Sourdough Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls (Easy Overnight Recipe)

If you’ve been looking for a way to use up your sourdough discard while still creating something that feels special, these sourdough carrot cake cinnamon rolls are about to become your new favorite bake.

Not only are they incredibly soft and fluffy, but they’re also layered with warm spices, shredded carrots, and that signature tangy depth from sourdough. In other words, they’re everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls… with a cozy carrot cake twist.

And the best part? These are approachable, family-friendly, and perfect for holidays like Easter—or honestly, just a slow weekend morning at home.

Why You’ll Love These Sourdough Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

First of all, these are not your average cinnamon rolls. Because we’re combining carrot cake flavors with sourdough, you get something that feels both nostalgic and elevated.

Additionally, this recipe:

• Uses 100g sourdough starter, making it perfect for discard or active starter
• Has a soft, enriched dough thanks to butter, egg, and milk
• Is packed with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg
• Includes real shredded carrots for moisture and texture
• Can be made overnight for an easy morning bake

As a result, you get rolls that are soft, slightly tangy, perfectly sweet, and full of cozy flavor

What Do Sourdough Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls Taste Like?

If you’re wondering what makes these different, let’s break it down.

These rolls taste like a cross between:

• A classic cinnamon roll
• Moist carrot cake
• And a lightly tangy sourdough pastry

Because of that, every bite is soft, spiced, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced—not overly sugary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dough:

• 8 tbsp salted butter, melted
• 3 ¼ cups flour
• 2/3 cup milk (2%)
• 1 large egg
• 100g sourdough starter
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp allspice (or substitute ½ tsp ginger + ½ tsp nutmeg)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 1 tsp vanilla

Filling:

• ½ cup butter (soft/melted)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1/3 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/3 cup walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Icing:

• 1 block cream cheese
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 1 tsp vanilla

How to Make Sourdough Carrot Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough (Night Before)

First, combine all dough ingredients in a stand mixer using the paddle attachment. Mix until a sticky dough forms—this only takes about 1–2 minutes.

Then, let the dough rest for 30 minutes. After that, switch to the dough hook and knead on low speed for about 6 minutes until smooth.

Next, transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise for 8–12 hours.

For example, if you make the dough around 8:30 PM, it will be perfectly ready by 8:30 AM.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

The next morning, lightly flour your countertop, dough, and rolling pin.

Then, roll the dough into a rectangle roughly 12 x 16 inches. Try to keep it even so your rolls bake uniformly.

Step 3: Make and Spread the Filling

Meanwhile, combine all filling ingredients in a bowl until well mixed.

After that, spread the filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to go edge to edge so every bite has that rich, spiced flavor.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from the long side (16 inches), gently roll the dough inward, keeping it tight so the rolls hold their shape.

Then, using dental floss (this is key for clean cuts), slice into 8 even rolls.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the rolls into a lined springform pan or pie dish.

Next, allow them to rest and rise again for 90–120 minutes, until slightly puffy.

This step is what gives you that soft, fluffy texture.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Then, place the rolls on the center rack and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Your kitchen will smell absolutely unreal at this point.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While the rolls are baking, mix together:

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla

Until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Finally, spread the icing over the warm rolls.

As a result, the icing melts slightly into the swirls, making them extra soft, rich, and completely irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Sourdough Discard?

Yes—this recipe works beautifully with sourdough discard.

Although an active starter may give slightly more rise, discard still provides amazing flavor and texture. So if you’ve been wondering how to use leftover starter, this is one of the best ways.

Do I Have to Let It Rise Overnight?

Technically, no—but it’s highly recommended.

The overnight rise not only develops flavor but also makes your morning easier. However, if you’re short on time, you can let it rise at room temperature until doubled (about 4–6 hours depending on warmth).

Why are my sourdough cinnamon rolls dense instead of fluffy?

If your sourdough carrot cake cinnamon rolls turn out dense, it usually comes down to one of three things.

First, the dough may not have risen long enough. Because sourdough relies on natural fermentation, it often needs more time than traditional yeast dough—especially during the overnight rise.

Second, your starter might not have been active enough. While discard works, using a recently fed starter can help create a lighter, fluffier texture.

Lastly, too much flour can make the dough heavy. Since this is meant to be a soft, slightly sticky dough, over-flouring during mixing or rolling can lead to dense rolls.

To fix this, allow full rise time, keep your dough soft, and make sure your environment is warm enough for proper fermentation. As a result, you’ll get those soft, pillowy rolls every time.

Tips for the Best Results

To get that bakery-style finish, keep these tips in mind:

• Finely shred your carrots so they blend into the dough
• Don’t over-flour—this dough should stay soft and slightly sticky
• Roll tightly to keep those beautiful swirls intact
• Use dental floss for clean slices
• Let the second rise fully happen for the fluffiest rolls

Make-Ahead + Storage

If you’re planning for Easter, brunch, or hosting, this recipe is ideal.

• Prep the dough the night before
• Bake fresh in the morning
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days

When reheating, simply microwave for 20–30 seconds to bring them back to life.

Final Thoughts

These sourdough carrot cake cinnamon rolls are one of those recipes that just feels like home.

They’re soft, warm, perfectly spiced, and just indulgent enough without being over the top. And more importantly, they’re the kind of recipe that brings everyone together around the table—which is exactly what Tana’s Table is all about.

So whether you’re making these for Easter morning, a cozy weekend, or just because you have sourdough starter to use up, trust me… this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.