Baking a pumpkin roll is like wrapping up autumn in a cozy blanket and serving it on a plate. Imagine the soft, spiced cake rolling up with a luscious cream cheese filling, all while the warm aroma of cinnamon dances through your kitchen. It’s that moment when you take your first bite, and suddenly, everything feels right in the world—until your family shows up and tries to devour it all before you even get a slice. I mean, how can one dessert cause such chaos?

Let me take you back a few years to my first attempt at this delightful treat. Picture me in my tiny kitchen—flour flying everywhere, the mixer going full throttle, and the thrilling prospect of impressing my friends at a fall gathering. Spoiler alert: I did impress them, but not without some hilarious mishaps involving an overly ambitious rolling technique. Nevertheless, every bite was worth it! So let’s dive into this easy pumpkin roll recipe that brings joy (and perhaps a little bit of chaos) to any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy pumpkin roll recipe combines simple ingredients for hassle-free baking
- The flavors burst with seasonal spices while offering a visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in
- Plus, its versatility makes it suitable as a delicious breakfast or festive dessert!
Ingredients for Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience; just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without additives for maximum flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure; sifted flour helps create a light and airy texture in the cake.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake perfectly; brown sugar can add a deeper flavor if you’d like.
- Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding; make sure they are at room temperature for best results.
- Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon gives warmth and depth; feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for extra spice!
- Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile; imitation vanilla just won’t cut it here.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for the filling; it blends smoothly with sugar and adds richness.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetener gives the filling its signature sweetness while keeping it creamy and smooth.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe
Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring it’s well greased so that your precious cake doesn’t stick like an unwanted houseguest.
Mix Your Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and feel like clouds—seriously, you’ll want to dive into it face-first!
Add Pumpkin and Spices
Gently fold in pumpkin puree along with cinnamon and vanilla extract until combined. The batter will smell heavenly—a fragrant mix of fall that will leave your neighbors wondering what you’re baking.
Incorporate Flour
Sift in flour carefully alongside baking powder. Stir gently until just combined; remember, over-mixing is like doing squats after pizza—you don’t want that kind of regret!
Bake It Up
Pour the batter onto your prepared pan evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when you can poke it lightly without leaving permanent marks.
Roll It Up!
Once baked, immediately turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll it up tightly from one end while still warm—this prevents cracks later on!
Create Your Filling
While it’s cooling, whip together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. This creamy concoction is what dreams are made of—sweet yet tangy!
Assemble Your Masterpiece
Unroll your cooled cake gently and spread an even layer of cream cheese filling across its surface. Roll it back up carefully without any filling spilling out (trust me, nobody wants an explosion).
Chill & Serve!
Wrap your completed pumpkin roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing. This sets everything beautifully; plus, it gives you time to watch another episode of whatever show you’re bingeing!
And there you have it—the easy pumpkin roll recipe that will dazzle everyone at your next gathering or just satisfy your own cravings on a cozy Sunday afternoon! Enjoy every bite while trying not to think about how quickly those slices seem to disappear!
You Must Know
- This easy pumpkin roll recipe not only delights the taste buds but also brings fall vibes to your kitchen
- Its stunning presentation and cozy flavors make it perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner
- Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve that dreamy pumpkin roll, start by preheating your oven while you mix the batter. Bake the cake first, then prepare the filling while it cools. Roll the cake before adding the filling to ensure you get a perfect swirl every time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this easy pumpkin roll recipe with various spices. Swap out cinnamon for nutmeg or add chocolate chips for a decadent twist. You can even use cream cheese frosting instead of traditional filling for a richer flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store your pumpkin roll in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to enjoy it later, slice and freeze individual pieces. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your easy pumpkin roll recipe, make sure to sift your flour and spices separately for an even texture
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and flavor infusion
- Lastly, be gentle when rolling; it’s all about the delicate touch!
As I made my first pumpkin roll, my family gathered around, eyes wide with anticipation. The moment they took a bite, I knew I had stumbled upon a family favorite that would grace our holiday table for years to come.
FAQs
What is an Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe?
An easy pumpkin roll recipe features a moist pumpkin cake rolled around a creamy filling, typically made with cream cheese. This delicious dessert combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices, making it perfect for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving celebrations. The process involves baking the pumpkin batter in a jelly roll pan, cooling it, and then carefully rolling it with the filling. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow your guests.
How long does a pumpkin roll last?
When stored properly, a pumpkin roll can last up to five days in the refrigerator. To maintain its freshness, wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. A well-wrapped pumpkin roll can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! An easy pumpkin roll recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. If you’re looking to make it even earlier, consider freezing it after rolling and wrapping it well. This way, you can simply thaw and serve when you’re ready. Preparing this dessert ahead of time saves you effort on busy days or during holiday parties.
What changes can I make to customize my pumpkin roll?
You can customize your easy pumpkin roll recipe by adding different spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth. For a unique twist, consider incorporating chocolate chips or walnuts into the batter. You can also experiment with flavored fillings, such as maple cream cheese or vanilla whipped cream. These variations allow you to create a personalized dessert that suits your taste preferences while still maintaining the essence of the classic pumpkin roll.
Conclusion for Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe
The easy pumpkin roll recipe is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and a beautiful presentation. By following simple steps, you can create this impressive dessert that will surely please friends and family alike. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy them longer or prepare ahead for convenience during busy occasions. Incorporating slight variations allows you to tailor this classic dish to your liking while savoring its comforting autumn essence. Enjoy every bite of this seasonal favorite!
Easy Pumpkin Roll
Baking a pumpkin roll is the perfect way to celebrate autumn with its soft, spiced cake and luscious cream cheese filling. This easy pumpkin roll recipe combines simple ingredients into a delightful dessert that’s visually stunning and bursting with warm flavors. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in, this treat will impress friends and family alike, making it a seasonal favorite you’ll return to year after year.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Sift the flour into the mixture and stir gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Immediately turn the cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar and roll it up tightly while warm.
- For the filling, whip softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread the cream cheese filling evenly, then re-roll carefully.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Consider adding nutmeg or ginger to your batter for extra flavor depth. Store leftovers wrapped in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.