There’s something undeniably comforting about a soft, spiced pumpkin roll wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling. This delightful dessert is the perfect combination of fluffy, moist cake and creamy sweetness, making it a must-have for fall gatherings or any time you crave a cozy treat. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday table or just because your sweet tooth says so, this pumpkin roll is as eye-catching as it is delicious.
Fun fact: the pumpkin roll actually gained popularity as a homemade staple thanks to its impressive presentation and simple ingredients. If you’ve ever admired a bakery-style cake roll and thought, “I could never make that,” this recipe is here to prove you wrong! It’s straightforward, quick, and foolproof. And if you’ve tried our crowd-favorite carrot cake roll, you’re in for another irresistible, rolled-up treat. Let’s get baking!
What is Pumpkin Roll Recipe With Cream Cheese Filling?
So what exactly is a pumpkin roll? Is it a dessert? A breakfast treat? A snack that turns heads at potlucks? The answer is: yes to all the above! A pumpkin roll is a light, spiced cake baked in a thin layer and rolled around a dreamy cream cheese filling. It’s like a Swiss roll but with the cozy vibes of autumn packed into every bite.
Why is it rolled, you ask? Well, who wouldn’t want a swirl of creamy goodness in every forkful? It’s fun to make, even more fun to slice, and guaranteed to impress. You know what they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—and this pumpkin roll knows the way!
Go ahead and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Roll
First, let’s talk texture: the moist pumpkin cake is spiced just right, wrapping around a velvety cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. This dessert isn’t just tasty, it’s show-stoppingly pretty too.
Second, making this pumpkin roll at home is a total wallet-saver. Skip the bakery prices and whip up a batch of this beauty in your own kitchen with basic pantry staples.
And finally, that filling! Rich cream cheese, sweet powdered sugar, a hint of vanilla—all swirled into every bite. Think of it as the pumpkin spice latte of desserts: classic, beloved, and endlessly satisfying.
If you’ve enjoyed our Cinnamon Roll Bread or Carrot Cake Cupcakes, this one will feel right at home in your recipe rotation. Ready to roll? Let’s do it!
How to Make Pumpkin Roll Recipe With Cream Cheese Filling
Quick Overview
This pumpkin roll is a no-fuss, high-reward kind of recipe. With just a few basic steps and about an hour from start to finish (plus chill time), you’ll have a gorgeous dessert that looks like it came from a bakery. The cake is light and easy to roll, and the cream cheese filling is perfectly sweet and smooth.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full fat)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 tbsp. salted butter, softened
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Step-by-Step
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Roll the cake: Carefully turn the cake out onto a work surface and gently roll it into a log while it’s still warm. Place on a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Make the filling: In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Assemble: Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly over it, then roll it back up gently.
- Chill: Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Remove the plastic wrap, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
What to Serve Pumpkin Roll With
Pumpkin roll pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a complete dessert spread, serve it alongside fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Want to go all out? Try it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Roll
- Don’t skip the parchment: It helps the cake release easily and makes rolling a breeze.
- Roll while warm: Rolling the cake while it’s still warm prevents cracking later.
- Chill for clean slices: Let the rolled cake chill thoroughly before slicing to get those neat, perfect swirls.
- Substitute smartly: If you’re out of pumpkin pie spice, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger as a substitute.
- Go slow and steady: Be gentle while spreading the filling and rerolling to keep the cake intact.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the roll: wrap it in plastic, then foil, and store it for up to 2 months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat a slice, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer it slightly warm (though it’s also delicious straight from the fridge!).
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Pumpkin rolls are great for making a day or two in advance. Just keep it wrapped and chilled.
Why did my roll crack? This can happen if the cake is too cool when you first roll it. Always roll it while it’s still warm.
Can I use fresh pumpkin puree? Yes, just make sure it’s well-drained and smooth to keep the texture consistent.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend and follow the rest of the steps as usual.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Roll Recipe With Cream Cheese Filling is the perfect dessert to cozy up with during any season, but especially when fall rolls around. It’s simple to make, fun to serve, and always a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a delicious way to roll in some seasonal flavor. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your dessert lineup.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 tbsp salted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix sugar, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin until smooth.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- Turn cake onto a surface and gently roll into a log while warm. Let cool.
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Unroll cake, spread filling, and roll it back up gently.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
Notes
Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking. Chill well before slicing for clean swirls. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.