Description
A moist and flavorful carrot cake roll filled with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for a delightful dessert or snack. This recipe yields a light sponge packed with grated carrots and optional pecans, rolled with a luscious cream cheese filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 cup grated fresh carrots
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Combine Sugar and Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually stir in the grated fresh carrots and, if using, the chopped pecans.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Roll the Cake: Allow the baked cake to cool slightly, then carefully flip it onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake tightly in the towel and let it cool completely to set its shape.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Whip together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Roll: Unroll the cooled cake gently, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface, then roll the cake back up without the towel. Slice into servings and enjoy.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh carrots finely grated to ensure even moisture throughout the cake.
- The pecans are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding the cream cheese frosting to prevent melting.
- Use a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking while rolling the cake.
- This roll can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
