The Perfect Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Swirl

Autumn’s golden embrace brings this classic pumpkin roll into your kitchen with a whisper of nostalgia and warmth.

Soft spices dance through tender cake layers waiting to be rolled into creamy perfection.

Cool mornings inspire baking adventures that connect us to cherished memories.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home, promising comfort in every delicate slice.

Delightful swirls of cream cheese filling promise indulgence beyond simple desserts.

Skilled bakers and curious novices alike can master this elegant treat with confidence.

Your gathering will buzz with delight when you present this stunning seasonal centerpiece.

One bite promises to transport you to cozy moments filled with joy.

Classic Pumpkin Roll – A Cozy Treat for Fall

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a classic dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, perfect for satisfying hunger and lifting spirits.
• Family Meal Magic: Packed with colorful vegetables and tender chicken, this recipe brings everyone together around the table with its hearty, crowd-pleasing flavors.
• Skill-Builder's Delight: Great for home cooks looking to improve their culinary techniques, with simple steps that teach sauce-making and pastry skills without overwhelming complexity.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable to different ingredients and skill levels, this pot pie works for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or when you want a delicious homemade meal that feels special.

Shopping List for Classic Pumpkin Roll Success

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure to the pumpkin roll.
• Eggs: Essential for binding and adding richness to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light texture in the cake.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and signature pumpkin flavor to the dessert.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Classic spices that create a warm, autumn-inspired flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the cake.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and create a soft, fluffy texture.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavor of the dessert.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy base for the filling.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth consistency to the cream cheese mixture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the filling.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the cake from the pan.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting and adding a decorative touch to the final dessert.

The Process for Making Classic Pumpkin Roll

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 375F. Grab a jelly roll pan and give it a light grease.

Line the pan with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Cloves
• Salt

Step 3: Whip Up the Egg Base

In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and takes on a lighter color.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

Pour in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter looks smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Create the Cake Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until everything is just incorporated – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly to create a smooth surface.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes.

Step 7: Test for Doneness

The cake is ready when it springs back lightly when touched.

It should look golden and feel springy.

Step 8: Towel Rolling Technique

While the cake is still hot, flip it onto a kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar.

Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from the short end, gently roll the cake together with the towel.

Let it cool completely.

Step 9: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the filling is smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Fill and Roll

Once the cake has cooled, unroll it carefully. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface.

Re-roll the cake, this time without the towel.

Step 11: Chill and Set

Place the rolled cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour to help it set and make slicing easier.

Step 12: Final Touch

Just before serving, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy your beautiful pumpkin roll!

Classic Pumpkin Roll – Top Baking Advice for Home Cooks

• Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps in the batter and ensure even spice distribution. Select pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for authentic flavor and proper texture. Roll the warm cake immediately after baking to prevent cracking and create smooth, flexible layers. Keep cream cheese filling chilled before spreading to maintain ideal consistency and prevent separation. Dust powdered sugar right before serving to maintain a fresh, elegant appearance and prevent sugar absorption into the cake roll.

Ways to Add Variety to Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Roll: Replace part of the flour with cocoa powder and fold in mini chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, decadent version that adds extra sweetness and texture.
• Maple Pecan Pumpkin Roll: Swap vanilla extract with maple syrup in the filling and sprinkle chopped pecans inside the roll for a nutty, autumn-inspired alternative that brings warmth and crunch.
• Spiced Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll: Enhance the cream cheese filling with additional warm spices like cardamom and allspice, creating a more complex and aromatic dessert that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy this classic dessert without compromising taste or texture.

Slicing and Serving Classic Pumpkin Roll With Style

• Festive Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Showcase this pumpkin roll as the star of your holiday table, garnished with fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint for a stunning presentation that wows guests.
• Cozy Afternoon Tea Treat: Slice the roll into delicate rounds and serve alongside hot spiced tea, creating a perfect autumn afternoon indulgence that pairs beautifully with warm beverages.
• Dessert Picnic Delight: Pack individual slices in wax paper for a portable sweet treat during fall outdoor gatherings, offering a delightful handheld dessert that captures seasonal flavors.
• Family Gathering Finale: Present the entire rolled dessert on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and powdered sugar dusting, inviting everyone to slice and enjoy a shared moment of deliciousness.

Classic Pumpkin Roll – Simple Storage After Baking

• Store the pumpkin roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain its creamy texture and prevent filling from spoiling.
• Wrap the entire roll securely in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1-2 months to preserve its delicious flavor and soft texture.
• Keep the pumpkin roll covered at room temperature for only 4-6 hours. Avoid leaving it out longer to prevent cream cheese filling from becoming unsafe or losing its fresh taste.
• Cut individual slices and place them in separate sealed containers if you prefer smaller portions. Refrigerate these slices and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.

FAQs

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

This pumpkin roll looks complicated but is actually quite simple. The key is following each step carefully and working quickly when rolling the warm cake.

• What if I don't have a jelly roll pan?

You can use a similar sized baking sheet, but make sure to line it with parchment paper and grease it well to prevent sticking.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to use one that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

• How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Roll the cake while it’s still warm and use a powdered sugar-dusted towel. This helps the cake stay flexible and reduces the chance of cracking.

Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful classic pumpkin roll recipe brings autumn’s warmth to dessert tables with creamy spiced filling and tender cake. Rolled perfection offers sweet comfort that home bakers cherish.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup (165 ml) canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Powdered sugar (for dusting the towel and rolling)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with grease and parchment paper for optimal baking surface.
2. Combine all dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
3. Whip eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, voluminous texture with pale color.
4. Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, stirring until achieving a uniform, smooth consistency.
5. Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain the cake’s delicate structure.
6. Transfer batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a consistent layer.
7. Bake for 13-15 minutes, watching for the cake to become springy and lightly golden when touched.
8. Immediately after baking, carefully invert the hot cake onto a powdered sugar-coated kitchen towel, removing parchment paper and rolling the cake with the towel from the short end.
9. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set its shape and prevent cracking.
10. Prepare cream cheese filling by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
11. Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling across the entire surface with precision.
12. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, ensuring a tight and even roll.
13. Refrigerate the rolled cake for minimum one hour to help filling set and enhance flavor melding.
14. Before serving, dust the exterior with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Ensure your pumpkin puree is well-drained to prevent excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Dust the kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking during the first roll.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 132 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 156 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg