Perfect Pumpkin Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Pumpkin Rolls Recipe: Autumn’s Cozy Homemade Delight

Sweet autumn memories often dance around a classic pumpkin rolls dessert that captures seasonal comfort perfectly.

Soft spices and creamy filling create magic in every delightful slice.

Bakers love how simple ingredients come together with minimal effort.

Delicate cake layers wrap luxuriously smooth cream cheese in a stunning spiral.

Warm kitchen aromas promise something special waiting to emerge from your oven.

The recipe brings warmth and nostalgia that connects generations through a single sweet treat.

Nothing beats sharing this impressive dessert with people you cherish most.

FAQs

  • Can I make this pumpkin roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin roll 1-2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

  • Is it necessary to use a kitchen towel when rolling the cake?

Absolutely. The kitchen towel helps prevent cracking and makes rolling the warm cake easier without breaking it.

  • What if I don't have all the spices in the recipe?

You can use a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice blend as a substitute for individual spices if needed. This will still provide a delicious autumn flavor.

  • How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the towel?

Generously dust the kitchen towel with powdered sugar before turning out the hot cake. This creates a non-stick surface and helps prevent tearing.

Why Pumpkin Rolls Are a Fall Favorite

  • Celebrate Seasonal Delights: Dive into a festive pumpkin roll that captures the essence of autumn with its warm spices and rich flavors.
  • Master Baking Techniques: Learn a showstopping dessert that looks impressive but comes together with straightforward steps any home baker can tackle.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Create a stunning treat perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations that will wow everyone at the table.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and store in the refrigerator, making party planning and entertaining a breeze.

Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Rolls

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key component that provides structure to the pumpkin roll cake.
  • Eggs: Essential for binding and adding moisture to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, tender texture.
  • Pumpkin: Provides moisture, color, and signature fall flavor to the cake.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that create a classic pumpkin pie flavor profile.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the cake.
Filling and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Butter, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, creamy filling for the pumpkin roll.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Parchment Paper, Kitchen Towel, Plastic Wrap: Essential for preparation and rolling of the cake.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting and adding a decorative touch to the finished dessert.

How to Make Pumpkin Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and give it a generous coating of grease.

Layer parchment paper inside and grease the paper surface to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Ground cloves
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Create Pumpkin Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whip eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes thick and fluffy. Pour in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.

Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until smooth.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. The cake is ready when the top springs back after a gentle touch.

Step 5: Roll the Warm Cake

Immediately flip the hot cake onto a clean kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel away the parchment paper.

Starting from a short side, gently roll the cake together with the towel. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

Whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 7: Fill and Reroll the Cake

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface.

Gently reroll the cake without the towel. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to set.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Just before serving, dust the pumpkin roll with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Slice and savor each delicious bite!

Tips for Fluffy and Moist Rolls

  • Dust the kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent the delicate cake from sticking during the rolling process.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother, more uniform batter that combines easily and creates a tender cake texture.
  • Check the cake's doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back immediately, indicating perfect baking without overbaking.
  • Chill the roll for at least an hour before serving to help the filling set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake's soft, spongy consistency.

Flavor Variations for Pumpkin Rolls

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based butter for a completely plant-based version that maintains the classic flavors.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Swirl: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the roll's delicious profile.
  • Nutty Spice Pumpkin Roll: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter and sprinkle some on the filling for extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Rolls

  • Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Slice the pumpkin roll into elegant rounds and arrange on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and whole nuts for a stunning seasonal dessert display.
  • Brunch Companion: Serve thin slices alongside hot coffee or spiced tea, creating a delightful morning treat that pairs perfectly with warm beverages.
  • Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper, tie with a ribbon, and share as a homemade gift that captures the warmth of autumn baking.
  • Dessert Platter Star: Create a beautiful dessert platter with multiple slices, garnished with fresh mint leaves, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Storing Pumpkin Rolls Properly

  • Store leftover pumpkin roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Keep the roll sealed to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place inside an airtight container for maximum freshness.
  • Freeze the entire roll or pre-sliced portions for up to 2-3 months by wrapping securely in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Perfect Pumpkin Rolls Recipe

Perfect Pumpkin Rolls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 10 reviews

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

Description

Delightful pumpkin rolls bring autumn’s warmth to classic dessert tables. Cream cheese filling and spiced cake combine for an irresistible treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by greasing, lining with parchment paper, and re-greasing the paper surface for easy cake removal.
  2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves in a comprehensive mixture.
  3. Whip eggs and granulated sugar until achieving a thick, pale consistency. Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring a smooth, uniform batter without overmixing.
  5. Distribute batter evenly across the prepared pan, creating an uniform layer. Bake at 375F (190C) for 13-15 minutes until the surface springs back when lightly touched.
  6. Immediately transfer hot cake onto a kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully remove parchment paper.
  7. Roll the cake with the towel from a short side, creating a loose spiral. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. Prepare filling by whipping cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until achieving a silky, spreadable consistency.
  9. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread filling evenly across the interior surface.
  10. Reroll the cake without the towel, creating a smooth pumpkin roll. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for minimum one hour to set.
  11. Before serving, dust with additional powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Prepare ingredients at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and better texture.
  • Use fresh spices for a more vibrant and intense pumpkin roll flavor profile.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough cake texture when rolling.
  • Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and make rolling easier.
  • Cool the cake completely before adding filling to prevent melting and maintain structure.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lighter dessert.
  • Experiment with cream cheese filling by adding orange zest or maple extract for unique variations.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star