Pumpkin Roll Recipe
Introduction
This pumpkin roll is a delightful fall dessert that’s light, fluffy, and filled with a creamy cinnamon-spiced filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat, it combines tender pumpkin cake with a smooth cream cheese frosting rolled into a beautiful spiral.

Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin (or homemade pumpkin puree)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an extra inch on the long sides to lift the cake easily later. Lightly grease the parchment paper as well.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree together until smooth and fully blended.
- Step 4: Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until there are no dry streaks. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Step 5: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens may vary, so watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
- Step 6: As soon as the cake is out of the oven, lift it by the parchment paper onto a flat, heat-safe surface. Starting from a short end, slowly and gently roll the cake along with the parchment paper. Let it cool completely on a wire rack while rolled up. This prevents cracking and keeps it moist.
- Step 7: While the cake cools, prepare the filling by mixing softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Step 8: Once the cake is fully cooled, carefully unroll it. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Step 9: Roll the cake up again, this time without the parchment paper. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to set.
- Step 10: Before serving, dust the top with additional powdered sugar if desired. Cut into slices and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense pumpkin flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter.
- Use fresh homemade pumpkin puree for a natural taste and to control the sweetness.
- Chill the cake roll longer if you prefer a firmer texture that’s easier to slice.
- Swap the cream cheese filling for whipped mascarpone for a richer twist.
Storage
Store the pumpkin roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped cake for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. When reheating, serve chilled or at room temperature for best texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pumpkin roll ahead of time?
Yes, this pumpkin roll can be made a day in advance and refrigerated to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.
What if my cake cracks when rolling?
If the cake cracks while rolling, that usually means it wasn’t warm enough when rolled the first time. Try rolling the cake immediately after baking while it’s still warm to prevent cracks.
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Pumpkin Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A delightful and moist pumpkin roll cake filled with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting. This festive dessert combines warm spices with tender pumpkin cake rolled into a jelly roll shape, perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin (or homemade pumpkin puree)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the pumpkin cake.
- Prep Pan: Lightly grease a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper, allowing an extra inch to stick up on the long sides for easy cake removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper as well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl and gently stir just until combined and no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake Cake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so watch closely to prevent overbaking.
- Roll Cake: Immediately lift the parchment paper with the hot cake out of the pan onto a flat, heat-safe surface. While warm, starting from a short end, carefully and slowly roll the cake along with the parchment paper. Let it cool completely on a wire rack to prevent sweating.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth.
- Frost and Roll: Once cooled, gently unroll the cake and spread the frosting evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Carefully roll the cake back up without the parchment paper. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top with additional powdered sugar if desired. Slice and enjoy this spiced pumpkin roll dessert.
Notes
- Be sure to roll the cake while it is still warm to prevent cracking.
- Use fresh pumpkin pie spice or make your own blend for optimal flavor.
- Chilling the rolled cake helps the frosting set and makes slicing easier.
- For a sweeter touch, dust extra powdered sugar just before serving.
- This cake can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated wrapped tightly to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pumpkin roll, pumpkin dessert, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, holiday cake, jelly roll cake, spiced pumpkin cake

