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Cozy Carrot Cake Swiss Roll Recipe with Easy Brown Butter Cream Cheese Filling

carrot cake swiss roll - featured image

A light and moist carrot cake swiss roll with a nutty, creamy brown butter cream cheese filling that offers a cozy and indulgent dessert perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (about 120g) freshly grated carrots
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
  • 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
  • A pinch of salt (for filling)

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar and eggs until pale and slightly thickened (2-3 minutes by hand or 1 minute with mixer). Add vanilla extract and vegetable oil; mix gently until smooth.
  4. Fold in grated carrots until evenly distributed.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using a spatula until no flour streaks remain; do not overmix.
  6. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and spread with spatula. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cake springs back lightly and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. While cake bakes, lay a clean kitchen towel on countertop and dust generously with powdered sugar.
  8. Immediately invert cake onto towel and carefully peel off parchment paper. Starting at one short side, roll cake and towel together into a log. Let cool completely rolled up to hold shape.
  9. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and cook, swirling occasionally, until golden brown and nutty aroma appears (4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  10. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until fluffy. Slowly add cooled brown butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt; beat until smooth and creamy.
  11. Unroll cooled cake gently and spread filling evenly over surface, leaving a small border.
  12. Carefully re-roll cake without towel, using towel to help if needed.
  13. Wrap swiss roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour to set filling and meld flavors.
  14. Slice with a sharp serrated knife and serve.

Notes

Roll the cake while warm with a powdered sugar-dusted towel to prevent cracks. Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning. Chill the filled roll for at least 1 hour before slicing. If cracks occur, they add rustic charm and do not affect taste. Use a serrated knife and wipe clean between slices for neat cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, swiss roll, brown butter, cream cheese filling, easy dessert, cozy dessert, carrot cake roll