Who doesn't love the sweet, spicy flavor of pumpkin rolls? These delightful desserts combine the rich taste of pumpkin with a luscious cream cheese filling, creating a treat that's perfect for fall or any time you're craving something cozy and comforting. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or just want to indulge in a sweet snack, pumpkin rolls are a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect pumpkin rolls from scratch. Stick around to the end for some expert tips that will ensure your pumpkin rolls turn out perfectly every time!
What Are Pumpkin Rolls?
Pumpkin rolls are a classic dessert featuring a soft, moist pumpkin-flavored sponge cake rolled up around a creamy, sweet cream cheese filling. This rolled cake is dusted with powdered sugar, adding an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish. The combination of the spiced pumpkin cake and the tangy cream cheese filling creates a delightful balance of flavors that is simply irresistible. Pumpkin rolls are especially popular during the fall and winter months, often served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday gatherings.
Ingredients List for Pumpkin Roll
To get started on making your own pumpkin rolls, you'll need a list of ingredients for both the pumpkin roll itself and the cream cheese filling. Here's what you'll need:
Pumpkin Roll Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs: The eggs act as the binding agent in the cake, providing structure and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the cake but also helps to achieve a tender crumb.
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): This is the star ingredient, giving the roll its characteristic pumpkin flavor and moist texture. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not the pre-sweetened pie filling.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds depth of flavor, complementing the pumpkin and spices.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Flour is the base of the cake, giving it body and structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, giving the roll its signature warm, spiced flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness in the cake.
Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Filling
The creamy filling is what takes this dessert to the next level. Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect cream cheese filling for your pumpkin roll:
Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese adds richness and tang to the filling, creating a delightful contrast with the sweet pumpkin cake.
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, softened: Butter adds creaminess and helps to smooth out the texture of the filling.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the filling while keeping it light and smooth.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Just like in the cake, vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about baking is that there’s always room for creativity. Here are some substitution ideas and variations you can try if you want to put your own spin on the traditional pumpkin roll recipe:
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add ¼ teaspoon of it to help the cake hold together.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes in the filling, and replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg).
- Pumpkin Spice Mix: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of cloves.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Add Nuts or Raisins: For some added texture, you can fold chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins into the batter before baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a pumpkin roll may seem intimidating, but with these clear, step-by-step instructions, you'll find that it's easier than you think. Let’s walk through the entire process, from preparing the cake batter to rolling it up with the cream cheese filling.

How to Cook Pumpkin Roll: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper. Grease the paper as well, ensuring that your cake will release easily after baking.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is thick and light in color, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the light texture of the cake. Next, add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and spices throughout the batter.
- Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become tough.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the top of the cake springs back when lightly touched. Be sure not to overbake, as this can make the cake dry and difficult to roll.
- Roll the Cake: While the cake is still warm, carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Dust the top with powdered sugar and place a clean kitchen towel over it. Starting from one of the short ends, roll the cake up with the towel inside. Let it cool completely while rolled up—this helps it hold its shape without cracking.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: While the cake is cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Fill and Roll the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Gently re-roll the cake, this time without the towel. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to set.
- Slice and Serve: Before serving, dust the roll with more powdered sugar if desired. Use a sharp knife to slice the pumpkin roll into 1-inch pieces, and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned bakers can sometimes encounter issues when making pumpkin rolls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Overbaking the Cake: Keep a close eye on your cake while it’s in the oven. Overbaking can make the cake dry and difficult to roll, leading to cracks.
- Not Rolling While Warm: The cake needs to be rolled while it’s still warm to prevent cracking. If it cools down too much before rolling, it may break.
- Uneven Filling: Make sure to spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the cake. An uneven filling can make the roll lopsided and harder to slice.
- Skipping the Refrigeration: Don’t skip the step of chilling the roll in the fridge. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Pumpkin rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious, and with the right presentation, they can be the star of any dessert table. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your pumpkin roll:
How to Serve Pumpkin Roll
- Chilled: Pumpkin rolls are best served chilled, as this allows the cream cheese filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
- With a Side: Serve slices of pumpkin roll with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- As Part of a Dessert Platter: Combine slices of pumpkin roll with other seasonal desserts, like apple pie or pecan bars, for a festive dessert spread.
Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Roll
- Garnish with Nuts: Sprinkle the top of the pumpkin roll with chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and a touch of elegance.
- Dust with Spices: In addition to powdered sugar, dust the top with a light sprinkling of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor.
- Decorate with Seasonal Fruits: Add some seasonal fruits like cranberries or pomegranate seeds around the slices for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve on a Festive Platter: Place the pumpkin roll on a decorative serving platter, surrounded by fall leaves or small pumpkins, to enhance the seasonal theme.
Pumpkin Roll Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Pumpkin rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them a convenient option for holiday entertaining.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare the pumpkin roll even further in advance, it can be frozen for up to two months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
- Perfect Slices: For clean, professional-looking slices, use a serrated knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make a pumpkin roll without a jelly roll pan?
Yes, if you don’t have a jelly roll pan, you can use a baking sheet with raised edges, but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a thinner cake will bake faster.
2. How do I prevent my pumpkin roll from cracking?
The key to preventing cracks is to roll the cake while it’s still warm. Rolling it in a towel also helps to prevent sticking and encourages the cake to hold its shape.
3. Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! While the traditional filling is cream cheese-based, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or even a mascarpone filling.
4. How long will the pumpkin roll stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, a pumpkin roll will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing it.
5. Is it okay to use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it’s important to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that will alter the recipe’s balance.
Conclusion
Pumpkin rolls are a delightful treat that brings together the rich, warm flavors of fall in every bite. With this comprehensive guide, you're now equipped with all the knowledge and tips you need to make the perfect pumpkin roll at home. Whether you're serving it at a holiday gathering or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, this dessert is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate homemade pumpkin roll!
PrintPumpkin Rolls Recipe
This Pumpkin Roll recipe features a soft, spiced pumpkin cake rolled with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling. Ideal for autumn gatherings, it combines the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice with the rich, smooth texture of cream cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser at any fall celebration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes cooling time)
- Yield: 10-12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until thick. Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel and dust it with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, immediately turn it out onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake up in the towel from the short end. Let it cool completely.
- To prepare the cream cheese filling, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake, then re-roll the cake without the towel.
- Wrap the pumpkin roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure the pumpkin roll is completely cool before adding the cream cheese filling to prevent it from melting.
- For a festive touch, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of roll)
- Calories: 282
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 204mg
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