Pumpkin Roll Cake Recipe – Easy Fall Dessert

Picture this: a moist, spiced pumpkin cake wrapped around a cloud of sweet cream cheese filling, creating the most Instagram-worthy spiral you’ve ever seen. This pumpkin roll cake recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into an elegant dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite.

Just like our popular cinnamon roll cookies, this recipe proves that homemade treats don’t require professional skills – just a little love and patience.

What is Pumpkin Roll Cake?

Ever wondered why we call it a “roll” when it looks more like a beautiful spiral masterpiece? This delightful dessert gets its name from the rolling technique that creates those gorgeous swirls. Legend has it that early American bakers discovered this method by accident when trying to transport thin cakes.

As they say, the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach – and this pumpkin roll definitely takes the scenic route! Ready to roll up your sleeves and create some magic?

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Roll Cake

The Perfect Fall Showstopper

This pumpkin roll cake combines the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with rich pumpkin puree, creating a dessert that screams cozy autumn vibes. The tender cake melts in your mouth while the cream cheese filling adds the perfect tangy sweetness that balances every bite.

Budget-Friendly Homemade Elegance

Skip the expensive bakery prices! Making this pumpkin roll at home costs a fraction of store-bought versions while delivering superior taste and freshness. You’ll have control over every ingredient, ensuring no artificial preservatives or excessive sugars make their way into your family’s dessert.

Irresistible Cream Cheese Filling

The star of this recipe isn’t just the spiced pumpkin cake – it’s the luxurious cream cheese filling that’s perfectly sweetened and flavored with vanilla. Much like our beloved carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, this filling elevates the entire dessert from good to absolutely divine. Why not bookmark this recipe and surprise your family with a homemade treat that rivals any professional bakery?

How to Make Pumpkin Roll Cake

Quick Overview

This pumpkin roll cake recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The secret lies in the perfectly spiced, tender cake that rolls effortlessly around a rich cream cheese filling.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Serves: 8-10 slices

What makes this recipe foolproof is the simple rolling technique and the forgiving nature of the cake batter. Even if your first roll isn’t perfect, it’ll still taste absolutely incredible!

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Roll Cake

For the Pumpkin Cake:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Dusting:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
• Extra powdered sugar for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes until thick and pale yellow. Mix in the pumpkin puree and lemon juice until well combined. The lemon juice helps prevent the cake from cracking when rolling.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps the cake tender.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Pour the batter onto your prepared pan and spread it evenly to the edges using an offset spatula. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center.

Step 5: Roll the Warm Cake Immediately after removing from the oven, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. Flip the warm cake onto the towel and carefully remove the parchment paper. Starting from the short end, roll the cake up in the towel. Let it cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The filling should be spreadable but not too thin.

Step 7: Assemble the Roll Carefully unroll the cooled cake and remove the towel. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides. Gently re-roll the cake without the towel, starting from the same short end.

Step 8: Chill and Serve Wrap the completed roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps the roll hold its shape when sliced. Before serving, dust with additional powdered sugar and slice with a sharp knife.

What to Serve Pumpkin Roll Cake With

This pumpkin roll cake pairs beautifully with:

• Hot beverages: Fresh coffee, spiced chai tea, or hot apple cider
• Cold accompaniments: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Seasonal sides: Caramel sauce drizzle or maple whipped cream
• Wine pairings: Dessert wines like Moscato or Riesling
• Holiday spreads: Perfect alongside pecan pie and apple crisp

Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Roll Cake

Don’t Skip the Rolling Step

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm is crucial – this prevents cracking later. The towel method trains the cake to hold its shape, making the final assembly much easier.

Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting. This creates a smoother batter and prevents lumps in your filling.

Proper Cooling is Key

Let the rolled cake cool completely before adding the filling. A warm cake will melt the cream cheese filling and create a messy situation.

Slice with Confidence

Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe it between cuts for the cleanest slices. A serrated knife works particularly well for this delicate dessert.

Make-Ahead Friendly

This dessert actually improves after a day in the refrigerator, making it perfect for holiday meal prep or entertaining.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage: Wrap the completed pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after the first day.

Freezer Storage: This pumpkin roll freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Temperature: This dessert is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. No reheating necessary – the cream cheese filling is meant to be enjoyed cold and creamy.

Individual Slices: Pre-cut slices can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for grab-and-go treats or lunch box desserts.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition Facts	Per Slice (1/10 of recipe)
Calories	285
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	220mg
Total Carbs	43g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	38g
Protein	5g
Vitamin A	45% DV

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pumpkin roll cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble the entire roll up to 2 days before serving. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight in the refrigerator.

Why did my pumpkin roll crack when rolling?

Cracking usually occurs when the cake is either too cool when first rolled or overbaked. Make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm from the oven, and don’t bake it longer than 15 minutes.

Can I substitute the cream cheese filling?

Yes! You can use whipped cream, mascarpone, or even a buttercream filling. However, cream cheese provides the perfect tangy balance to the sweet pumpkin cake.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Always line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. The parchment paper overhang makes removal much easier and prevents sticking.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Certainly! Use ⅔ cup of fresh pumpkin puree that’s been roasted and mashed. Make sure to remove excess moisture by pressing it through a fine-mesh sieve before using.

What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

You can use a large rimmed baking sheet (about 15×10 inches). The key is having a pan that’s large enough to create a thin, even layer of cake batter.

How thick should I spread the filling?

Aim for an even ¼-inch thick layer of filling, leaving about ½-inch border around all edges. Too much filling will squeeze out when rolling, while too little won’t provide enough flavor in each bite.

Expert Baking Tips for Success

Temperature Matters: Your oven temperature should be accurate – invest in an oven thermometer if you’re unsure. Too hot, and the cake will overbake and crack; too cool, and it won’t set properly.

The Towel Technique: Use a clean, lint-free kitchen towel for rolling. Some bakers prefer using parchment paper, but a towel provides better grip and control during the rolling process.

Seasonal Variations: Try adding orange zest to the filling for a citrusy twist, or incorporate chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting Cracks: If small cracks appear, don’t panic! Dust them with extra powdered sugar before serving – it’s called “rustic charm” in the baking world.

This pumpkin roll cake recipe delivers professional bakery results in your own kitchen. The combination of warm spices, tender cake, and rich cream cheese filling creates a dessert that’s both impressive and comforting. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving a taste of fall, this recipe will quickly become your go-to autumn dessert.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its delicious taste, but in its versatility and make-ahead convenience. Once you master the basic technique, you’ll find yourself experimenting with different spice combinations and filling flavors. Remember, baking is both an art and a science – have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Have you tried this pumpkin roll cake recipe? Share your photos and variations in the comments below – I’d love to see your beautiful creations!