2. Roll it Back Up: Slowly roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to firm up.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Dust and Slice: Before serving, dust the cake roll with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Slice into rounds and serve chilled.

Conclusion

This Spiced Carrot Cake Roll is the perfect combination of cozy spices, tender cake, and creamy filling. It’s a beautiful and delicious dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this cake roll will leave everyone asking for seconds!