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Carrot Roll Recipe

CARROT CAKE ROLL

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Ultimate carrot cake roll, delicious dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely grated carrots
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup flaked coconut (optional)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan, then line it with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on the long sides. Grease the parchment paper and dust lightly with flour, tapping out any excess.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Ensure no lumps and even spice distribution.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy. Gradually whisk in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. Stir in the finely grated carrots and orange zest. If using, gently fold in pecans, walnuts, or flaked coconut.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula just until everything is combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
  • Pour the batter evenly into your prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it all the way to the edges with an offset spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center and a wooden skewer inserted comes out clean.
  • While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel. Lay it flat on your counter and generously dust it with confectioners’ sugar.
  • As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately invert it onto the prepared sugared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one of the short ends, carefully and tightly roll the cake up in the towel, creating a spiral. Place the rolled cake, seam-side down, on a wire rack and allow it to cool completely to room temperature (at least 1 to 1.5 hours).
  • While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until incredibly smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, starting on low speed, then increasing to medium-high. Beat until light, fluffy, and well combined. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract and salt.
  • Once your cake roll is completely cooled, gently unroll it. Spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface of the cake, leaving a small border (about half an inch) around the edges. Starting again from one of the short ends, carefully and tightly re-roll the cake, this time without the towel. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set and the roll to firm up.
  • Store the Carrot Cake Roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and let come to room temperature for 30 minutes for best texture.

Notes

Get ready to have your carrot cake world rocked! This Carrot Cake Roll isn’t just a dessert; it’s a masterpiece that combines the best of two worlds: the comforting, spiced flavor of classic carrot cake with the elegance and delightful texture of a Swiss roll. Imagine a tender, moist, and perfectly spiced cake, thinly baked to an irresistible golden hue, then lovingly rolled around a thick, creamy, and tangy cream cheese frosting. Each slice reveals a beautiful swirl, promising a symphony of flavors and textures that will dance on your palate.