Introduction

The Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a show-stopping dessert that combines the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin and fall spices with a light, fluffy cake and rich, creamy filling. Its signature spiral design makes it as visually impressive as it is delicious. The tender pumpkin cake, infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, pairs perfectly with sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting rolled inside for a delightful balance of flavors.

This dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or any time you want to impress guests with a seasonal treat. Despite its elegant appearance, it’s approachable and fun to make, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of autumn spices.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it marries moist, spiced pumpkin cake with a silky cream cheese filling, creating a flavor and texture contrast that’s utterly comforting. The cake is light and airy, yet sturdy enough to roll without cracking, and the cream cheese filling adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang. It’s festive, cozy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Ultimate Fall Dessert: Pumpkin and warming spices make it perfect for autumn.
• Impressive Presentation: Spiral cake is visually striking for gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance for holidays.
• Perfect Texture: Moist cake with creamy filling that’s never dry.
• Seasonal Comfort: Aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin fill the kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Baking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooling & Rolling Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 12–14 slices
• Calories: Approximately 300–350 kcal per slice

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Fall-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cake:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Optional Garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Whipped cream or caramel drizzle

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Preheat oven and prepare jelly roll pan.
2. Whisk dry ingredients and mix wet ingredients separately.
3. Combine and beat until smooth; pour into pan.
4. Bake until lightly golden.
5. Roll warm cake in a towel to set shape.
6. Prepare cream cheese filling and unroll cake.
7. Spread filling, re-roll, and chill.
8. Slice, garnish, and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper. Lightly flour the parchment.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: Beat Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar on high speed for 3 minutes until thick and pale.
2. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
2. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Immediately turn cake out onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Step 6: Roll the Cake

1. While warm, gently peel off parchment paper.
2. Starting from a short edge, roll the cake up with the towel inside to form a log.
3. Let the rolled cake cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until creamy and fluffy.

Step 8: Fill and Re-Roll Cake

1. Carefully unroll cooled cake.
2. Spread cream cheese filling evenly over the cake.
3. Gently roll the cake again, without the towel, to form a spiral.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

Step 9: Serve

• Slice into 1-inch pieces and dust with powdered sugar.
• Optionally, serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Work Quickly When Rolling Warm Cake: Prevents cracking.
• Use Powdered Sugar on Towel: Prevents sticking when rolling.
• Chill Before Slicing: Makes cleaner slices.
• Room Temperature Filling: Spreads more easily.
• Avoid Overbaking: Cake should be soft and pliable, not dry.

Variations

• Chocolate Pumpkin Roll: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to cake batter.
• Spiced Cream Cheese Filling: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the filling.
• Nutty Roll: Sprinkle toasted pecans over filling before rolling.
• Caramel Drizzle: Top sliced roll with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Apple-Pumpkin Roll: Add thin apple slices to filling for a fruity twist.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; store for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Filling Tip: Chill thoroughly to make slicing easier and neater.

Special Equipment Needed

• 15×10-inch jelly roll pan
• Parchment paper
• Kitchen towel
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Wire cooling rack

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake a day ahead and keep it wrapped; fill and roll the next day.

Q2: Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling.

Q3: Can I freeze after rolling with filling?
Yes, tightly wrap in plastic wrap and foil; thaw in fridge before slicing.

Q4: What if the cake cracks while rolling?
Patch cracks with extra cream cheese filling or roll gently; slight cracks add rustic charm.

Conclusion

The Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a festive, flavorful dessert that captures the essence of autumn. Its tender, spiced pumpkin cake and rich cream cheese filling create the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Elegant yet approachable, it’s ideal for holiday tables, fall gatherings, or cozy family desserts. With its iconic spiral, every slice is as beautiful as it is delicious — a guaranteed show-stopper for any occasion.