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Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Treat

When it comes to indulgent desserts, few things can rival the comforting embrace of a freshly baked cinnamon roll. Add to that the moist, rich flavour of carrot cake, and you have a pastry that transcends the ordinary. Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls combine the best of both worlds in a scrumptious creation that is sure to delight friends and family alike.

The Perfect Fusion of Flavours

Carrot cake is a beloved classic, often associated with festive occasions and gatherings. Its moist texture, warm spices, and nutty undertones create a satisfying culinary experience. By marrying these elements with the soft, pillowy goodness of a cinnamon roll, we introduce a whole new level of flavour and texture. The aromatic spices of cinnamon and nutmeg harmonise beautifully with freshly grated carrots, while the addition of cream cheese frosting elevates the entire experience to a decadent treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To embark on your journey to create Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need a selection of ingredients that most home bakers will likely have on hand. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

For the Dough:

• 450g strong white bread flour
• 75g caster sugar
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 240ml whole milk, warmed
• 60g unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs

For the Filling:

• 100g light brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 100g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g finely grated carrots
• 50g walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
• Raisins or sultanas (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 200g cream cheese, softened
• 50g unsalted butter, softened
• 150g icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, combine the light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and softened butter in a bowl. Stir in the grated carrots and, if desired, the chopped nuts and raisins.

3. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle, approximately 30cm x 40cm (12” x 16”). Spread the filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Shape the Rolls: Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish, ensuring they’re close but not touching. Cover with a cloth and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.

5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Prepare the Frosting: While the rolls cool slightly, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

7. Finish and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm rolls and serve immediately, relishing the irresistible combination of flavours and textures.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls are not only a delectable treat but also an exciting way to enjoy the flavours of a classic dessert in a new format. Ideal for brunch gatherings, Sunday afternoon teas, or simply as a comforting snack, these rolls are bound to impress. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or warmed slightly the next day, they promise a deliciously comforting experience that celebrates the best of both carrot cake and cinnamon rolls. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this fantastic fusion—it’s a culinary adventure well worth the effort!