Pumpkin Roll Cake: A Fall Delight You’ll Adore Forever

Name: Pumpkin Roll Cake: A Fall Delight You'll Adore Forever
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 13, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite fall dessert: Pumpkin Roll Cake! This delightful treat features a moist and spongy pumpkin cake that practically melts in your mouth, all wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with that creamy frosting is just heavenly. I can’t help but get excited every time I make it, especially when the aroma fills my kitchen and drifts through the house, inviting everyone to come and taste a slice.

Pumpkin Roll Cake - detail 1

I first discovered this recipe during a cozy autumn gathering at my friend’s house. She served it with a dollop of whipped cream, and I was hooked! Ever since, I’ve been perfecting my own version, tweaking it just right to get that perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s become a family tradition for Thanksgiving, and I love watching everyone’s eyes light up when I bring it to the table. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Roll Cake, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen too. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall in every bite!

Ingredients List

To create this delightful Pumpkin Roll Cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to make magic! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree (or fresh pumpkin, if you’re feeling adventurous!)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the filling)

Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft; it’ll mix much easier that way! And if you can, try to use fresh pumpkin for an even richer flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that moist texture and creamy filling that makes this dessert so special!

How to Prepare Pumpkin Roll Cake

Making this Pumpkin Roll Cake is a fun and rewarding process, and trust me, it’s a lot easier than it looks! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that will impress everyone!

Prepping the Oven and Pan

First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab your 15×10 inch jelly roll pan. Grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray, and then line the bottom with parchment paper. This is super important because it helps the cake come out easily after baking. Make sure to leave some parchment hanging over the sides; it’ll act like a little handle when it’s time to roll the cake!

Mixing the Batter

Now, let’s get mixing! In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set that aside for a moment. In another large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is thick and pale—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. You want it to look fluffy and almost like a pale yellow cloud. Then, gently fold in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Finally, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to over-mix. You want it just combined to keep the cake light and airy!

Baking the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, making sure it reaches all the corners. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when it springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is such an exciting moment, as the smell of warm pumpkin spices will start to fill your kitchen!

Rolling the Cake

Once it’s baked, you’ll need to act quickly. Loosen the edges of the cake with a spatula, and then carefully flip the cake onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper. Now, starting from one end, gently roll the cake and towel together while it’s still warm. Don’t worry if it cracks a little; that’s totally normal! Place it seam side down on a wire rack and let it cool for about 30 minutes. This rolling method helps set the shape for when you add the filling.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to whip up that luscious cream cheese filling! In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and the additional vanilla extract until it’s all smooth and creamy. You want it to be spreadable but still thick enough to hold its shape. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. Trust me, you’ll want to taste it—just to make sure it’s perfect!

Final Assembly

Once your cake is completely cooled, unroll it carefully and peel off the towel. Spread that dreamy cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Now, roll the cake back up without the towel this time, creating that beautiful spiral. Once rolled, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing a breeze. When you’re ready to serve, dust it with a bit of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of warm spices and creamy filling creates a flavor explosion that captures the essence of fall.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip this up!
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful rolled shape and dusting of powdered sugar make it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a cozy dinner party, or just a treat for yourself, this cake is always a hit.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to develop, which is perfect for busy holiday baking.

Once you serve this Pumpkin Roll Cake, I promise your friends and family will be asking for seconds—and the recipe, of course!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Pumpkin Roll Cake turns out perfect every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by!

Choose Quality Ingredients: Always opt for pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. The flavor is so much richer, and you won’t have to worry about extra sugars and spices messing with your recipe.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them mix together smoothly, giving you that deliciously creamy filling!
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, and we want that light, airy texture!
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so check your cake a minute or two earlier than the suggested time. Remember, it’s ready when it springs back to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean!
Use Powdered Sugar on the Towel: When rolling the cake, dust the kitchen towel with powdered sugar. This prevents the cake from sticking and gives it a sweet touch right from the start.

Following these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and create a Pumpkin Roll Cake that is not just delicious, but also a showstopper at any gathering!

Nutritional Information

Before you dive into this scrumptious Pumpkin Roll Cake, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of this delightful dessert:

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 3g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, enjoy each slice guilt-free—after all, it’s a special treat that captures the best of fall flavors!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Using fresh pumpkin can elevate the flavor of your Pumpkin Roll Cake. Just make sure to cook your pumpkin first—roast or steam it until tender, then puree it until smooth. You might need to adjust the moisture slightly, so if it seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or milk to achieve the right consistency. Fresh pumpkin gives a beautifully rich taste that can make your cake even more special!

How do I store leftovers?

To keep your Pumpkin Roll Cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. If you find that the cake is getting a bit dry, a light dusting of powdered sugar can help keep it moist and delicious when you’re ready to serve! Just remember, it’s best enjoyed chilled, as the flavors meld beautifully after a day in the fridge.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Roll Cake?

You bet! Freezing is a great option if you want to make your Pumpkin Roll Cake ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing. This helps restore that wonderful texture and flavor!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your delightful Pumpkin Roll Cake, there are so many delicious pairings that can take it to the next level! One of my favorite accompaniments is a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It adds a light, airy contrast to the rich cream cheese filling, making each bite even more indulgent.

If you’re looking for something warm and cozy, consider serving it alongside a steaming cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider. The warm spices in these beverages echo the flavors of the cake beautifully! For a fun twist, you could also slice it up and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—imagine the creamy goodness melting into those pumpkin flavors!

No matter how you choose to serve it, your Pumpkin Roll Cake will surely shine as the star of the dessert table!

Equipment List

Before you dive into making your Pumpkin Roll Cake, let’s gather the essential tools that will make your baking adventure a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls: Have a couple of medium and large mixing bowls on hand for combining ingredients. I love using glass bowls so I can see everything coming together!
Whisk: A good whisk is crucial for beating your eggs and mixing dry ingredients. It’s a simple tool that really helps incorporate air into the batter!
Jelly Roll Pan: A 15×10 inch jelly roll pan is key for achieving that perfect thin layer of cake. If you don’t have one, a similarly sized baking sheet will work too!
Parchment Paper: This is a must-have for easy cake removal. It prevents sticking and makes your life so much easier during the rolling process.
Hand Mixer: While you can mix by hand, a hand mixer makes whipping up that cream cheese filling a cinch! It’s worth having one for all your baking adventures.
Wire Rack: A wire rack is perfect for cooling the rolled cake. It allows air to circulate, preventing sogginess.

Having these tools ready will set you up for success in creating the most delicious Pumpkin Roll Cake!