Name: Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups freshly grated carrots; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling is everything you love about classic carrot cake—just swirled into a stunning spiral that makes every slice a showstopper. It delivers the warm spice of cinnamon, the sweet crunch of carrots, and that dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting you know and crave.

Unlike traditional layer cakes, this roll keeps things light and compact, perfect for springtime brunches, Easter spreads, or whenever you want a sweet slice without too much fuss. It looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to roll up once you know the trick.

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Roll

A tender, spiced carrot sponge cake that stays moist and flavorful.
The cream cheese frosting is rich, smooth, and whipped to perfection.
No layer stacking needed—just bake, roll, fill, and slice.
Elegant presentation with minimal effort.
It freezes beautifully, so you can make it ahead of time.

What Kind of Carrots Should I Use?

Freshly grated carrots are your best bet here. Skip pre-shredded bagged ones, as they tend to be dry and don’t blend into the batter well. Use a box grater or food processor to shred them finely—you want soft, bendable shreds that melt into the cake for that perfect texture.

Ingredients for the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

Every ingredient in this cake roll plays a role in building flavor and texture:

All-purpose flour – The structure builder. Sift it for a lighter sponge.
Baking powder & baking soda – Leavening duo to give the roll its tender lift.
Salt – Balances sweetness and sharpens the spices.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg – The warm heart of any great carrot cake.
Eggs – Help aerate the batter and provide structure.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the egg foam.
Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel.
Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor.
Freshly grated carrots – The star of the show! Moist and naturally sweet.
Cream cheese – For that classic tangy frosting.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens and smooths out the frosting.
Butter – Brings creaminess to the frosting.

How To Make the Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Filling

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Line a 10×15 jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, beat eggs and both sugars until thick and pale. Stir in the vanilla, then fold in the dry ingredients and carrots.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.

Step 4: Roll While Warm

Immediately turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment and gently roll the cake up in the towel, starting from the short side. Let it cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble and Chill

Unroll the cake, spread the frosting evenly, then roll it back up (without the towel). Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Serving and Storing Your Carrot Cake Roll

This delightful roll yields about 10 to 12 slices, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Serve chilled for clean slices and best texture.

To store, wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the whole roll or individual slices. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What to Serve With Carrot Cake Roll?

Hot Spiced Tea

A cozy cup of chai or cinnamon tea brings out the warm spices of the cake.

Fresh Berries

Add a handful of raspberries or blueberries to each plate for a pop of color and brightness.

Whipped Cream

A light dollop on the side complements the richness of the cream cheese filling.

Toasted Pecans

Sprinkle some crushed pecans over the roll for a nutty crunch.

Lemon Curd

A spoonful on the side balances the sweetness with a zing.

Espresso or Latte

That bitter kick of coffee works so well with the sweet, spiced cake.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Make it a dessert showstopper by serving a slice with a scoop of ice cream.

Maple Syrup Drizzle

A light drizzle adds extra warmth and sweetness.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If this Carrot Cake Roll has you smiling, you’ll love these other unique dessert recipes:

Try these gooey Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins for a handheld version of your favorite roll.
Our soft Whipped Shortbread Cookies melt in your mouth and pair wonderfully with tea.
If you’re in a fruity mood, the Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups are a tangy, creamy dream.
Don’t miss the Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for bold berry-chocolate flavor.
For a nostalgic classic, these Banana Bread Cookies hit the sweet spot every time.