The Pumpkin Roll Cake is the epitome of fall baking, combining the warm, spicy flavors of pumpkin with a luscious cream cheese filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy dessert at home, this dessert wows with its stunning spiral design and irresistible taste. Despite its fancy appearance, making a pumpkin roll is simpler than you might think. This step-by-step guide will help you create a dessert that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Roll Cake:
3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2/3 cup (150g) canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides. Grease the parchment paper lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This blend of spices gives the cake its classic autumn flavor.
3. Beat the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is thick and pale (about 2-3 minutes). Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a light and tender cake.
5. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it out with a spatula. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center.
6. Roll the Cake:
Lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and generously dust it with powdered sugar.
Carefully turn the warm cake out onto the towel, then peel off the parchment paper.
Starting from one short end, gently roll the cake and towel together into a spiral. Allow the cake to cool completely in the rolled position.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the cake cools, make the filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined. The result should be a rich and spreadable filling.
Assemble the Pumpkin Roll Cake:
Carefully unroll the cooled cake and remove the towel.
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
Gently re-roll the cake (without the towel), keeping the filling inside.
Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Serve Your Pumpkin Roll Cake:
When ready to serve, remove the cake from the fridge and unwrap it. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Slice into 1-inch rounds to reveal the beautiful spiral of cake and filling.
Tips for Success
Use the Right Pan: A jelly roll pan ensures the cake is thin enough to roll without cracking. If you don’t have one, a quarter-sheet pan can work in a pinch.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will make the cake dry and more likely to crack when rolled. Keep an eye on it, and remove it as soon as it springs back when touched.
Cool Properly: Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracks and helps it hold its shape.
Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating the roll firms up the filling and makes slicing clean and easy.
Experiment with Flavors: Add a splash of maple syrup or a sprinkle of chopped pecans to the filling for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 10 slices)
Calories: 310
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pumpkin roll with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to complement the fall flavors.
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Why Pumpkin Roll Cake is a Crowd-Pleaser
The combination of moist, spiced pumpkin cake and rich cream cheese filling creates a balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. The visual appeal of the spiral design also makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any autumn gathering.
Variations to Try
Nutty Pumpkin Roll: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the batter before baking for added crunch.
Chocolate Pumpkin Roll: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.
Spiked Filling: Add a teaspoon of bourbon or rum to the cream cheese filling for an adult-friendly dessert.
Making a Pumpkin Roll Cake may seem intimidating at first, but with careful preparation and a bit of patience, you can create a dessert that’s both stunning and delicious. This recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your household, delighting family and friends year after year. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall wrapped up in this delightful treat!