Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll has a way of stealing the spotlight at spring gatherings, and honestly, it knows it. It’s everything you love about classic carrot cake—warm spices, tender crumbs, and that dreamy cream cheese filling—but rolled up into a dessert that looks fancy without acting difficult.
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Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 mins
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
Description
This Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll is soft, lightly spiced, and filled with smooth cream cheese frosting. It’s an easy yet impressive spring dessert perfect for Easter and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine gently and fold in carrots.
- Spread batter evenly in pan and bake 10–12 minutes. Roll cake warm with a towel and cool completely.
- Unroll, spread filling evenly, re-roll tightly, chill, then slice and serve.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
Table of Contents
Why a Carrot Cake Roll Feels Extra Special
While traditional cakes are lovely, a rolled cake always feels like a celebration. The spiral of cake and filling makes each slice look elegant, even though the process is beginner-friendly. Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll also slices cleanly, serves easily, and travels well, which is perfect for holiday gatherings. Because the cake is thin and flexible, it stays moist, while the cream cheese filling adds richness without overpowering the carrot flavor. Altogether, this dessert delivers comfort, style, and seasonal charm in every bite, making it a trusted favorite year after year.
Ingredients for Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll
Cake Ingredients for a Soft Carrot Roll
The success of an Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll starts with simple, familiar ingredients that work together to create a flexible, moist cake. Because this dessert is rolled, every ingredient plays a role in keeping the texture soft and easy to handle. Thankfully, nothing here is complicated, and most items are pantry staples in American kitchens.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | ¾ cup | Creates structure without heaviness |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | Helps the cake rise evenly |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | Adds lightness and softness |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Classic carrot cake flavor |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ tsp | Adds warmth |
| Large eggs | 3 | Provides flexibility for rolling |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | Sweetens and moistens |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp | Keeps cake tender |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Finely grated carrots | 1 cup | Moisture and natural sweetness |
Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients
The filling is what makes an Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll irresistible. It’s smooth, lightly sweet, and perfectly balanced against the spiced cake.
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 2 tbsp |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
These ingredients create a dessert that feels comforting, festive, and ideal for Easter celebrations without feeling overwhelming.
Step-by-Step Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll Recipe
Step 1: Making the Carrot Cake Batter
To begin your Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed jelly roll pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the edges. This step matters because it helps release the cake later. In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Then, slowly mix in the oil and vanilla. After that, gently fold in the dry ingredients, followed by the finely grated carrots. The batter should feel smooth and spreadable, not stiff.
Step 2: Baking and Rolling the Cake
Next, spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cake springs back when lightly touched. While it’s still warm, carefully lift the cake using the parchment paper and roll it loosely with a clean kitchen towel. This step trains the cake to roll without cracking later, which is key for a perfect Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll.
Step 3: Filling and Finishing the Cake Roll
Once cooled, gently unroll the cake. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly, leaving a small border. Then, re-roll tightly, wrap, and chill before slicing for clean, beautiful spirals.
Tips for a Perfect Carrot Cake Roll Every Time
How to Prevent Cracks in a Cake Roll
One of the most common worries when making an Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll is cracking, yet a few simple habits make all the difference. First, always roll the cake while it’s warm. That early roll helps the cake stay flexible later, which is exactly what you want. Also, be sure not to overbake the cake, because a dry cake won’t bend without breaking. Using parchment paper is another smart move, since it allows the cake to lift and roll smoothly without sticking. Additionally, finely grated carrots are key, because larger shreds can create uneven texture that leads to cracks. With these small steps, the cake stays soft and easy to work with.
Best Tricks for Smooth Rolling and Filling
When it’s time to add the filling, patience pays off. Let the cake cool completely before spreading the cream cheese filling, or it may melt and slide. Spread the filling evenly, but don’t overdo it; a thin, smooth layer works best for a clean roll. As you roll, use gentle pressure and let the cake guide itself. Because this dessert is chilled before slicing, the roll firms up nicely, giving you neat spirals every time. These simple techniques help your Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll look polished while still feeling homemade and welcoming.
Serving Ideas for Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll
Easter Table Presentation Ideas
Serving an Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll is where this recipe truly shines. Because the spiral filling is already eye-catching, simple presentation works best. Slice the cake into even pieces and arrange them on a clean serving platter for a polished look. Lightly dusting the top with powdered sugar adds a soft, spring-ready finish without overpowering the flavor. For Easter gatherings, you can add a few pastel accents on the table, such as spring napkins or floral plates, to make the dessert feel festive yet cozy. Since the cake roll holds its shape well, it looks beautiful whether served at a formal holiday table or a relaxed family brunch.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about an Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll is how well it fits into holiday planning. You can prepare the cake roll a full day ahead and store it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also improves slicing, since the filling firms up nicely. When ready to serve, simply slice and plate. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy the dessert beyond Easter Sunday. This make-ahead flexibility makes the cake roll stress-free and perfect for busy holiday schedules.
FAQs About Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll
Can I Make Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll Ahead of Time?
Yes, Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll is an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, preparing it a day early often improves the texture and makes slicing easier. After rolling and filling the cake, wrap it tightly and refrigerate it until ready to serve. This helps the cream cheese filling set while keeping the cake moist and flavorful.
How Do I Store a Carrot Cake Roll Properly?
To store Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll, keep it wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days without drying out. For best results, slice only what you need and keep the rest chilled to maintain clean, attractive spirals.
Can This Recipe Be Made Without Nuts?
Absolutely. This Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll recipe does not require nuts, making it ideal for nut-free households or gatherings. If you prefer added texture, shredded coconut or raisins can be used, but they are optional and not necessary for great flavor.
Conclusion
Easter Dessert Carrot Cake Roll brings together everything people love about spring desserts—soft texture, warm spices, and creamy filling—without being complicated. It feels festive yet familiar, making it perfect for Easter gatherings or relaxed family meals. Because it’s easy to prepare ahead and simple to serve, it removes stress from holiday baking. Each slice offers a balanced bite of carrot cake and smooth cream cheese, proving that homemade desserts can look elegant while staying approachable. This carrot cake roll isn’t just a dessert; it’s a seasonal tradition waiting to happen.