The Perfect Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe for Fall Gatherings

Autumn’s sweet magic transforms a classic pumpkin roll into a delightful dessert that captures seasonal comfort.

Soft spices dance through tender cake layers wrapped around luscious cream cheese filling.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen whisper with each delicate slice.

Home bakers can easily master this impressive treat without complicated techniques.

Delicate swirls of pumpkin sponge promise pure indulgence for every gathering.

Unexpected elegance meets simple ingredients in this crowd-pleasing dessert.

You’ll impress everyone with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Slice into pure seasonal bliss and savor every remarkable bite.

FAQs

• Why do I need to dust the towel with powdered sugar when rolling the cake?

Dusting the towel prevents the cake from sticking and helps create a smooth, easy roll without tearing the delicate pumpkin cake.

• Can I make the pumpkin roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin roll 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which can actually enhance the flavor and make the filling set nicely.

• What if my cake cracks when rolling?

Don’t worry! Roll the cake while it’s still warm and use a gentle touch. If a small crack occurs, the cream cheese filling will help seal and hide any imperfections.

Classic Pumpkin Roll Highlights

• Craft with Confidence: Perfect for bakers wanting to impress without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delivers a showstopping treat that delights family and friends at gatherings.
• Seasonal Sensation: Celebrates autumn flavors with a classic pumpkin-spiced dessert that captures holiday warmth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator, reducing last-minute kitchen stress.

Ingredients for Classic Pumpkin Roll

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pumpkin roll cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, tender cake.
• Eggs: Provide moisture, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings a classic autumn flavor and moist texture to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that give the pumpkin roll its signature fall flavor.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and develop the right texture.

• Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth, sweet filling for the pumpkin roll.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Adds a decorative touch and subtle sweetness to the cake.

How to Roll Classic Pumpkin Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Grab a jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper. Lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.

Set your oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Create Cake Batter

In a separate large bowl, whip eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Pour in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 13-15 minutes.

The cake is ready when it springs back after a light touch.

Step 5: Initial Cake Rolling

After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool briefly.

Sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Carefully turn the cake onto the towel and roll it up, starting from the short end.

Allow the rolled cake to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Softened butter
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the filling becomes creamy and well incorporated.

Step 7: Final Assembly

Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface.

Carefully roll the cake back up, keeping the filling inside. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Tips for Classic Pumpkin Roll Success

• Dust the kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cake roll.
• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and more consistent cake texture.
• Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center; it should spring back immediately when fully baked.
• Chill the rolled cake for at least an hour to help the filling set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.
• Store the pumpkin roll in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.

Variations for Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream cheese and use vegan butter alternative.
• Spiced Pecan Variation: Add chopped pecans to filling and sprinkle on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Maple Pumpkin Edition: Substitute some sugar with pure maple syrup and add maple extract for rich autumn taste.

Serving Ideas for Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Festive Holiday Showstopper: Impress family and friends by serving this pumpkin roll as the grand finale of your holiday dinner, dusted with extra powdered sugar and garnished with candied pecans.
• Cozy Afternoon Treat: Slice thin pieces and pair with hot spiced tea or coffee, creating a perfect midday comfort moment that warms both hands and heart.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Present individual slices on small decorative plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon, transforming a simple dessert into an elegant presentation.
• Make-Ahead Party Prep: Wrap the rolled dessert tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days before your gathering, ensuring stress-free entertaining with a delicious make-ahead option.

Storage Advice for Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Store the pumpkin roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Place the wrapped roll in an airtight container to prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Freeze the entire roll or individual slices by wrapping securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, lasting up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen pumpkin roll in the refrigerator overnight, unwrapping to prevent condensation from making the cake soggy.

Best Pumpkin Roll Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy pumpkin roll delight brings autumn’s sweet comfort to dessert tables. Rolled spice cake with cream cheese filling offers a perfect balance of warmth and richness you’ll savor with each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) canned pumpkin
• 3/4 cup (90 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 375F (190C). Prepare a jelly roll pan by lining with parchment paper and applying a light grease coating.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
3. In a separate large bowl, whip eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and significantly thickened, creating a ribbony texture when lifted.
4. Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, gently folding until fully integrated.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to maintain the batter’s airy consistency.
6. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth, level surface.
7. Bake for 13-15 minutes, monitoring until the cake surface springs back when gently pressed and edges slightly pull away from pan sides.
8. Remove from oven and immediately dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
9. Carefully invert the hot cake onto the sugared towel, peel off parchment paper, and roll cake and towel together from the short end.
10. Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature, maintaining the rolled shape.
11. Prepare filling by blending cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until silky and uniform.
12. Gently unroll cooled cake, spread filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around edges.
13. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, ensuring a tight but gentle wrap.
14. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour to set filling and stabilize shape before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Dust towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal without tearing.
• Consider using room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cake texture, especially eggs and cream cheese.
• Gluten-free bakers can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie dessert option.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg