The Most Heavenly Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe Ever Made

Fall’s golden embrace brings a delightful classic pumpkin roll recipe that dances with seasonal warmth.

Soft, spiced cake rolls around velvety cream cheese filling create a dessert that feels like a sweet autumn hug.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this elegant treat with simple ingredients and easy techniques.

The delicate pumpkin sponge, rolled carefully and dusted with powdered sugar, offers a stunning presentation.

Fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg weave through each tender slice, promising pure comfort.

Impress your guests with this bakery-worthy dessert that transforms ordinary moments into delicious memories.

This recipe guarantees a showstopping finale to any holiday gathering.

Spiraled Perfection: Classic Pumpkin Roll Time

• Whip Up a Seasonal Showstopper: This pumpkin roll is a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings joy to any gathering.
• Create Impressive Dessert Magic: Looks complicated but surprisingly simple to make, allowing home bakers to create a professional-looking treat with minimal culinary skills.
• Perfect Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with warm spices and creamy filling, this dessert delivers a delightful balance of flavors that appeals to all ages and makes any celebration special.
• Versatile Make-Ahead Wonder: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a stress-free option for busy hosts who want a delicious dessert without last-minute preparation.

Pumpkin Roll: Gathering the Essentials

• Eggs: These help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture and signature autumn flavor to the roll.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the main structure for the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warm spices that create the classic pumpkin pie flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the cake.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy filling base.
• Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Add sweetness and depth to the cream cheese filling.

• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting and adding a sweet, decorative touch to the pumpkin roll.

Stepwise Directions for Classic Pumpkin Roll

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350°F.

Line a spacious jelly roll pan with parchment paper and give it a light grease coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Cloves
• Salt

Step 3: Whip Wet Ingredient Mixture

In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, pale mixture.

Pour in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, stirring until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Merge Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix carefully to maintain the airy texture, stopping just when everything is incorporated.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Base

Spread the batter smoothly across the prepared pan.

Slide into the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes.

The cake is ready when it springs back lightly when touched.

Step 6: Initial Cake Rolling

Sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.

While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it together with the towel from the short end.

Allow to cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth and lump-free.

Step 8: Final Assembly

Unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface.

Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel.

Wrap securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step 9: Serve with Elegance

Before presenting, dust the rolled cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Slice and enjoy this spectacular dessert!

Tips for Rolling and Filling Pumpkin Cakes

• Roll the warm cake with a towel immediately after baking to help it cool and prevent splitting, creating a smooth, flexible texture for easy filling.
• Use exact measurements for flour and spices to ensure the perfect cake consistency and balanced flavor profile.
• Soften cream cheese and butter at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to create a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
• Refrigerate the rolled pumpkin cake for at least an hour to set the filling and help maintain its shape when slicing.
• Wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its delicious texture and taste.

Pumpkin Roll Flavor Ideas for Fall

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream cheese and use dairy-free butter alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegan Pumpkin Roll: Use flax eggs, plant-based cream cheese, and maple syrup instead of traditional eggs and sugar to create a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia and use reduced-fat cream cheese for a healthier alternative that maintains great flavor.

Plating Pumpkin Roll for the Holidays

• Festive Family Feast: Serve slices of this pumpkin roll alongside warm apple cider or spiced chai tea for a cozy autumn dessert experience.
• Holiday Plating Perfection: Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, and a few toasted pecans for an elegant presentation.
• Dessert Pairing Magic: Create a delightful dessert spread by accompanying the pumpkin roll with vanilla ice cream or a rich caramel sauce that complements its creamy filling.
• Weekend Brunch Showstopper: Cut thin slices and arrange on a beautiful platter for a stunning centerpiece that will impress guests during holiday brunches or special gatherings.

Saving Pumpkin Roll Slices for Later

• Store the pumpkin roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Wrap the roll securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Remove from freezer and let the pumpkin roll defrost in the refrigerator overnight, preserving its delicate structure and preventing soggy edges.
• Before serving, let the roll sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then dust with fresh powdered sugar to restore its original delightful appearance.

FAQs

• Why is dusting the towel with powdered sugar important?

The powdered sugar prevents the cake from sticking to the towel and helps create a smooth surface when rolling, making it easier to handle the delicate pumpkin cake without tearing.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin roll 1-2 days in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to serve, which actually helps the flavors meld together and makes the texture more cohesive.

• How do I know if I'm folding the ingredients correctly?

Fold gently using a spatula, making sweeping motions from bottom to top, just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Autumn whispers deliciousness with this classic pumpkin roll, where warm spices dance through tender cake wrapped around silky cream cheese filling. Delightful slices promise seasonal comfort that welcomes friends and family around your festive table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Cake Batter:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by lining a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and applying a light grease coating. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, baking powder, and warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) with salt in a mixing bowl.
3. In a separate large bowl, whip eggs and sugar until the mixture transforms into a thick, pale consistency. Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, ensuring minimal mixing to maintain a light texture.
5. Distribute the batter uniformly across the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 13-15 minutes until the cake surface springs back when lightly touched.
6. Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Carefully transfer the warm cake onto the towel and roll from the short end, allowing the cake to cool completely while maintaining its curved shape.
7. Prepare the cream cheese filling by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
8. Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface, then gently re-roll without the towel. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to set.
9. Before serving, dust the exterior with a delicate layer of powdered sugar, creating an elegant finish.

Notes

• Ensure your pumpkin puree is well-drained to prevent excess moisture that could make the cake soggy and difficult to roll.
• Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking during the initial rolling process.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 277 kcal
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 196 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 69 mg