Pumpkin Roll

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Soft, spiced pumpkin cake wrapped around a rich cream cheese filling – this Pumpkin Roll is the ultimate fall dessert that looks stunning and tastes even better. With its beautiful spiral and cozy autumn flavor, it’s a showstopper for any holiday table or weekend treat.

It may look fancy, but don’t be fooled – making a Pumpkin Roll is easier than you think. Once you master the roll technique (with our helpful step-by-step), you’ll be making it again and again for every seasonal gathering. Moist, warmly spiced, and irresistibly creamy – it’s a bake that never fails to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Roll

This recipe is the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. It comes together quickly with pantry basics, and the flavor is deeply comforting. The texture? Soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake with that luscious swirl of tangy-sweet cream cheese. It stores well, slices beautifully, and satisfies both pumpkin lovers and dessert skeptics alike.

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What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?

You’ll want to use canned pumpkin puree – not pumpkin pie filling. The latter has added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor balance. Libby’s is a popular brand, but any pure pumpkin puree will work as long as it’s smooth and not watery. Avoid using homemade pumpkin puree unless it’s been strained and thickened to match the consistency of canned.

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Ingredients for the Pumpkin Roll

Each ingredient in this pumpkin roll plays a key role in its tender structure and rich taste.

• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show. It brings earthy sweetness and a moist texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cake, helping it hold shape without being too dense.
• Eggs: Essential for binding and giving the cake that flexible, rollable texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: For rise and lightness.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves – it’s fall in a teaspoon.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth to both the cake and filling.
• Cream Cheese: For the creamy, tangy swirl inside the roll.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the filling.
• Butter: Adds richness to the cream cheese layer and helps it spread smoothly.

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How To Make the Pumpkin Roll

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Towel

Line a jelly roll pan (15×10-inch) with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper. Also, prepare a thin cotton kitchen towel by sprinkling it generously with powdered sugar – this will prevent sticking when rolling the cake.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt. In another large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until thick. Stir in pumpkin puree until fully incorporated, then gently fold in the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into the pan. Bake at 375°F for 13-15 minutes until the cake springs back when touched. Don’t overbake – you want it moist and pliable.

Step 4: Roll the Cake While Warm

Immediately loosen edges and flip the cake onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment. Roll up the cake and towel together (starting from the short end). Let it cool completely while rolled.

Step 5: Make the Filling

Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.

Step 6: Fill and Re-Roll

Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly. Re-roll the cake (without the towel) and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill at least 1 hour before slicing.

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Serving and Storing Pumpkin Roll

This pumpkin roll yields about 10 to 12 slices, making it perfect for sharing at family dinners or potlucks. For a beautiful presentation, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Store the roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing.

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What to Serve With Pumpkin Roll?

Hot Apple Cider

A warm, spiced cider pairs perfectly with the pumpkin and cream cheese flavors.

Chai Latte

That gentle spice of chai is a cozy complement to this fall dessert.

Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

Add an extra dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for indulgence.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

A light drizzle adds another layer of decadence.

Fresh Berries

For a fresh contrast, try raspberries or cranberries on the side.

Toasted Pecans or Walnuts

Sprinkle some chopped nuts over the top for texture and nutty depth.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Make it a full autumn treat with a mug of pumpkin-flavored coffee.

Spiced Pear Compote

This adds a soft, fruity note that enhances the roll’s seasonal warmth.

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Want More Pumpkin Dessert Ideas?

If you adore this Pumpkin Roll, try these other cozy and creative pumpkin-forward favorites:

• Magic Lemon Cobbler for a citrusy twist on classic comfort.
• Mini Pecan Tarts for sweet, nutty bites that pair well with pumpkin.
• Cinnamon Sugar Pizza Made with Crescent Rolls if you’re after a warm and flaky cinnamon treat.
• Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie for that old-fashioned creaminess.
• Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins to carry that spiced cream cheese flavor into your morning.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a nutty twist or swap the filling? Did you try dusting with cocoa powder instead?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other bake smarter.

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