The Best Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe: Cozy Fall Bliss in Every Bite

Crafting a classic pumpkin roll always brings magical autumn memories flooding back to my kitchen.

Seasonal spices dance through delicate cake layers, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Soft pumpkin sponge wrapped around creamy cheese filling promises pure comfort in every slice.

Baking this treat requires gentle techniques and precise movements to achieve that perfect rolled texture.

Delicate and impressive, this dessert looks complicated but comes together surprisingly easily for home bakers.

Chefs of all skill levels can master this elegant swirl that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery.

Let’s unroll some deliciousness and make your next gathering unforgettable.

FAQs

• What makes the pumpkin roll different from other desserts?

Unlike traditional cakes, this dessert is rolled with a filling inside, creating a unique spiral presentation that’s both visually appealing and deliciously creamy.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin roll 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld together and makes the texture even more delightful.

• Is the recipe difficult for beginners?

While it looks impressive, the pumpkin roll is surprisingly straightforward. The key is following each step carefully, especially when rolling the cake with the towel to prevent cracking.

Why Classic Pumpkin Roll Is a Timeless Dessert

• Tackle Seasonal Baking: Conquer this classic pumpkin roll with confidence, turning a potentially tricky dessert into a delightful kitchen triumph that'll impress everyone.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Charmer: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where you want to showcase your baking skills with a dessert that looks professionally made.
• Spice-Packed Flavor Explosion: Packed with warm autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this recipe delivers a rich, comforting taste that captures the essence of fall in every single bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and refrigerate, giving you stress-free entertaining options and allowing flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Ingredients for Classic Pumpkin Roll

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

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: These warm spices create a classic fall flavor and complement the pumpkin perfectly.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and balance the flavors.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, rich, and creamy filling for the roll.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right filling consistency.
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Adds a sweet finishing touch to the cake surface.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cake removal from the baking pan.
• Kitchen Towel: Helps in rolling the cake without cracking.

How to Prepare Classic Pumpkin Roll

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 375F. Grab a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and give it a light grease.

Line the pan with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Create Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whip eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and fluffy.

Pour in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, then beat until everything blends smoothly. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until you have a silky-smooth batter.

Step 4: Bake The Cake

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes.

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

Step 5: Initial Cake Rolling

Immediately after removing from the oven, flip the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.

Gently roll the cake with the towel and let it cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Final Assembly

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

Roll the cake back up, this time without the towel.

Step 8: Chill And Serve

Refrigerate the pumpkin roll for one hour before slicing.

This helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Pumpkin Roll

• Dust the kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking during the rolling process.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese for smoother mixing and better texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake's soft structure.
• Check the cake's doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back immediately without leaving an indentation.
• Store the pumpkin roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out.

Flavor Variations for Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Pumpkin Roll: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Roll: Use a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Roll: Utilize almond flour or coconut flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and use a low-carb cream cheese filling for a ketogenic-friendly dessert.

Serving Suggestions for Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Festive Fall Dessert Platter: Slice the pumpkin roll into elegant rounds and arrange on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, and scattered powdered sugar for a stunning presentation.
• Holiday Brunch Centerpiece: Serve individual slices alongside hot coffee or spiced chai tea, garnished with a light dusting of ground cinnamon and a small mint leaf for extra elegance.
• Cozy Comfort Serving: Plate the pumpkin roll with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, creating a warm and inviting dessert that celebrates autumn's flavors.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a twine bow, perfect for sharing with friends or bringing as a homemade treat to seasonal gatherings.

Storage Tips for Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Refrigerate the pumpkin roll in an airtight container to maintain its freshness for 3-4 days.
• Cover the roll tightly with plastic wrap before storing to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Freeze the entire roll or individual slices by wrapping securely in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen pumpkin roll in the refrigerator overnight, removing plastic wrap to prevent condensation and maintain texture.

Creamy Pumpkin Roll Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Harvest season welcomes this classic pumpkin roll recipe with creamy cream cheese filling, promising delightful autumn flavors. Rolled perfection combines spiced cake and silky frosting, inviting you to savor each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Cake Mix:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by generously greasing and lining with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until thoroughly blended.
3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously beat eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale, creating a smooth base.
4. Incorporate pumpkin and vanilla into the egg mixture, blending until completely integrated.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a uniform batter forms without lumps.
6. Distribute batter evenly across the prepared pan, ensuring a smooth, consistent layer.
7. Bake for 13-15 minutes, watching for the cake to become springy and lightly golden when touched.
8. Immediately transfer hot cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
9. Carefully roll the cake with the towel, starting from the short end, allowing it to cool completely while maintaining the rolled shape.
10. Prepare cream cheese filling by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until silky and uniform.
11. Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese mixture in an even layer.
12. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, sealing the filling inside.
13. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the roll and enhance flavor before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Swap powdered sugar for coconut sugar to reduce refined sugar intake and add a subtle caramel-like flavor.
• Dust the cake roll with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for an extra warming, aromatic touch.
• Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter alternatives to make this recipe completely plant-based and suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Prevent cake cracking by rolling the cake while it’s still warm and using a clean, lint-free kitchen towel generously coated with powdered sugar.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 198 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 182 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 58 mg