Turn the cake out onto the prepared towel, carefully peeling away the foil. Starting at the short end of the cake, fold the towel over the edge and roll the cake tightly within the towel. Let the rolled cake sit and cool completely, which usually takes about one to two hours depending on your kitchen temperature.
Cream Cheese Filling: The Icing on the Cake (Literally!)
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 6 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make the star of the show—the cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, and finish by mixing in the vanilla extract. This filling is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced to complement the spiced carrot cake.
Step 5: Frost and Roll Again
Once the cake has cooled completely, unroll it carefully from the towel. It should retain its shape and be flexible enough to roll back up with the filling inside. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the entire surface of the cake, ensuring you cover all the edges. Then, roll the cake back up as tightly as possible, peeling away the towel as you go.
After rolling, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to one hour to allow the frosting to firm up. Before serving, dust the roll with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Customization Tips for Your Carrot Cake Roll
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize your carrot cake roll for different tastes and preferences:
- Add Nuts: For a satisfying crunch, sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans over the cream cheese filling before rolling.
- Include Raisins: If you enjoy the taste of raisins in your carrot cake, feel free to add them to the batter.
- Top with Coconut: For an extra tropical twist, you can garnish the finished cake roll with toasted coconut flakes.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare this cake roll in advance and freeze it for up to one month. Just be sure to dust it with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Information for Carrot Cake Roll
A single slice of this indulgent carrot cake roll contains approximately 235 calories, 35 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 29 grams of sugar. While it’s not exactly a low-calorie dessert, it’s a worthwhile treat for special occasions, especially when shared with loved ones.
Common Questions About Carrot Cake Roll
Is it difficult to make a carrot cake roll?
Many people think that making a cake roll is hard, but with the right techniques, it’s actually quite simple. The key is to roll the cake while it’s still warm, which helps it maintain its flexibility. Using plenty of powdered sugar also ensures the cake doesn’t stick to the towel during the rolling process.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the carrot cake roll can be made in advance and stored in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the cake, dust it with powdered sugar, and slice.
What if the cake cracks during rolling?
If the cake cracks while rolling, don’t worry! You can use the cream cheese filling to “glue” the cake back together. You could even frost the entire outside of the cake roll to hide any imperfections.
