This easy Pumpkin roll recipe is one of those desserts that feels and tastes like fall and holidays. Delicate, fluffy cake rolled up with creamy and rich cream cheese frosting, dusted with gloriously sweet powdered sugar makes it an elegant, gorgeous centerpiece to any family holiday table. It also makes a beautiful gift for friends and family. It looks fancy and possibly difficult, but it’s really easy to make with an even easier homemade cream cheese filling! It is a delicious addition to your Fall baking checklist.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Roll
Both the cake and frosting for this classic pumpkin roll recipe are equally simple to make. Here’s what you need:
CAKE BATTER
Flour – regular, all purpose flour works great. You can sift before adding into the bowl.Baking powder Baking sodaPumpkin pie spice – you can find this spice year round in the spice aisle of the grocery store. It’s got a little of everything: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.SaltEggs – six LARGE eggs or seven medium size eggs.Sugar – you’ll need a couple cups of white, granulated sugarPumpkin puree – I like to always have a few cans of pumpkin on hand for recipes, but you could make your own pumpkin puree too! Learn more: How to make pumpkin puree three different ways.Optional – you can add pecans or walnuts in these sheet cakes if you like an extra crunch. So yummy!
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Cream cheese – two 8-ounce blocks, softened. I like to leave them on the counter so they get to room temperature.Butter – again, softened at room temperaturePowdered sugar – you’ll need about three cups, depending on how thick you like your icing.Vanilla extract
Step by Step Instructions for the Cake Roll
First, make the pumpkin batter. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.Next, spray two jelly roll pans with cooking spray and then line with parchment paper.Then, in the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together all the dry ingredients. This includes the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice – a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.Mix the sugar and eggs until the egg mixture turns a light yellow color and the sugar is dissolved. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix. You can use the paddle attachment to combine all the ingredients easily.Finally, pour equal amounts of the batter into each prepared pan. Use an offset spatula to level the batter.
*Optional: To help with shaping and to prevent cracking, you can place a new piece of parchment paper on top of the cake once its turned out of the 15-inch jelly roll pan and roll it up. Let the rolled cake cool completely.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the pumpkin roll cake is cooling, work on the filling. Start with very soft butter and cream cheese. You can achieve this by leaving them at room temperature for about an hour before starting. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer and a large bowl, blend together the butter and cream cheese until very fluffy and smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Slowly add in the powdered sugar and mix until full incorporated. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.
Roll It Up
Once the cake is cooled, spread the cream cheese filling in an even layer over one side of the cake. Tightly, but carefully, roll the cake up.Gently transfer to a sheet of plastic wrap and cover the cake completely. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. It will be tempting to slice into it sooner, but for that beautiful swirl to set up it needs a full hour in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Pumpkin Roll Recipe
Read Next: The BEST Pumpkin Desserts
More Pumpkin Recipes
Not only is pumpkin the base for thousands of decadent desserts, it’s a savory supper’s dream. Try it in this Dinner in a Pumpkin or Soup in a Pumpkin. And don’t forget breakfast: these Pumpkin Belgian Waffles are divine!
Of course if sweet treats are more your scene, these Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Cups or this glorious Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake will be autumn favorites you’ll want to make again and again.
Pumpkin is good for you, too! The health benefits of using pumpkin in your cooking are endless. So if better eyesight, weight management, or having more energy means something to you, now’s the perfect season to incorporate all that goodness into as many recipes as possible.
Easy Pumpkin Trifle
Pumpkin Roll
Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Pumpkin Dip
Share It on Instagram!
