Pumpkin Roll Recipe

If you’ve been searching for that perfect autumnal dessert to wow your friends and family, this Pumpkin Roll Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining a tender, spiced pumpkin cake with a luscious cream cheese filling, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and spice wrapped into one irresistible roll. The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a stunning dessert centerpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether it’s for your holiday table or a cozy night in, this Pumpkin Roll Recipe promises layered flavors and that warm, homemade feeling everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of everyday ingredients makes this Pumpkin Roll Recipe both accessible and delicious. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the moist texture and cozy flavors that make this cake so special, while the filling brings that creamy, comforting contrast.

• All-purpose flour (¾ cup, spooned and leveled): The base of your cake that gives it just the right structure without being too dense.
• Pumpkin pie spice (3 teaspoons): This blend is the soul of the dish, infusing warm autumn flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the cake rise lightly and stay tender.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with the baking powder to ensure the perfect crumb.
• Table salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Large eggs (3, room temperature): Adds richness and structure while keeping the cake moist.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetness that cuts through the spices just right.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): A natural flavor booster that rounds everything out.
• Pumpkin puree (⅔ cup, not pumpkin pie filling): The star ingredient—real pumpkin for that authentic, deep flavor and beautiful color.
• Powdered sugar (for dusting and filling): Smooth sweetness essential for the finishing touches and creamy filling.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): Brings that luscious, tangy richness to the filling that perfectly complements the spiced cake.
• Salted butter (6 tablespoons, room temperature): Adds creaminess and depth to the filling—it’s the magic behind that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Pure vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons, for filling): Infuses the filling with a gentle, familiar warmth to tie it all together.

How to Make Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 10x15x1-inch baking pan with parchment paper, then spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray so your cake will come out easily later. Next, whisk together your flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl—this dry mix is where the warm, cozy flavors begin infusing your cake.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a hand mixer in a medium bowl, beat the room temperature eggs, granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract on high speed. After about 2 to 2½ minutes, the mixture should be frothy and noticeably lighter in color—a hint that your cake will be wonderfully airy.

Step 3: Combine Pumpkin and Dry Mix

Fold in the pumpkin puree just until it’s well incorporated—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that light texture. Then, gently fold in your dry ingredient mixture, blending carefully so the batter stays fluffy and smooth rather than thick and dense.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, keeping a watchful eye—it’s ready when the center springs back lightly when pressed. While it bakes, dust a thin tea towel with 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar and lay it out, ready for the next step.

Step 5: Roll the Cake

Once the cake is baked, run a knife gently along the edges to loosen it. Quickly invert the hot cake onto the powdered sugar-dusted tea towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar, then fold the short edge of the towel over and slowly roll the cake up, using the towel to help. Place the rolled cake on a cooling rack and let it cool completely, which may take up to two hours. This initial rolling “trains” the cake to hold its shape when filled.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla (1½ teaspoons) together for about a minute until smooth. Lower the mixer speed and add powdered sugar, then beat on medium until the filling becomes silky and fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble the Pumpkin Roll

Carefully unroll the cooled cake. The cake may curl a bit, but it shouldn’t crack if it’s fully cooled. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small margin at the edges. Then, gently but firmly roll the cake back up. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least two hours so it sets perfectly.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Just before slicing, unwrap the chilled pumpkin roll and dust it with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Trim the ends for clean slices and cut into 12 even portions. Keep refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also sprinkle some chopped pecans or a pinch of cinnamon on top to jazz it up. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes the presentation and flavor up a notch, making every bite a little celebration.

Side Dishes

Serve slices of this pumpkin roll alongside warm apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly comforting fall dessert spread. If you want to make it a complete cozy snack, pair it with a cup of hot chai tea or freshly brewed coffee—those flavors sync beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dessert platter, consider lining up pumpkin roll slices vertically in a decorative cake stand or serving tray. You can also slice it into smaller bite-sized squares for a party platter or even create mini pumpkin roll trifle cups layering cake cubes with whipped cream and chopped nuts for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pumpkin roll stores beautifully in the fridge, tightly wrapped with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld.

Freezing

If you want to make it ahead, you can freeze the whole pumpkin roll wrapped in several layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.

Reheating

The pumpkin roll is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not necessary. If you do prefer it warm, let it sit out for 30 minutes to soften; avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture of the cream cheese filling.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

For best results, use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners that could throw off the flavor balance in the pumpkin roll recipe.

What if my cake cracks when I roll it?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and using a powdered sugar-dusted towel helps prevent cracking. If your cake does crack slightly, don’t fret—it will still taste delicious once filled and rolled again.

How long should I beat the eggs and sugar?

Beat them for about 2 to 2½ minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and pale yellow. This step is crucial for a light, airy cake texture.

Can I make this pumpkin roll gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the structure gluten provides.

Is it okay to prepare the pumpkin roll a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the assembled pumpkin roll overnight helps the flavors meld and makes slicing neater. Just keep it well wrapped in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Roll Recipe is a treasure for anyone who cherishes warm spices and creamy textures wrapped into a show-stopping dessert. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough for special occasions, inviting you to slow down and enjoy every delicious layer. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why this roll becomes a beloved classic in every kitchen that hosts it.

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