If you’re dreaming of a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and full of cozy fall vibes, your search ends with the Pumpkin Roll. This sweet, spiced cake swirled with luscious, creamy filling is the ultimate showstopper for holiday gatherings and autumn celebrations. The Pumpkin Roll delivers a perfect balance of tender cake, rich pumpkin flavor, and that dreamy cream cheese center that everyone adores. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your fall baking adventures, this recipe will guide you to pumpkin perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Moist Texture: The cake stays perfectly soft and tender thanks to a careful blend of ingredients and baking technique.
Classic Fall Flavors: Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg blend seamlessly with real pumpkin for an authentic autumn treat.
Show-Stopping Presentation: The rolled design reveals beautiful swirls that make it as impressive to serve as it is to eat.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, holiday parties, or anytime you crave a cozy, sweet indulgence.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together easily to create something extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Roll recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that combine to create something magical. Each component has a purpose—from the pumpkin that adds moisture and rich flavor, to spices that evoke the essence of fall, and the cream cheese filling that perfectly complements the spiced cake.

Pure Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Balance sweetness with a hint of caramel depth.
Large Eggs: Help bind ingredients while contributing to the cake’s fluffy texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The base that creates structure without weighing down the roll.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure a light, airy cake.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: A blend of warm spices that awaken your senses.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Cream Cheese: The star of the filling, adding tanginess and creaminess.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the filling for that perfect frosting consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A splash that lifts the flavor of the filling to the next level.
Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the filling.

Variations for Pumpkin Roll

One of the best things about Pumpkin Roll is how adaptable it is. Feel free to play with these variations to suit your taste or dietary needs—each tweak keeps the dessert exciting and fresh!

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a safe and delicious alternative.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the cake batter for extra warmth and complexity.
Classic Walnut or Pecan Addition: Fold chopped nuts into the filling or sprinkle on the cake before rolling for a delightful crunch.
Dairy-Free Filling: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream to create a creamy, plant-based swirl.
Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Swirl in some melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder to the batter or filling for a mocha-inspired version.

How to Make Pumpkin Roll

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven and lining a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring it’s greased well. This prep will prevent sticking and make rolling the cake easier later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the moist base of your cake.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to ensure even distribution.

Step 4: Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing carefully so as not to overmix and lose that desired fluffy texture.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake until the cake springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick comes out clean. This step is crucial for a perfectly done Pumpkin Roll.

Step 6: Roll the Cake While Warm

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment and roll the cake up with the towel inside—this sets the shape and prevents cracking later.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cake cools, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This luscious filling is what makes the Pumpkin Roll truly addictive.

Step 8: Fill and Re-Roll

Unroll the cooled cake gently, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, and then carefully roll it back up without the towel. Chill the roll to set before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Roll

Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Fresh or canned pure pumpkin makes a big flavor difference, so avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains added spices and sugar.
Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake immediately after baking prevents cracks and makes the rolling process smooth.
Use a Kitchen Towel: Dust the towel heavily with powdered sugar to keep the cake from sticking while rolling.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense, so fold dry ingredients gently just until combined.
Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerate the assembled roll for at least an hour to get clean, attractive slices.

How to Serve Pumpkin Roll

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional powdered sugar over the top or swirl a drizzle of caramel sauce for a touch of extra sweetness and eye-catching presentation that invites bites.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside warm spiced cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect pairing that enhances the fall flavor experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, decorate the top with crushed candied pecans or a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds. You can also slice into smaller pinwheels for bite-sized treats at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Pumpkin Roll tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated—it will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, ready for snacking anytime.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the wrapped roll for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer warm cake, gently warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven until just heated, but avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese filling intact.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for the Pumpkin Roll?

Yes! Canned pure pumpkin works perfectly in this recipe, just be sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains spices and sugar.

What if my cake cracks while rolling?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm helps prevent cracks. If cracks happen, don’t worry—the filling can hide small imperfections, and gentle pressure during rolling helps smooth the surface.

Can I make the Pumpkin Roll ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake and filling a day in advance and assemble before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while making your day less busy.

How thick should the cake layer be before baking?

The batter should be spread evenly in a jelly roll pan about 1/2 inch thick to ensure even baking and proper rolling without cracking.

Is it possible to freeze individual slices?

Yes, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be thawed quickly for an on-demand dessert.

Final Thoughts

Making the perfect Pumpkin Roll is truly a rewarding experience that fills your home with the warm scents of fall and delights everyone at the table. With its moist cake, spiced pumpkin goodness, and rich cream cheese filling, this recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite. Go ahead and dive into making your own Pumpkin Roll—your taste buds and guests will thank you!

Pumpkin Roll

Print Recipe

This Pumpkin Roll recipe delivers a moist, flavorful, and beautifully spiced cake rolled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. Perfectly balanced with warm autumn spices and rich pumpkin flavor, it’s an ideal dessert for fall celebrations, holiday gatherings, or any cozy occasion. Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, this classic pumpkin roll is sure to be a seasonal favorite.

Author: Gloria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

1 cup pure pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free version)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cream Cheese Filling

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it well to prevent sticking and make rolling easier.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the moist base of your cake.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour (or gluten-free blend), baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing carefully just until combined to maintain a fluffy texture without overmixing.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Roll the Cake While Warm: Immediately after removing from the oven, turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up with the towel inside to set its shape and prevent cracking.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until the filling is smooth, fluffy, and well combined.
Fill and Re-Roll: Once cooled, carefully unroll the cake, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, and then re-roll the cake tightly without the towel. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to set before slicing.

Notes

Use fresh or plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to ensure authentic flavor and texture.
Roll the cake while still warm to avoid cracks and facilitate a smooth roll.
Dust the kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to keep the cake from sticking during rolling.
Fold wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing that can cause a dense cake.
Chill the rolled cake before slicing to get clean, attractive slices.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of roll)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: pumpkin roll, pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, cream cheese filling, holiday dessert, autumn recipe, spiced pumpkin cake