Pumpkin Roll Recipe: 7 Steps to Pure Delight

Name: Pumpkin Roll Recipe: 7 Steps to Pure Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

October 6, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh, there’s just something magical about making a pumpkin roll recipe! As soon as the leaves start to turn and the air gets that crisp autumn chill, I find myself dreaming of this delightful dessert. It’s a staple at our family gatherings, and I can’t tell you how many smiles it brings to faces when I serve it up. The combination of fluffy pumpkin cake rolled with a luscious cream cheese filling is simply irresistible! I remember the first time I made it—I was a bit nervous, but watching it come together was so rewarding. If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that’s perfect for fall celebrations or holiday feasts, you’ve got to try this pumpkin roll! Trust me, it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.

pumpkin roll recipe - detail 1

Ingredients for Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Gathering the right ingredients is key to whipping up this delicious pumpkin roll, and I promise it’s worth it! 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 ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened—this will make a huge difference in achieving a smooth and creamy filling. And don’t forget to grab that canned pumpkin puree; it’s the star of this show! With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a pumpkin roll that will wow your friends and family.

How to Prepare the Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to prepare this scrumptious pumpkin roll! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert to impress everyone.

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cake bakes evenly! While that’s warming up, grab a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan, grease it lightly, and line it with parchment paper. This will help the cake release easily once it’s baked—no one wants a sticky situation!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined—this is where the flavor starts! The spices are going to make your kitchen smell amazing, so don’t rush this part!

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the 3 large eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is thick and pale—this should take a couple of minutes. Then, mix in the 2/3 cup of canned pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. You want everything to be blended beautifully, creating that vibrant, pumpkiny goodness!

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, it’s time to combine the wet and dry mixtures! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding it in. This is key—don’t overmix! You want a smooth batter that’s light and airy. Trust me, this will make your pumpkin roll fluffy and delightful!

Bake the Pumpkin Roll

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Make sure the surface is nice and level—this helps it bake evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top springs back when you gently touch it. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary!

Roll and Cool the Cake

Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and immediately roll the cake up with the parchment paper still attached. This is a bit of a tricky but essential step—don’t let it cool flat! Let it cool completely while rolled up. This helps it maintain its shape for when you fill it later.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While your cake is cooling, let’s whip up that cream cheese filling! In a bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter until it’s nice and smooth. Then, gradually add in 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. You’ll end up with a luscious, creamy filling that’s just begging to be spread!

Assemble the Pumpkin Roll

Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it and spread that delicious cream cheese filling all over the surface. Then, re-roll the cake (without the parchment this time) tightly, starting from one of the short ends. Don’t worry if it cracks a little—that’s part of the charm! Just be gentle.

Chill and Serve

Wrap your pumpkin roll in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling time helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier. When you’re ready to serve, slice it into beautiful rounds and enjoy the delightful swirl of cake and cream cheese filling. Trust me, everyone will love it!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy days when you still want to impress!
Flavorful Delight: The combination of warm spices and creamy filling creates a taste that screams fall.
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful swirl of pumpkin cake and cream cheese filling makes for a stunning dessert at any gathering.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love this pumpkin roll—it’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends!
Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding nuts to the filling or even drizzling it with chocolate!
Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores well in the fridge, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy it later.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional values for each slice of this delightful pumpkin roll. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg

With these delicious numbers, you can indulge a little guilt-free! Enjoy the flavors of fall while treating yourself to this delightful dessert. Happy baking!

Tips for Success with the Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Ah, let’s talk about how to make sure your pumpkin roll turns out absolutely perfect! These little tips and tricks can save you from any potential mishaps and ensure you impress everyone with your baking skills.

Be gentle when rolling: When you roll the cake with the parchment paper, do it carefully! If you’re too rough, you might end up with cracks. A gentle touch will help maintain its beautiful shape.
Don’t skip the cooling step: Letting the cake cool completely while rolled up is crucial. It helps the cake hold its shape and makes it easier to fill later on.
Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. A good rule of thumb is to touch the top lightly; it should spring back. If it sinks, it might need a minute or two more!
Room temperature ingredients: Using softened cream cheese and butter for the filling is key to achieving that smooth, creamy texture. If they’re too cold, you’ll end up with lumps!
Wrap it up tight: After assembling your pumpkin roll, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before chilling. This will help prevent it from drying out and keep it fresh!
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or even some chopped nuts to the filling for an extra twist! It’s all about making it your own.
Slice with a serrated knife: When it’s time to cut, use a serrated knife for clean slices. This will help preserve that gorgeous swirl and keep it looking stunning!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a pumpkin roll that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking, and enjoy the process!

FAQ About Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Got questions about making your pumpkin roll? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my go-to answers to help you out.

Can I make this pumpkin roll recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pumpkin roll actually tastes better after it’s had a little time to chill in the fridge. You can make it a day or two in advance and just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap until you’re ready to serve.

What if my pumpkin roll cracks when I roll it?
Oh no! Cracks can happen, but don’t fret! If you’re gentle when rolling and make sure the cake is fully cooled, you should be fine. If it does crack a bit, just cover it with frosting or whipped cream, and no one will ever know!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until it’s smooth. Canned pumpkin puree is easier, but fresh can add a lovely flavor if you have it on hand.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to keep it fresh and delicious!

Can I freeze the pumpkin roll?
Definitely! You can freeze the pumpkin roll for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

What are some variations I can try?
Get creative! You can mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the filling, or even add a swirl of chocolate ganache for a decadent twist. You could also sprinkle some chocolate chips in the batter for a fun surprise!

What’s the best way to serve pumpkin roll?
I love serving it chilled, sliced into beautiful rounds. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a little extra flair or drizzle some caramel sauce on top for a delightful touch. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in!

I hope these answers help you feel more confident in making this delightful pumpkin roll! Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of this autumn treat!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.