Name: Pumpkin Roll Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: PT-497188H12M6S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; 2/3 cup (150g) canned pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar; 6 ounces (170g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 41 reviews

If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Pumpkin Roll Recipe is your new best friend. With its soft, spiced pumpkin cake rolled around a luscious cream cheese filling, it’s the perfect blend of cozy flavors and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re celebrating the fall season or simply craving a homemade treat, this pumpkin roll combines the finest ingredients into a delightfully tender and moist cake that’s sure to impress your family and guests. The secret? A perfectly balanced mix of spices and a silky cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Prepare to fall in love with this classic, cinnamon-infused marvel!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two clear glass bowls side by side on a white marbled surface, each containing a different stage of a yellow-orange batter mixture. The left bowl has a lighter yellow, foamy batter with small bubbles evenly spread across the surface. The right bowl contains a thicker, smoother orange batter with a creamy texture, being stirred with a wooden spatula with a white rubber tip that has some orange batter on it. Around the bowls, there are three small pumpkins: one white with green stripes, one bright orange, and one white with a rainbow-colored cloth wrapped around its stem, placed at the top and bottom edges of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pumpkin Roll Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients carefully chosen to create the ideal texture, flavor, and color that make this dessert truly special. Each component plays a key role: from the warm cinnamon and spices that give the cake its signature taste, to the silky cream cheese frosting that adds a rich contrast to the pumpkin base.

3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender cake without being too dense.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise for a soft, fluffy texture.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the pumpkin’s moisture to create lightness.
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Gives that unmistakable warm, fragrant spice.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Adds depth and complexity with nutmeg, cloves, and ginger notes.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness and spices.
3 large eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and add richness.
2/3 cup (150g) canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, providing moisture, flavor, and gorgeous color.
1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar: For subtle molasses sweetness and softness.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s texture.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings brightness and smoothness to the cake.
3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar (for rolling): Keeps the cake from sticking as you roll it up perfectly.
6 ounces (170g) full-fat cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, tangy, and luscious filling.
1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps the frosting stay smooth.
1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese filling.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the flavor of the filling with a vanilla kiss.

How to Make Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Gather Your Ingredients

Before you dive in, make sure to read through the recipe completely. This Pumpkin Roll Recipe requires some attention in the rolling phase, so having everything ready ensures a smooth process. Preheat your oven and prepare your baking pan with parchment and nonstick spray for flawless cake release.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large bowl. This dry mix is what will give your cake its perfect lift and signature spiced flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. These wet ingredients add moisture, sweetness, and flavor that meld perfectly with the dry mixture.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk together gently until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a tough cake, so stop once no dry streaks remain. Your batter should be smooth and thick.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared 10×15-inch pan, shaking to level it out. Bake for 17 to 18 minutes until the top springs back when lightly touched. The cake should be moist but set perfectly to roll.

Step 6: Roll While Warm

This step is the heart of the Pumpkin Roll Recipe. Immediately after baking, invert the hot cake onto a kitchen towel sprinkled generously with confectioners’ sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment and, starting at the narrow end, roll the cake and towel together. Doing this warm sets the cake for rolling without cracking later.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow the rolled cake to cool completely while wrapped in the towel. You can speed up the process by refrigerating it for about two hours. This resting lets the cake set in the rolled shape, making frosting and final rolling easier.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese for a full minute to get it creamy. Add butter, then confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, mixing until silky smooth and spreadable. This luscious frosting is the perfect tangy-sweet contrast to the spiced pumpkin cake.

Step 9: Frost and Re-roll

Gently unroll the cake and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface, leaving about a 1/2-inch border for rolling ease. Slowly roll the cake back up without the towel, keeping it snug but careful not to squeeze the filling out too much.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

Wrap loosely in plastic wrap and refrigerate the pumpkin roll for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This chilling time helps the roll maintain its shape and makes slicing neatly much easier. For a final touch, dust with extra confectioners’ sugar just before serving.

How to Serve Pumpkin Roll Recipe

A pumpkin roll cake is shown on a white marbled surface, featuring a single large roll with a light brown, spongy outer layer dusted with powdered sugar. Inside, there is one thick, creamy white layer of filling spiraled evenly through the roll. Two cinnamon sticks lie next to the cake in the foreground, adding a warm, rustic touch. In the blurred background, there are two small pumpkins, one orange and one white, enhancing the cozy, autumn feel of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar is classic and elegant, highlighting the warm colors of the pumpkin roll. For a festive touch, try adding chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Fresh whipped cream on the side always adds a light, airy complement too.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin roll works beautifully alongside a hot cup of spiced tea, coffee, or cider. If you’re serving it as part of a larger dessert spread, pair it with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon gelato to keep those cozy flavors flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, place your sliced Pumpkin Roll Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand. Scatter some autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks around for an inviting seasonal vibe. Alternatively, cut the roll into bite-sized pinwheels for easy party platters that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pumpkin roll keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld nicely over time, so it’s perfectly fine to enjoy the next day or two – if it lasts that long!

Freezing

This Pumpkin Roll Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the uncut roll tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Unlike many cakes, the pumpkin roll is best served chilled or at room temperature to maintain its creamy filling consistency. If you prefer it a little warm, unwrap slices and let them sit on the counter for 20 minutes rather than microwaving, which can alter texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Fresh pumpkin puree can be used, but you’ll want to roast and puree the pumpkin flesh first for the right moisture and texture. Canned pumpkin is convenient and consistent, so many bakers prefer it for ease.

Why is it important to roll the cake while warm?

Rolling the cake immediately after baking while warm is essential to prevent it from cracking later. The warmth makes the cake pliable and sets it in a rolled shape as it cools.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes! The cream cheese frosting can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before spreading to restore its creamy texture.

What if my cake cracks when I roll it?

A few small cracks are normal if the cake feels a bit dry or cool when rolled. Use the frosting to patch cracks as you roll, and try to roll gently and evenly next time to minimize cracking.

Is this Pumpkin Roll Recipe suitable for freezing after it’s frosted?

It’s best to freeze the unfilled cake first for optimal texture. Once frosted and rolled, freezing is possible but may affect the cream cheese filling’s texture upon thawing.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Roll Recipe is a true seasonal treasure that brings both flavor and festivity to your table. Its tender, spiced cake paired with creamy frosting is endlessly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved tradition in your home. Happy baking!