Pumpkin Roll

Few desserts capture the spirit of fall quite like a pumpkin roll — soft, spiced cake wrapped around a creamy, tangy filling. With its stunning spiral and perfect blend of sweetness and spice, it’s both elegant and comforting.

This Pumpkin Roll Delight is easier to make than it looks, and once you master the rolling technique, you’ll be baking it for every gathering. The moist pumpkin sponge paired with velvety cream cheese frosting makes it a true showstopper dessert.

If you love cozy fall flavors, you’ll also enjoy our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies — another creamy, spiced treat that’s just as addictive!

Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Roll

You don’t need anything fancy for this dessert — just some pantry staples and autumn spices.

For the Cake:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup powdered sugar, for dusting the towel

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For another spiced dessert that melts in your mouth, check out our Gingerbread German Spice Cookies — they pair perfectly with this pumpkin roll!

Step-by-Step Pumpkin Roll Preparation

Follow these steps to make your pumpkin roll like a pro:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Make the batter: Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Spread evenly: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to the edges.
5. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched.
6. Roll while warm: Immediately turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake (with the towel) from the short end. Let it cool completely.

If you love classic rolled desserts, you’ll enjoy our Cream Puff Cake — another light, creamy masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion.

Helpful Baking Tips and Tricks

• Use room temperature eggs — they incorporate more air for a fluffier sponge.
• Don’t overmix — overmixing can make the cake tough and prone to cracking.
• Bake evenly: Spread the batter thin and even to avoid dense patches.
• Roll while warm: This step prevents cracks and helps the cake hold its shape.
• Generously dust the towel with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Cream Cheese Filling: A Perfect Blend

The filling is what makes this dessert irresistible — creamy, slightly tangy, and perfectly sweet.

1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and creamy.
3. Chill the filling for 10–15 minutes before spreading to make it easier to handle.

If you like creamy textures and sweet-spiced combos, you’ll also adore our Mini Lemon Bundt Cakes — bright, moist, and perfect for pairing with tea.

Rolling Technique for a Flawless Finish

Rolling can seem tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll get a perfect swirl every time:

1. Once the cake has cooled completely in its towel roll, carefully unroll it.
2. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the cake back up tightly without the towel this time.
4. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Pro Tip: Use a serrated knife for clean cuts, and wipe it between slices for picture-perfect spirals.

Decorating Your Pumpkin Roll Creatively

Dress up your pumpkin roll for any occasion:

• Dust with powdered sugar for a classic look.
• Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra sweetness.
• Top with whipped cream or chopped pecans for texture.
• Add orange zest for a bright, citrusy accent.

You can even add a light glaze or sprinkle edible gold dust for a festive touch at Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cracks in the roll: Roll while warm and handle gently.
• Sticky cake: Don’t skip the powdered sugar on the towel.
• Filling leaks out: Let the cake cool completely before adding the filling.
• Dry sponge: Avoid overbaking — check early and remove as soon as it springs back.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Pumpkin roll is delightful on its own, but even better when paired with:

• A hot mug of chai tea or pumpkin spice latte.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel for color and contrast.

It’s a wonderful dessert for fall dinners, Thanksgiving gatherings, or as a homemade gift during the holidays.

Nutrition (per serving)

Based on 10 slices; values are approximate.

Enjoying Your Pumpkin Roll!

With its light, moist cake and luscious cream cheese filling, this Pumpkin Roll Delight is everything a fall dessert should be — cozy, flavorful, and simply beautiful. Each slice delivers a swirl of warmth and sweetness that’s perfect for any autumn celebration.

Whether you serve it dusted with sugar, drizzled with caramel, or just as it is, this dessert will always impress. Once you master the roll, it’s bound to become one of your go-to seasonal bakes.

Pumpkin Roll

This Pumpkin Roll Delight combines soft, spiced pumpkin cake with a smooth cream cheese filling, rolled to perfection for a beautiful swirl. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy afternoon desserts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Cakes, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 290

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup powdered sugar for dusting the towel

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Bake: Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
6. Roll while warm: Immediately invert the cake onto a clean towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and gently roll the cake (with the towel) from the short end. Let it cool completely.
7. Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Chill for 10 minutes for easier spreading.
8. Assemble: Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, then carefully roll it back up without the towel.
9. Chill: Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
10. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel before serving.

Notes

• Roll while warm: This prevents cracks in the cake.
  
• Chill before slicing to help the roll hold its shape.
  
• Add chopped pecans or caramel drizzle for an extra festive touch.
  
• Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
  
• Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream for presentation.