. It features a soft, spiced pumpkin sponge cake rolled around a luscious cream cheese filling, creating a beautiful spiral that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, this dessert is elegant, comforting, and perfect for holidays, family dinners, or cozy evenings.
What makes the pumpkin roll so special is its balance of flavors and textures. The cake is moist and tender, infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, while the filling is creamy, tangy, and sweet. Together, they create a harmonious bite that melts in your mouth. Despite its impressive appearance, the pumpkin roll is surprisingly easy to make with a few careful steps and a bit of patience.
This dessert is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize the filling, add nuts or chocolate, or even make it gluten-free. It stores well, travels beautifully, and slices into neat portions that make it ideal for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply indulging in seasonal flavors, the Classic Pumpkin Roll is a must-have recipe in your repertoire.
🧂 INGREDIENTS:
For the Pumpkin Cake:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese – softened
1 cup powdered sugar – sifted
6 tablespoons unsalted butter—softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
Powdered sugar – for dusting
Parchment paper – for rolling
Clean kitchen towel – for shaping the roll
🧾 INSTRUCTION:
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Grease the paper lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices give the cake its signature warm flavor.
Step 3: Beat the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale. This takes about 3–5 minutes. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Pour
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Bake for 13–15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched. Avoid overbaking, as the cake should remain soft and pliable for rolling.
Step 6: Roll the Cake
While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it generously with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, immediately invert it onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper and gently roll the cake from the short end using the towel. Let it cool completely in the rolled shape.
Step 7: Make the Filling
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Chill slightly if too soft.
Step 8: Assemble the Roll
Once the cake is cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Reroll the cake gently, this time without the towel.
Step 9: Chill and Serve
Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and slice into neat spirals.
🍽️ SERVINGS:
Serves 8–10 slices Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying over several days.
📝 NOTE:
Pumpkin Purée: Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
Rolling Technique: Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking. The towel helps shape and cool it evenly.
Filling Variations: Add orange zest, maple syrup, or cinnamon to the cream cheese for a twist.
Storage: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Presentation Tip: Slice with a serrated knife for clean edges. Serve on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of caramel.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with a gluten-free blend and adjust baking time slightly.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling for added texture.
🍰 OTHER RECIPES TO TRY:
1. Spiced Carrot Roll
A moist carrot cake rolled with cinnamon cream cheese filling. Earthy, sweet, and perfect for spring or fall.
2. Chocolate Swiss Roll
Rich chocolate sponge filled with whipped cream or ganache. A decadent treat for chocolate lovers.
3. Lemon Roll Cake
Light lemon sponge with tangy lemon curd and cream cheese filling. Refreshing and elegant.
4. Red Velvet Roll
Classic red velvet cake rolled with vanilla cream cheese. Stunning in color and flavor.
5. Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake
Apple-infused sponge with cinnamon cream filling. Tastes like apple pie in roll form.
6. Vanilla Berry Roll
Vanilla sponge filled with whipped cream and fresh berries. Light, fruity, and perfect for summer.
💬 EXTENDED INSIGHTS (To Reach 1000+ Words):
🎃 The Charm of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a seasonal favorite, especially in autumn. Its mild sweetness and earthy flavor pair beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In baking, pumpkin adds moisture and richness without overpowering other ingredients.
Pumpkin is also nutritious, offering fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Using it in desserts brings a wholesome touch to indulgent treats.
🧁 The Art of Rolling
Rolling a cake may seem intimidating, but it’s all about timing and technique. Rolling while warm allows the cake to mold without cracking. The towel dusted with powdered sugar prevents sticking and adds a decorative finish.
Unrolling and filling requires a gentle hand. Spreading the filling evenly ensures a balanced bite in every slice. Re-rolling should be done slowly to maintain the spiral and avoid squeezing out the filling.
🧀 Cream Cheese Filling Magic
Cream cheese is the perfect complement to spiced pumpkin cake. Its tanginess balances the sweetness and adds a creamy texture. Butter adds richness, while powdered sugar sweetens without grittiness.
You can customize the filling with citrus zest, spices, or extracts. For a lighter version, use whipped cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
🍂 Seasonal Appeal
Pumpkin rolls are synonymous with fall and holidays. They evoke memories of family gatherings, festive tables, and cozy kitchens. Their warm flavors and comforting texture make them ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any autumn celebration.
They also make thoughtful gifts. Wrapped in parchment and tied with ribbon, a pumpkin roll is a homemade gesture of warmth and care.
🧼 Kitchen Tips
Use parchment paper for easy release and even baking. A jelly roll pan ensures the right thickness for rolling. Let the cake cool completely before filling to prevent melting.
Cleanup is easier if you soak utensils immediately. Cream cheese can be sticky, so warm water and dish soap help.
🎯 FINAL THOUGHTS
The Classic Pumpkin Roll is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and creativity. It transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat that delights the senses and warms the heart. With its golden sponge, creamy filling, and elegant spiral, it’s a dessert that invites admiration and indulgence.
Whether you’re baking for loved ones or savoring a quiet moment, this pumpkin roll offers comfort, joy, and a taste of the season. It’s a recipe worth mastering and sharing, one slice at a time.