Pumpkin Roll Recipe: 7 Irresistible Steps to Delight

Name: Pumpkin Roll Recipe: 7 Irresistible Steps to 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; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for filling

October 2, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the pure joy of making a pumpkin roll! There’s just something magical about that first slice, with the soft, spiced cake and the creamy, dreamy filling. The smell of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the kitchen is like a warm hug on a chilly day. I swear it instantly brings me back to cozy fall afternoons spent baking with my family. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Seriously, once you roll it up and reveal that beautiful swirl, you’ll feel like a pastry pro. Homemade desserts have this incredible way of making any occasion feel special, and trust me, your friends and family will be raving about this one for weeks. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on this delicious pumpkin roll recipe!

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful pumpkin roll! I promise, it’s worth every ingredient. Make sure you gather these before you start!

1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cake, giving it that lovely structure.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps our cake rise beautifully, so it’s light and fluffy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Essential for that perfect texture. It reacts with the pumpkin!
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star of the show when it comes to fall flavors.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a pinch gives a cozy, aromatic touch.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
3 large eggs: These will give our cake that lovely richness and help it bind together.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key here, making every bite melt in your mouth.
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree: This is the heart of our recipe, making it moist and flavorful.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla lends a warm undertone that’s just divine.
1 cup cream cheese, softened: This will be our luscious filling, giving the roll that signature creaminess.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to our filling, making it decadent.
2 cups powdered sugar: To sweeten up our cream cheese filling to perfection.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract for filling: Yes, we’re adding it again for extra flavor in that creamy goodness!

Make sure everything is at room temperature for the best results, especially the eggs and cream cheese. Trust me, it makes a difference! Now, let’s get ready to create some pumpkin magic!

How to Prepare the Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this pumpkin roll! I promise, it’s a step-by-step journey that’s as enjoyable as it is delicious. Just follow along, and before you know it, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress!

Preparing the Batter

First things first, let’s get that batter going! In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Just whisk it all together until it’s well combined. This is where the magic begins!

In another, larger bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture thickens and turns a lovely pale yellow—about 3-5 minutes with a hand or stand mixer should do the trick. Then, add in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s just combined. Now, slowly fold in the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. You want to be gentle here, so everything stays light and fluffy. The batter should be thick but spreadable, like a lovely, smooth cake batter. You got this!

Baking the Pumpkin Roll

Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, let’s prepare our jelly roll pan. Grease a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This is a crucial step—trust me, you don’t want your beautiful cake to stick!

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, making sure it reaches all corners. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 13-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as you want it perfectly baked but not overdone!

Rolling and Filling the Cake

Once your cake is out of the oven, it’s time to flip it! Immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel that’s been dusted with powdered sugar (this prevents sticking). Carefully peel away the parchment paper. Now, here’s the trick—while it’s still warm, roll the cake up with the towel tightly. This helps it hold its shape as it cools. Let it cool completely in that rolled-up position for about 30 minutes. This is super important because a warm cake is more pliable and won’t crack when you unroll it later.

While it cools, let’s make that dreamy cream cheese filling! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and that splash of vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Once your cake is fully cooled, unroll it gently and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Now, roll it back up, this time without the towel. Don’t worry; it’ll look gorgeous!

Final Steps

To wrap things up, wrap your pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh and helps all those flavors meld together beautifully. Now, here’s the key: refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. This chilling time allows the filling to set up and makes slicing a breeze! Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it when you take that first slice of your stunning pumpkin roll! You’re almost there!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your pumpkin roll turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips that I’ve learned along the way, along with a few troubleshooting pointers for any hiccups you might encounter.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps everything blend smoothly and creates that velvety texture we crave!
Don’t Overmix: When folding in the dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, and we want it light and airy.
Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so check your cake a minute or two early. It’s done when a toothpick comes out clean—better to be slightly underbaked than overbaked!
Cooling is Key: Let the cake cool completely rolled up in the towel. This prevents cracking and helps it maintain that lovely shape when you unroll it.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before rolling the cake onto your towel, dust it with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. This little step makes all the difference!
Don’t Rush the Refrigeration: It might be tempting to dig in right away, but chilling the roll for at least an hour is crucial. It allows the filling to set perfectly, making it easier to slice.
Fixing Cracks: If your cake cracks while rolling, don’t panic! Just spread a little extra cream cheese filling over the crack when you unroll it. It’ll be hidden, and no one will know!
Leftover Filling: If you have extra filling, don’t toss it! It makes a delicious dip for graham crackers or fruit—just a little bonus treat for you!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a pumpkin roll that’s not just good, but absolutely amazing! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this scrumptious pumpkin roll! Keep in mind these values are estimates per serving, so you can indulge a little guilt-free. Here’s how it breaks down:

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 4g

So there you have it! This pumpkin roll is not only a delightful treat but also a sweet addition to your dessert table without going overboard on calories. Enjoy every luscious slice, and feel good about it!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve created this stunning pumpkin roll, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to elevate your dessert experience! Trust me, these pairings will make your pumpkin roll even more delightful!

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light, airy touch that complements the rich filling beautifully.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the slices for a sweet, gooey contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Spiced Chai Tea: The warming spices in a cup of chai tea pair perfectly with the flavors of the pumpkin roll, making for a cozy treat.
Apple Cider: Whether hot or cold, apple cider brings that quintessential autumn vibe and balances the sweetness of the roll.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For those moments when you want to indulge, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the pumpkin roll is pure bliss!
Pecan Pie Bars: If you’re in the mood for a little variety, serve some pecan pie bars for a delightful dessert platter that’s perfect for gatherings.

Mix and match these suggestions to create your own dessert spread, and watch as your pumpkin roll becomes the star of the show. Happy serving!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the perfect pumpkin roll? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I’ve encountered, along with my tried-and-true answers. Let’s dive in!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can roast and puree fresh pumpkin for your roll. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture to keep your cake from becoming soggy!

How do I prevent my pumpkin roll from cracking?

To prevent cracks, remember to roll the cake while it’s still warm and keep it snug in the towel as it cools. If a crack happens, just cover it up with some extra filling when you unroll it—it’ll be our little secret!

Can I make this pumpkin roll ahead of time?

You sure can! In fact, it’s a great idea to make it a day ahead. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It’ll taste even better as the flavors meld together!

What’s the best way to slice the pumpkin roll?

For the cleanest slices, use a serrated knife. This will help you cut through the soft cake without squishing it. A gentle sawing motion works wonders!

Can I freeze the pumpkin roll?

Yes, you can! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

With these FAQs in mind, you’ll be ready to tackle your pumpkin roll recipe like a pro. Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps and about an hour of your time, you can whip up this delightful dessert!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm spices and creamy filling creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
Festive Appeal: This pumpkin roll is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just to brighten up a regular day!
Impressive Presentation: That beautiful swirl when you slice it? It looks so fancy, but you’ll know it was a breeze to make!
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and making your day of serving stress-free.
Versatile Treat: Whether you serve it as a dessert or a sweet snack, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Customizable: Want to add nuts or a chocolate drizzle? Feel free to get creative with toppings or fillings!
Perfect for Sharing: It slices beautifully into portions, making it easy to share with family and friends.

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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.