Name: Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 eggs; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2/3 cup pumpkin puree; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature; 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 90 reviews

There is something truly magical about this Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that brings cozy fall flavors right to your table. This delightful dessert features a light, tender pumpkin-spiced cake rolled effortlessly with a rich, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect treat to share with friends and family during any gathering, or just a sweet way to brighten an ordinary day. The blend of warm spices and smooth cream cheese frosting makes every bite a celebration of autumn’s best flavors, guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two clear glass bowls sit side by side on a white marbled surface. The left bowl shows four raw egg yolks bright yellow with clear whites around them, a large pile of white sugar, some brown sugar, and thick orange pumpkin puree, each ingredient layered separately but close together. The right bowl contains the same mixture fully mixed into a smooth, even, medium-brown batter with tiny bubbles on the surface, filling most of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a breeze when you focus on simple, quality ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, ensuring the cake has that perfect balance of fluffy texture, spicy warmth, and that irresistibly smooth frosting to complete it.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure that makes the cake tender but sturdy enough to roll.
Eggs: Help lift and bind the batter, contributing to a light texture.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents ensure your cake is perfectly risen and airy.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic spices that infuse the cake with cozy fall aromas.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese frosting perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess to the frosting and richness to the overall dessert.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting — providing tang and luscious texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray your 10 by 15-inch baking pan with nonstick spray so the parchment paper will stick securely. Then line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an extra inch on the two longer sides to help you lift the cake out easily. Don’t forget to grease the parchment paper generously as well — this step is key to preventing sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination ensures your pumpkin cake gets a perfect rise and a wonderful warm spice flavor throughout.

Step 3: Beat Egg and Vanilla

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until they become bubbly — this usually takes about 2 minutes. This aeration step is what gives your cake that light, airy texture that will roll without cracking.

Step 4: Add Sugar and Pumpkin

Next, add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes fluffy and creamy. Then blend in the pumpkin puree, ensuring it’s fully incorporated for that moist, tender crumb.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the dry ingredients over your wet mixture and gently fold them together using a rubber spatula. Take your time here — you want to combine everything without overmixing to keep your cake as light as possible.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top and giving the pan a quick shake to level the surface. Pop it into the oven and bake for just 10 to 12 minutes — you’re looking for a light golden color and a springy touch when pressed gently.

Step 7: Roll the Cake While Warm

This is the crucial part that can feel a little tricky but is totally worth it. As soon as you take the cake out of the oven, run a knife around the edges if needed to loosen it. Using the parchment paper edges, carefully lift the cake and place it right side up on a heat-safe flat surface. Starting at the short end, gently roll the cake along with the parchment paper. Allow it to cool fully on a wire rack while rolled up — this “pre-shape” step helps your roll hold beautifully once frosted.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract together until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and luscious. This creamy topping will be the perfect counterpoint to your spiced pumpkin cake.

Step 9: Assemble the Roll

Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly across the surface, then roll it back up without the parchment paper this time. Pop the cake roll into the fridge for about an hour to set.

Step 10: Final Touch

Before serving, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar over the top to give it a festive, elegant look. Your Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is now ready to wow your taste buds!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A rolled cake with two visible layers, the outer layer is a soft brown sponge cake dusted with powdered sugar, and the inner layer is a thick, creamy white filling spiraled neatly inside. The cake is placed on a white marbled surface with two cinnamon sticks beside it. In the background, there is a blurred orange pumpkin adding a warm autumn feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your pumpkin cake roll’s appearance and flavor, try garnishing with toasted pecans, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of finely chopped crystallized ginger. These little touches add texture and an extra burst of autumnal flavor that complement the cake’s natural spices wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Pumpkin Cake Roll with a warm cup of spiced chai tea, rich coffee, or a glass of creamy eggnog to round out the festive experience. For a balanced indulgence, pair it with fresh whipped cream or a simple bowl of mixed berries for a hint of brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake roll into generous rounds and arrange them standing up on a rustic wooden board alongside seasonal fruits like figs or sliced apples. You can even create a beautiful dessert platter by alternating cake slices with dollops of your favorite whipped topping and a dusting of cinnamon for inviting visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain its moistness and prevent it from absorbing other odors.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this delicious cake roll at a later date, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and freezing it is the way to go. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to retain freshness and texture.

Reheating

While this cake is best enjoyed chilled, if you prefer to enjoy it slightly warmed, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the soft pumpkin aroma and makes the cream cheese frosting delectably soft without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is a convenient choice that maintains consistent texture and flavor for your cake roll.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

Parchment paper is essential here to help roll and lift the cake easily without sticking. If you don’t have it, you might try a silicone baking mat, but parchment works best for this recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake tender and flexible enough to roll.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake should be lightly golden and spring back when gently touched. Since this is a thin cake baked quickly, avoid overbaking to keep it moist and pliable for rolling.

Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?

You can try a whipped cream frosting for a lighter option, but the classic cream cheese frosting is what really elevates this Pumpkin Cake Roll recipe with its tangy and creamy profile.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those heartwarming treats that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate. It’s surprisingly simple to make but impressive enough to serve for any occasion. Once you try it, it will quickly become your go-to dessert when you want to showcase the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice wrapped in a silky frosting. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy this cake brings!