1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan (or a shallow baking pan) with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or nonstick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on high speed until thick, pale, and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Fold in Carrots and Dry Ingredients:
- Gently fold the grated carrots into the egg mixture. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients, folding just until combined. If using nuts, fold them in as well.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Roll the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Carefully lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment overhang and invert it onto the sugared towel. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one of the short ends, carefully roll the cake up with the towel inside. This will help the cake maintain its shape as it cools. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and free of lumps.
3. Assemble the Cake Roll:
- Unroll the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it. If it has cracked slightly, don’t worry—this will be covered by the frosting.
- Spread the Frosting:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the Cake:
- Gently re-roll the cake, this time without the towel, rolling it as tightly as possible without squeezing out the filling.
- Chill the Cake:
- Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to set.
4. Serve the Cake Roll:
- Slice and Serve:
- Before serving, unwrap the cake roll and place it on a serving platter. Dust the top with more powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Slice the cake with a sharp, serrated knife, wiping the blade clean between each cut for neat slices.
- Optional Garnishes:
- You can add a drizzle of caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or even a few edible flowers for extra flair.
- Enjoy:
- Serve your Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for Success:
- Grating the Carrots: Finely grated carrots work best for this recipe. Coarse grating can cause the cake to be too chunky, while too fine can lead to a mushy texture.
- Rolling the Cake: Rolling the cake while it’s still warm helps to prevent cracks. If your cake does crack, don’t worry—the frosting will hide any imperfections.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to avoid lumps in the frosting. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can increase the powdered sugar slightly.
- Make Ahead: This cake roll can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Storing: Keep the cake roll refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it (before dusting with powdered sugar) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
This Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for the taste buds. The warm spices of the carrot cake combined with the tangy sweetness of the cream cheese frosting create a perfectly balanced dessert. Whether for a holiday gathering, a special celebration, or just because, this cake roll is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and the elegant presentation of this irresistible dessert!