Description
Carrot Cake Roll
Recipe
• Ingredients:
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the egg mixture, mixing until just blended. Stir in grated carrots.
4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the top springs back when touched.
5. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll up cake and towel together, starting from one short end. Cool we have a wire rack.
6. Unroll cake, remove towel, spread cream cheese filling evenly over cake, and reroll. Chill before serving.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
• Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect roll every time. After baking, immediately loosen the cake edges and invert it onto a towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from a short end, use the towel to roll the cake into a tight log. This step must be done while the cake is hot to set its flexible shape. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack in its rolled form. For the filling, ensure the cream cheese and butter are truly softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. Beat them together until perfectly smooth before adding the powdered sugar and vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
For a beautiful presentation, dust the chilled roll with additional powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. Garnish with finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or chai tea. For a festive touch, decorate with small fondant carrots or orange sprinkles around the holidays.
How-to Summary
In summary: Prepare a spiced carrot cake batter and bake it in a jelly roll pan. Turn the hot cake onto a sugared towel and roll it up to cool. Unroll the cooled cake, spread with a creamy cheesecake filling, then re-roll tightly. Chill to set before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake roll ahead of time? Absolutely. It’s actually better when made a day ahead. Wrap the chilled roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why did my cake crack when rolling? Cracking usually occurs if the cake was overbaked or cooled too long before the initial roll. Ensure you roll it in the towel immediately after baking while it’s still hot and flexible.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots? It’s not recommended. Pre-shredded carrots are often too dry and thick. Freshly grated carrots provide essential moisture and a finer texture that blends seamlessly into the cake.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom? Ensure your towel is dusted with powdered sugar, not flour, to create a barrier that absorbs excess moisture without making the cake gummy.
Can I freeze a carrot cake roll? Yes. Wrap the unfilled, cooled cake roll (without the towel) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw, fill, and chill as directed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this develops gluten and makes the cake tough.
- Do not let the baked cake cool flat. Rolling it warm is crucial for a crack-free shape.
- Ensure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened. Cold ingredients will create a lumpy filling that can tear the cake.
- Do not overbake. Check at the 12-minute mark; the cake should spring back lightly when touched.
- Do not skip the chilling step. Chilling firms the filling and makes the roll much easier to slice cleanly.
Conclusion
This Carrot Cake Roll is an impressive yet approachable dessert that masterfully combines the warm spices of carrot cake with a luscious cream cheese filling. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a stunning, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any occasion. Its make-ahead nature and elegant presentation make it a reliable favorite for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.