Easy Pumpkin Roll Cake Recipe That’ll Make Autumn Magical

Fall baking reaches new heights with this dreamy pumpkin roll cake that promises pure comfort and warmth.

Soft spices dance through delicate layers of tender cake, creating a dessert that feels like a cozy embrace.

Cream cheese filling adds luxurious richness to each swirled slice.

Home kitchens will buzz with excitement as you craft this showstopping treat.

Delicate and impressive, this recipe looks complicated but comes together with surprising ease.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, making you the star baker among friends.

Whip up this elegant dessert and watch faces light up with delight.

Pumpkin Roll Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version, ensuring the same moist texture and rich pumpkin flavor.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese filling with cashew cream or coconut cream, using dairy-free butter alternatives for those with lactose intolerance.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and create a low-carb filling using mascarpone and sugar-free sweetener.
• Vegan Pumpkin Roll: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based cream cheese, and replace butter with coconut oil for a completely plant-based dessert.

Serve Up Slices of Pumpkin Joy

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Present the pumpkin roll cake on a beautiful wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, and fresh rosemary sprigs for a stunning seasonal display.
• Cozy Dessert Companion: Serve each slice with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or vanilla chai tea to complement the cake's rich, warm flavors and create a comforting experience.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Dust the rolled cake with extra powdered sugar, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or top with a few candied ginger pieces to enhance visual appeal and add delightful texture.
• Party Portion Pro: Cut the cake into elegant thin slices for elegant gatherings, or create bite-sized pinwheel pieces for easy dessert platters and cocktail parties.

Pumpkin Roll Storage Tips

• Store the pumpkin roll cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve its moisture.
• Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Remove from the freezer and let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid leaving at room temperature to prevent condensation and potential texture changes.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, fresh texture.

FAQs

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

Not at all! While it looks impressive, the pumpkin roll cake is surprisingly simple. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create a stunning dessert that looks professional.

• What makes the cake roll successfully?

The key is using a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar and rolling the cake while it’s still warm. This prevents cracking and helps create a smooth, tight roll.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance. After filling and rolling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

• How do I prevent the cake from cracking?

Work quickly when rolling the warm cake, be gentle, and use a towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Rolling while the cake is warm ensures flexibility and reduces the chance of cracking.

Pumpkin Roll Cake: Spiraled Fall Perfection

• Boost Baking Skills: Learn a stunning dessert technique that transforms a simple pumpkin cake into an elegant rolled masterpiece, perfect for expanding your pastry-making confidence.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delivers a wow factor with its beautiful spiral design and rich cream cheese filling that makes everyone feel special and excited about dessert.
• Seasonal Celebration: Highlights autumn's beloved pumpkin flavor with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a delicious treat that captures the cozy season's essence.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and refrigerate, making it super convenient for holiday gatherings or when you want a stress-free dessert option that still looks impressive.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Roll Baking

• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure and foundation of the pumpkin roll cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, flavor, and signature pumpkin taste to the cake.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that create the classic fall flavor profile of the cake.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Help the cake rise and develop a light, airy texture.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy base for the filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the filling.
• Butter: Provides richness and smooth consistency to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cake removal from the pan.
• Powdered Sugar (for towel): Prevents the cake from sticking while rolling.

How to Roll the Perfect Pumpkin Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab a jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.

Give the paper a quick spray of cooking oil to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Whip Up Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these dry buddies together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture Magic

In a separate bowl, crack open some eggs and pour in sugar.

Beat them until they transform into a thick, creamy mixture.

Pour in pumpkin puree and mix until everything looks smooth and happy.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir carefully to keep the batter light and airy.

You want everything combined without overworking the mix.

Step 5: Spread the Love

Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it reaches all the corners.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes.

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

Step 7: Roll and Cool

Right after baking, carefully turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.

Roll the cake up in the towel and let it cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up Cream Cheese Filling

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

Whip until the filling is silky smooth and irresistible.

Step 9: Unroll and Fill

Gently unroll the cooled cake.

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 10: Final Roll and Chill

Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel.

Wrap in plastic wrap and pop into the refrigerator.

Let it chill for at least an hour to set the filling and make slicing easier.

Tips for Spiraled Cake Bliss

• Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking and reduce the chance of cracking when rolling.
• Bake the cake just until it springs back when touched, avoiding overbaking which can lead to a dry, tough cake.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a silky-smooth filling that spreads easily without lumps.
• Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe it between cuts for neat, picture-perfect cake slices that showcase the beautiful swirl.
• Add a pinch of orange zest to the filling for a subtle citrus note that complements the warm pumpkin spices.

Pumpkin Roll Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Seasonal magic comes alive in this delightful Pumpkin Roll Cake, blending warm spices with creamy cheese frosting. Elegant curves and rich autumn flavors invite you to savor a slice of comforting nostalgia.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) pumpkin puree

Spices and Seasoning:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling and Topping:

• 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper and applying a light grease coating.
2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a blend of warm spices including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously whip eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale, creating a fluffy texture.
4. Incorporate pumpkin puree into the egg mixture, stirring until fully integrated and smooth.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, ensuring no lumps remain and creating a uniform batter.
6. Carefully spread the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even layer that reaches all corners.
7. Bake for 13-15 minutes, watching for the cake to become slightly springy and golden, with edges pulling away from the pan sides.
8. Immediately after removing from the oven, carefully transfer the hot cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
9. Swiftly roll the cake and towel together, starting from the short end, and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
10. Prepare the filling by whipping cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
11. Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
12. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, ensuring a tight but gentle roll to prevent cracking.
13. Refrigerate the rolled cake for at least one hour to set the filling and enhance the flavor melding.

Notes

• Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking and ensure a perfect spiral shape when cooled.
• Use parchment paper with a slight overhang for easy cake removal from the pan.
• Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking during the initial rolling process.
• When unrolling for filling, be gentle and patient to maintain the cake’s delicate texture and prevent tearing.
• Chilling the rolled cake helps the filling set and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie option.
• Enhance flavor by adding a sprinkle of extra spices or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg