Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe

This Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. Featuring a light, spiced pumpkin sponge cake filled with a rich cream cheese filling, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving dinners, holiday parties, or any time you crave a seasonal dessert. This recipe stands out for its elegant presentation and surprisingly simple preparation, making it a must-try for both novice and seasoned bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a cozy flavor profile that’s synonymous with autumn.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers.
• Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can achieve impressive results.
• Elegant Presentation: The rolled cake looks stunning when sliced, making it a show-stopper on any dessert table.
• Creamy Filling: The rich cream cheese filling balances perfectly with the spiced cake, adding a luxurious touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this easy pumpkin roll recipe, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen for baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Jelly roll pan (10×15-inch)
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Clean kitchen towel
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Jelly roll pan: This specific size helps create the right thickness for the sponge cake so it rolls easily.
• Electric mixer: Ensures the eggs and sugar are whipped to the right consistency quickly, saving time and effort.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cake

• ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup (160 g) pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

For Dusting

• ¼ cup powdered sugar (for towel and finishing touch)

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, grease your jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper. Lightly grease the top of the parchment as well.

Step 2: Prepare Your Towel

Lay out a clean kitchen towel on your counter and dust it generously with powdered sugar. This will help prevent sticking when you roll up your cake.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Cake

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
2. In a larger bowl, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until thick and pale—about 2–3 minutes.
3. Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gently fold in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined.
5. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared jelly roll pan.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 13–15 minutes. The cake should spring back when lightly touched.

Step 5: Roll the Cake

Once baked:
1. Loosen the edges of the cake carefully and turn it out onto your prepared towel.
2. Peel off the parchment paper gently.
3. Starting at one short end of the towel, roll up both the cake and towel together into a tight spiral.
4. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack for about 1 hour.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While waiting for your cake to cool:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Assemble Your Pumpkin Roll

1. Gently unroll your cooled cake from the towel.
2. Spread an even layer of cream cheese filling over its surface.
3. Re-roll the cake without using the towel this time.
4. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Step 8: Serve Your Pumpkin Roll

When ready to serve:
Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into generous pieces and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Serving your Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe can elevate its appeal at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance the experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an airy addition that complements the creamy filling.

Pair with Coffee

• Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or pumpkin spice latte. The flavors blend beautifully, making it a delightful fall treat.

Add Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side adds a rich and creamy contrast to the spiced cake.

Decorate with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with pumpkin.

Drizzle Caramel Sauce

• A light drizzle of caramel sauce enhances sweetness and adds visual appeal, perfect for special occasions.

Garnish with Mint

• Fresh mint leaves not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing taste that balances the richness of the dessert.

How to Perfect Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe, follow these helpful tips. They ensure your pumpkin roll is both delicious and visually appealing.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and cream cheese to room temperature for better mixing and a smoother filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in dry ingredients to prevent a dense texture. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
• Check for Doneness: Bake until the cake springs back when pressed lightly. This ensures it’s perfectly moist without being undercooked.
• Cool Completely Before Filling: Let the cake cool completely before spreading the cream cheese filling. This helps prevent melting and makes rolling easier.
• Wrap Tightly When Refrigerating: After rolling, wrap your pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness during chilling.
• Slice with a Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to cut your pumpkin roll into even slices. This keeps each piece looking neat and prevents tearing.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe

When serving your Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe, consider complementing it with side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm drink infused with spices that matches the autumnal theme beautifully.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs well with pumpkin, creating a comforting side dish.
3. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness cuts through the richness of the roll, providing a perfect balance on your plate.
4. Autumn Salad: A fresh salad with apples, nuts, and goat cheese adds crunch and brightness to the meal.
5. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can be a savory contrast to the sweet pumpkin roll, creating an interesting flavor profile.
6. Pumpkin Soup: Continue the seasonal theme with creamy pumpkin soup served as an appetizer or side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe can be a breeze, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Underbaking the cake: If you don’t bake the cake long enough, it will be too soft and may not hold its shape when rolled. Always check for doneness by lightly touching the surface; it should spring back.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake instead of a light sponge. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the cooling step: Rolling the cake while it’s still warm can cause it to crack. Make sure to let it cool completely before unrolling and adding the cream cheese filling.
• Not dusting enough powdered sugar on the towel: This helps prevent sticking, making it easier to roll up. Be generous with the powdered sugar so that your cake rolls out smoothly.
• Using cold cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling. Cold cream cheese won’t blend well and can result in lumps.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• item The Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
• item For best taste, consume within a few days of making it.

Freezing Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe

• item Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• item It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• item Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe

• item Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10-15 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds slices at a time.
• item Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe?

An Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe is a delightful dessert made with spiced pumpkin sponge cake rolled around a creamy filling. It’s perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Can I make this Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this pumpkin roll a day or two in advance. Just store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

How do I prevent my pumpkin roll from cracking?

To avoid cracking, ensure you let your cake cool completely before unrolling it. Also, be gentle when rolling and unrolling.

What variations can I try with this Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe?

You can customize your pumpkin roll by adding nuts to the batter or swapping out the cream cheese filling for other flavors like maple or cinnamon buttercream.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe is not only festive but also versatile, making it ideal for any occasion. With its rich cream cheese filling and spiced pumpkin flavor, it’s sure to impress family and friends. Feel free to customize with nuts or different fillings to make it your own!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe, a delightful dessert that combines a light, spiced pumpkin sponge cake with a creamy cream cheese filling. Perfect for Thanksgiving dinners or festive gatherings, this elegant treat is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels. With its warm pumpkin and spice flavors, beautiful presentation, and rich filling, this pumpkin roll is sure to impress your guests while satisfying your seasonal cravings.

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Ingredients

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• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar.
3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in one bowl. In another bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until thick. Mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla; fold in dry ingredients.
4. Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for about 13–15 minutes until springy.
5. Turn the cake out onto the prepared towel. Roll it up with the towel and cool completely.
6. Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth. Unroll the cake, spread filling, re-roll without the towel, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an hour before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg