Everyone loves a good dessert, and if you’re looking for a sweet treat that embodies the cozy flavors of fall, then a Pumpkin Roll is your answer! This delightful dessert is a spongy cake rolled with a rich, creamy filling, making it both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Imagine the aroma of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen, inviting your family or friends to take a bite! Here’s a fun fact: did you know that the Pumpkin Roll has roots in traditional pumpkin pie? It’s a creative twist that combines all those wonderful flavors in a new, exciting way!
Not only is a Pumpkin Roll a showstopper for any gathering, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make! With just a handful of ingredients and a quick preparation time, you can whip up this flavorful delight faster than your friends can say “pumpkin spice”! If you’ve enjoyed other desserts on the blog, like the classic Red Velvet Cake, you already know how satisfying it is to bake something from scratch. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your taste buds with this scrumptious recipe!
What is Pumpkin Roll?
So, what exactly is a Pumpkin Roll? This dessert might sound fancy, but it’s actually as fun as it is delicious! Essentially, it’s a pumpkin spice cake swirled around a luscious cream cheese filling. Now, the name might make you wonder: is it a roll or a cake? Well, we can say that it rolls just like your homemade cinnamon rolls, but with a twist of autumn bliss. After all, who wouldn’t want to roll up their sleeves for a slice of this delightful dessert? Remember, as the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”! So why not take a chance and impress someone special with your baking skills? Let’s roll into this easy recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Roll
You’re going to fall head over heels for this Pumpkin Roll recipe for three major reasons! First, the main highlight is the wonderful blend of pumpkin and warm spices, combined with that lovely creamy filling that melts in your mouth. Can you imagine that delightful balance of flavors? Secondly, by making it at home, not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of baking something from scratch. Why settle for store-bought when you can create a masterpiece yourself? Thirdly, you can personalize it with toppings! Drizzle a bit of chocolate or sprinkle some additional cinnamon for that extra flair. If you’re also a fan of cookies, you might want to check out our popular Pumpkin Spice Cookies for another mouthwatering option. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious Pumpkin Roll adventure!
How to Make Pumpkin Roll
Quick Overview
Making this Pumpkin Roll is easy, fun, and incredibly rewarding! The best part? You can whip it up in just about an hour, plus some chilling time. You’ll be amazed at how a little patience and simple ingredients can turn into a dessert that feels and tastes gourmet! Prepare your cake batter, roll it up and chill it with a wonderful cream cheese filling. It’s as satisfying to make as it is to enjoy. Get ready for a delightful experience!
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Roll
- For the cake:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. This will help the cake to release easily!
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and light in color. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract. Mix until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
- While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle it with powdered sugar.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately flip it onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll the cake up in the towel, starting from the short side, and let it cool completely. This helps set the shape of the roll.
- Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla in another bowl until smooth.
- Once cool, unroll the cake, spread the cream cheese filling evenly, and roll it back up without the towel.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing.
What to Serve Pumpkin Roll With
While a Pumpkin Roll is fantastic on its own, why not take it up a notch? Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert experience. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea works wonderfully to complement the flavors. You could even serve it with a side of caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch. Get creative, and make it a dessert night to remember!
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Roll
To ensure your Pumpkin Roll turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips! First, make sure to beat the egg and sugar mixture well; this will help create a light and airy cake. When mixing your dry ingredients, don’t overmix—just combine until smooth to avoid a dense texture. If you want to add a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cloves or ginger to the spice mix. Also, remember to roll it tightly for a beautiful swirl when slicing. If you’re unsure, a quick practice run with a small batch can help you feel more at ease!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing leftovers is easy! Simply wrap your Pumpkin Roll tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, you can let it warm up at room temperature or gently microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy that delightful taste again and again!
Dive into the wonderful world of baking with this Pumpkin Roll recipe! Not only is it a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also a fantastic project to enjoy with friends or family. We can’t wait for you to try it and see the joy it brings to your table! Happy baking!

Pumpkin Roll
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and light in color (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add in the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
- Prepare a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle it with powdered sugar.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven, flip it onto the prepared towel, and peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll the cake up in the towel, starting from the short side, and let it cool completely.
Filling
- While the cake is cooling, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled, unroll it, spread the cream cheese filling evenly, and roll it back up without the towel.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing.
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