Fluffy Pumpkin Roll Recipe: A Fall Treat Everyone Loves

Fall golden afternoons call for a spectacular pumpkin roll that dances with creamy sweetness and warm spices.

Soft, pillowy cake wraps around a luscious cream cheese filling in this irresistible dessert.

Bakers love how simple yet impressive this classic treat becomes when prepared with care.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of tender pumpkin cake and silky smooth cream.

The delicate roll melts in your mouth, bringing comfort and joy to any gathering.

Warm aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

This recipe transforms an ordinary afternoon into a memorable celebration of seasonal flavors.

Pumpkin Roll Must-Have Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the delicate pumpkin roll cake.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, soft texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic fall spice to complement the pumpkin flavor.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Brings a traditional autumn blend of spices to the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Vanilla: Provides a deep, aromatic flavor to the dessert.
• Pumpkin: Gives the cake its signature fall color and moist texture.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich, creamy, and smooth filling for the pumpkin roll.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese filling.
• Vanilla: Adds depth of flavor to the cream cheese mixture.

• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting the top of the pumpkin roll for a beautiful presentation.

Equipment Needed for Pumpkin Roll Baking

• Jelly Roll Pan: 10×15-inch pan for perfectly thin cake base.
• Parchment Paper: Critical for easy cake removal and rolling.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Two bowls needed for separate ingredient mixing.
• Electric Mixer: Helps create smooth, fluffy filling quickly.
• Wire Rack: Perfect for cooling cake evenly.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness.
• Plastic Wrap: Used for wrapping and chilling the roll.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: For dusting powdered sugar on top.

Instructions for a Picture-Perfect Pumpkin Roll

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C), getting ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Grab a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and give it a quick spray of non-stick magic.

Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges peek out like little handles.

Step 3: Create the Dry Powder Mix

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Pumpkin pie spice

Step 4: Blend the Liquid Sunshine

• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin puree

Step 5: Unite the Mixture

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, creating a harmonious batter.

Stop mixing when everything is just combined – no dry flour patches allowed!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Slide into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the edges look slightly golden.

Step 7: Roll While Warm

Carefully lift the cake out using the parchment paper edges.

Starting from a short end, roll the warm cake and parchment together like a cozy blanket.

Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 8: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar

Step 9: Fill with Deliciousness

Gently unroll the cooled cake.

Spread the filling evenly, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow.

Step 10: Final Roll and Chill

Roll the cake back up without the parchment paper.

Wrap in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to set.

Step 11: Serve with Elegance

Dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Slice and serve this autumn masterpiece to eager friends and family.

Pumpkin Roll Tricks for the Best Swirl

• Roll the warm cake immediately after baking to prevent cracking and set the shape easily.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Spread cream cheese filling evenly, leaving a small border to prevent overflow when rolling.
• Dust the kitchen towel with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking during rolling.
• Prepare the pumpkin roll a day in advance and store in the refrigerator for deeper flavor development.

Pumpkin Roll Add-Ins and Variations

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic soft texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese and butter with coconut cream and vegan butter alternatives, keeping the rich, creamy filling intact while accommodating lactose-intolerant guests.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use low-carb almond flour, substitute sugar with erythritol or stevia, and create a mascarpone-based filling to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the dessert's decadent profile.
• Nutty Spice Variation: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake batter and sprinkle ground nutmeg for an enhanced autumn-inspired flavor that adds complexity and crunch.

How to Serve Pumpkin Roll with Style

• Cozy Autumn Brunch Centerpiece: Showcase this pumpkin roll as the star of your fall breakfast spread, surrounded by fresh berries and hot coffee.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Serve thin slices alongside a sweet dessert wine like moscato or late harvest riesling for an elegant after-dinner treat.
• Festive Holiday Presentation: Arrange slices on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, and scattered pecan halves for a stunning thanksgiving dessert display.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Cut into smaller rounds and serve with Earl Grey tea, creating a delightful mid-afternoon sweet moment perfect for catching up with friends.

Storing Pumpkin Roll to Keep It Moist

• Wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Slice the pumpkin roll into individual portions or keep whole, wrap securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Transfer the frozen pumpkin roll to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, even thawing. Remove plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture.

FAQs

• Is a pumpkin roll difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. With clear steps and basic baking skills, anyone can create a delicious pumpkin roll.

• What makes the cake roll without breaking?

The key is rolling the warm cake with the parchment paper. This technique prevents cracking and helps the cake maintain its shape when you add the filling later.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! The pumpkin roll can be prepared a day or two in advance. After rolling with filling, wrap it tightly in plastic and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need a jelly roll pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, and standard baking tools like a whisk and electric mixer.

Pumpkin Roll Dessert What’s Special About This Classic

• A Pumpkin Roll That Delights
• This classic fall treat transforms simple ingredients into a showstopping dessert that will impress family and friends with minimal culinary skills required.
• Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or spontaneous sweet cravings, this recipe adapts beautifully to different occasions and skill levels.
• Prepare the pumpkin roll in advance and refrigerate, making it a stress-free dessert option that allows you to spend more time enjoying company and less time in the kitchen.
• Experience a delightful combination of soft, spiced cake and luxurious cream cheese filling that delivers a melt-in-your-mouth sensation with every single bite.

Pumpkin Roll Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Creamy pumpkin roll delights dessert enthusiasts with its elegant spiral of spiced cake and rich cream cheese filling. Seasonal ingredients and simple techniques make this classic autumn treat an irresistible centerpiece you’ll savor with each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pumpkin Roll Main Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) canned pumpkin
• 3 large eggs

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling and Finishing Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter, softened
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
2. Prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by generously coating with non-stick spray and lining with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the long edges for easy removal.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, whisking until completely integrated.
4. In a separate large bowl, vigorously blend eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
5. Delicately fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth, level surface.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with no wet batter.
8. Immediately after baking, carefully lift the cake using the parchment paper overhang and place on a flat surface.
9. While still warm, roll the cake together with the parchment paper from the short end, creating a spiral shape. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Prepare the filling by whipping cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until light, fluffy, and free of lumps.
11. Once cooled, gently unroll the cake and spread the filling evenly, leaving a small border to prevent overflow.
12. Roll the cake again, this time without the parchment, ensuring a tight but gentle spiral.
13. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the filling and enhance flavor.
14. Before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar and slice into elegant portions.

Notes

• Swap pumpkin for mashed sweet potato or butternut squash to create unique variations that still capture the classic autumn essence.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the texture remains light and tender.
• Chill the rolled cake thoroughly to help the filling set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.
• Experiment with spice combinations like adding ground ginger or nutmeg to enhance the warm, seasonal flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 116 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg