Looking for that show-stopping dessert that says spring is here? Let me introduce you to your new seasonal favorite: the Carrot Cake Roll. This delightful treat combines the comforting spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the freshness of shredded carrots, all rolled up into a light and fluffy sponge. The rich cream cheese frosting tucked inside makes each slice of this Carrot Cake Roll irresistibly moist and full of flavor.

Whether you’re prepping for Easter brunch, a spring gathering, or just craving something sweet, this Carrot Cake Roll recipe checks all the boxes. And here’s the best part—it only looks complicated. With a few simple cake roll tips, like the classic kitchen towel trick, rolling your cake without cracking is totally achievable. Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll want to turn every cake into a roll!

In This Guide

Personal Story & Context

Growing up, spring meant one thing: my grandmother’s kitchen smelled like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Every Easter, we’d grate piles of fresh carrots and mix them into her signature Carrot Cake Roll—well, back then, it was just a spiced carrot cake, but the magic was the same. It was warm, welcoming, and always topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting—and let me tell you, it disappeared faster than you could say “seconds.”

Years later, I decided to give her classic a playful twist by turning it into what’s now one of my favorite desserts: the Carrot Cake Roll. Not only did it impress my guests, but it also felt like a little baking magic unfolding right in front of me. If you’re craving a dessert that blends nostalgia with visual wow-factor—this Carrot Cake Roll delivers on every level.

Recipe Inspiration

I’ve baked more cake roll recipes than I can count—Chocolate Caramel Turtle, Strawberry Shortcake, Peanut Butter Cup—but this Carrot Cake Roll from scratch is the one I return to every spring. It captures that cozy, familiar flavor with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while the airy sponge and tangy cream cheese filling give it a refreshing twist. This isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of spring wrapped up in one irresistible Carrot Cake Roll.

Inspired by my mother-in-law’s pumpkin roll, this recipe is a breeze once you know the trick: roll the cake while it’s hot. Don’t be afraid to experiment—add toasted walnuts to the filling or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top. And for more easy spring dessert ideas, be sure to check out our cherry pineapple dump cake—a fruity crowd-pleaser that’s just as effortless.

Visual Instructions & Tips

Let’s walk through this step-by-step cake roll process:

Prep the pan: Use a 10×15” jelly roll pan. Line it with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
Beat eggs: Whip eggs for a full 5 minutes until they’re frothy and deep yellow—this gives the sponge its airy lift.
Bake: 9–11 minutes at 350°F, or up to 15 depending on your oven.
Roll while hot: Immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll gently from the short end.
Cool completely: Let the rolled cake rest for 1–2 hours before filling.
Unroll, fill, and reroll: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly, then reroll and wrap tightly.

Tips for success:

Use finely shredded carrots to ensure your Carrot Cake Roll bakes up with a soft, smooth sponge that’s easy to roll. If you spot a few cracks—don’t panic! A little extra cream cheese frosting works wonders to patch them up, or simply dust the roll generously with powdered sugar for a flawless finish.
Mastering the kitchen towel rolling trick is key to preventing cracks in your cake. This classic method helps shape your sponge into a perfect roll while it’s still warm and pliable. And if you’re a visual learner, stay tuned—our Carrot Cake Roll tutorial video is on the way to walk you through each step.

carrot cake roll with cream cheese frosting, sliced to reveal moist sponge and creamy filling, dusted with powdered sugar.

Recipe Card

Ingredients

For the carrot sponge cake:

3 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
2 cups finely shredded carrots
Powdered sugar for dusting

For the cream cheese filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Unrolled carrot cake with cream cheese frosting spread on top, ready to be rolled using a kitchen towel.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a jelly roll pan with foil and spray generously.
Beat eggs and sugar for 5 minutes until frothy and thick.
Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, spices, baking powder, soda, and salt.
Combine and fold in carrots.
Pour batter into the pan, spread evenly, and bake for 9–11 minutes.
Invert hot cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll from the short end and let cool completely.
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Unroll cooled cake, spread filling evenly, then reroll.

Freshly rolled carrot cake roll on a kitchen towel, filled with cream cheese frosting and ready to be chilled.

Wrap in plastic and chill for 30–60 minutes.

Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store wrapped in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
For more delicious, spiced treats, try our easy apple coffee cake recipe.

Notes & Customization Suggestions

Want extra texture? Add toasted walnuts, pecans, or raisins into the batter.
Craving tropical? Stir in crushed pineapple for a fruity twist.
Watching your diet? Swap butter in the filling for Greek yogurt to lighten it up.
Make it gluten-free with a 1:1 GF flour blend.
For more fruit-filled treats, check out our delicious fresh peach fritters or this strawberry jello poke cake.

Nutrition Facts

Per slice (approximate):

Calories: 235
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 29g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and modifications.

Love this spiced cake dessert? You’ll also enjoy our fruity and festive desserts like cherry pineapple dump cake or the comforting easy apple coffee cake recipe.

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Irresistibly Moist Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Author: Kai
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

You’re going to love this one—imagine the burst of spiced cake wrapped around a velvety swirl of tangy cream cheese; it’s springtime dessert perfection with a show-stopping twist!