🍂 Fall is officially here, and that means it's time to embrace all things pumpkin! In our home, this season wouldn't be complete without the rich aroma of baking spices and the irresistible taste of my homemade Pumpkin Roll. It's a family tradition, and every year my daughter Makaelah eagerly waits for me to make this—it's her absolute favorite dessert!
This Pumpkin Roll has the perfect blend of warm spices and sweet cream cheese filling, and trust me, it’s easier to make than it looks. The best part? That creamy, dreamy filling sandwiched between layers of fluffy pumpkin cake. Pure fall perfection!
Pumpkin Roll Recipe
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 8-10 (depending on how generous your slices are!)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 8-10 (depending on how generous your slices are!)
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Roll:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly spray the paper with non-stick spray. This will make it super easy to roll later!
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt together. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into your prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Once done, remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper, then gently roll the warm cake in the towel (starting from the narrow end). Let it cool completely while rolled up—this will give the cake its perfect spiral shape!
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
- Slowly drizzle the cold heavy cream down the side of the bowl to prevent splashing, then beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Use the frosting immediately. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
This is my favorite go-to whipped cream cheese frosting—it's light, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened. It’s amazing not just for this Pumpkin Roll but for topping cupcakes, cakes, or even as a filling for other desserts!
Step 3: Assemble the Pumpkin Roll
- Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it carefully. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface of the cake.
- Now, roll the cake back up (without the towel this time!) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to come together.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
When you're ready to serve, dust the top with a bit more powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Slice it up and enjoy the ultimate fall dessert—just ask Makaelah!
Why We Love It
This Pumpkin Roll is one of those recipes that makes the whole house smell like fall. The combination of the spiced pumpkin cake and the light, creamy whipped cream cheese filling is an absolute delight. Whether you’re hosting a fall get-together or simply craving a cozy dessert for a crisp autumn evening, this Pumpkin Roll is a must-try.
Not only does this recipe have sentimental value in our home (Makaelah never lets a fall season go by without requesting it!), but it’s also a hit with anyone who tries it. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, and the cream cheese filling adds that extra touch of indulgence.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Roll:
- Rolling the cake: Rolling the cake in a towel while it’s still warm ensures it holds its shape without cracking later on.
- Chill time: Make sure to refrigerate the Pumpkin Roll for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the filling firm up and makes it easier to cut.
- Make ahead: This dessert can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve, making it a stress-free option for holiday gatherings.
I hope you love this Pumpkin Roll as much as we do! It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that never fails to impress, and it's a special part of our fall traditions. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—just drop a comment below!
Happy Fall Baking! 🍁🎃
x Kimberlee
