The Perfect Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe for Fall Baking Joy

Autumn whispers bring this classic pumpkin roll into delightful culinary focus for cozy baking adventures.

Delicate spices dance through soft, tender cake layers that promise pure comfort.

Sweet cream cheese filling creates irresistible swirls of decadence between pumpkin-infused sponge.

Seasonal traditions shine brightest when home kitchens welcome nostalgic desserts like this treasured treat.

Baking skills matter less than enthusiasm when crafting such a welcoming dessert.

Dust with powdered sugar and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Flavorful Twists On Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same texture and flavor profile.
• Vegan Pumpkin Swirl: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use vegan cream cheese, and replace butter with coconut oil to create a plant-based version of the classic dessert.
• Low-Sugar Pumpkin Roll: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and reduce overall sugar content while keeping the rich pumpkin taste intact.
• Nutty Pumpkin Variation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the cream cheese filling for extra crunch and depth of flavor, creating a more complex dessert experience.

Ideal Pairings For Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Complementary Flavor Companions: Pair this classic pumpkin roll with warm beverages and seasonal delights that enhance its rich, spiced profile.
• Brew Perfect Coffee Match: Select a medium-roast Colombian or Ethiopian coffee with caramel and nutty undertones that beautifully complement the pumpkin's warm spices and creamy filling.
• Wine Elegance Pairing: Choose a late-harvest Riesling or moscato, whose subtle sweetness and light acidity will balance the dessert's rich cream cheese and delicate pumpkin cake texture.
• Seasonal Sidekick Suggestion: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to create a luxurious contrast against the roll's soft, spiced interior.

Storing Classic Pumpkin Roll Properly

• Wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and preventing it from drying out.
• Slice the roll into individual portions or keep whole. Place in an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
• Transfer frozen pumpkin roll to the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing. Allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating to prevent the cream cheese filling from becoming runny or the cake from becoming tough.

FAQs About Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Why do I need to roll the cake while it's still warm?

Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking and makes it easier to shape. The warm, flexible cake will set in the rolled position, creating a smooth, tight roll for filling later.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pumpkin roll 1-2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as it sits, making it perfect for holiday preparations.

• How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the towel?

Generously dust the towel with powdered sugar before inverting the cake. This creates a non-stick surface and helps prevent the cake from tearing when you unroll it for filling.

Why Classic Pumpkin Roll Wins Hearts

• Craft Seasonal Showstopper: Create a dessert that transforms ordinary baking into a stunning centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
• Stress-Free Baking Adventure: Master a recipe that looks complicated but breaks down into simple steps, making you feel like a professional pastry chef without overwhelming kitchen skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine warm autumn spices with creamy filling for a dessert that delivers rich, comforting tastes everyone from kids to grandparents will absolutely love.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different spice combinations or add personal twists like chopped nuts or drizzled chocolate to make this classic recipe uniquely yours.

Must-Have Ingredients For Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure and help bind the cake together.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, tender texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings rich, seasonal flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the foundation of the cake's structure.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Ginger: Create warm, classic pumpkin spice flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Create a smooth, creamy, and rich filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides additional depth of flavor to the filling.

• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting and decorative touch on the final roll.

Classic Pumpkin Roll Step-By-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, giving it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip eggs and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, pale mixture. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla, blending everything smoothly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger

Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layer

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan. Slide into the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. The cake is ready when it bounces back after a light touch.

Step 5: Roll the Warm Cake

Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Once the cake finishes baking, flip it onto the towel immediately. Carefully remove the parchment paper. Tightly roll the cake with the towel, creating a spiral. Let it cool completely in this rolled position.

Step 6: Craft the Creamy Filling

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the filling becomes light and fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble the Pumpkin Roll

Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface. Roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. Place seam-side down on a serving plate.

Step 8: Final Touch and Serve

Sprinkle a delicate layer of powdered sugar on top. Slice and enjoy your beautiful pumpkin roll!

Tips For Perfect Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Prevent Cake Cracking: Roll the warm cake immediately after baking to prevent cracking and ensure a smooth, flexible texture.
• Towel Trick: Use a clean, lint-free kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking and make rolling easier.
• Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the pumpkin roll for at least an hour before serving to help the filling set and enhance the flavors.
• Storage Hack: Wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its delicious taste and texture.

Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 33-35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive autumn gatherings come alive with classic pumpkin roll, a delightful dessert that marries spiced cake with luscious cream cheese filling. Sweet spirals of warmth promise pure comfort and seasonal joy you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Spices and Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Filling Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cake)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C). Carefully line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, lightly coating the surface with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Whip eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes thick and pale, creating a smooth base. Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until fully integrated.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
4. Distribute the batter uniformly across the prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 13-15 minutes, watching for a springy texture and light golden appearance when touched.
5. Prepare a clean kitchen towel by generously dusting with powdered sugar. Immediately after removing from the oven, carefully invert the cake onto the towel. Delicately remove the parchment paper and tightly roll the cake with the towel, maintaining a consistent shape. Allow to cool completely in the rolled position.
6. Create the filling by blending cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually introduce powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the texture becomes uniform and silky.
7. Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, positioning the seam facing downward on a serving platter.
8. Optional finishing touch includes a light dusting of powdered sugar. Slice into elegant portions and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality pumpkin puree without added sugars for the most authentic flavor and best texture in your roll.
• Roll the warm cake immediately after baking to prevent cracking and help maintain the signature smooth, flexible texture.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for the filling to ensure a silky, lump-free consistency that spreads easily.
• Chill the rolled pumpkin dessert before serving to help the filling set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 326
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 249 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg