Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe

A Classic Pumpkin Roll is the ultimate fall dessert that features a light and fluffy pumpkin cake rolled with a rich, sweet cream cheese filling. Not only is this dessert visually stunning with its spiral design, but it also has the perfect balance of spiced pumpkin flavor and creamy tanginess. This recipe is a must for holiday gatherings, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any autumn event. With a few key ingredients and some step-by-step guidance, you’ll be able to master the art of the pumpkin roll in no time.

Read through for all the tips and tricks to ensure your pumpkin roll comes out beautifully, without cracking, every time.

this Recipe

What is a Pumpkin Roll?

A Pumpkin Roll is a thin, spiced pumpkin cake that's baked in a jelly roll pan, filled with sweet cream cheese frosting, and then rolled into a spiral. The pumpkin cake is infused with the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it a warm and inviting dessert perfect for the cooler months. The cake is rolled up while still warm, allowing it to cool into shape, before being unrolled, filled with cream cheese frosting, and then rolled back up. Once sliced, the pretty swirls of cake and cream cheese filling make for an impressive presentation.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Cake

To make the pumpkin roll cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ¾ cup of all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the cake.
• 1 cup of granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps balance the spices.
• ½ teaspoon of baking powder – Helps the cake rise slightly.
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda – Works with the baking powder to lift the cake.
• ½ teaspoon of salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon – Gives the cake that signature fall spice flavor.
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger – Adds warmth and spice.
• ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg – Provides a rich, nutty depth.
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves – A small amount adds aromatic spiciness.
• 3 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and create a light texture.
• ⅔ cup of canned pumpkin puree – Adds moisture and pumpkin flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Filling

For the classic cream cheese filling, you will need:

• 8 oz of cream cheese – Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• 1 cup of powdered sugar – Provides the right amount of sweetness for the filling.
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter – Also softened to room temperature for smooth blending.
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – Adds a touch of vanilla flavor to complement the cream cheese.

Substitutions and Variations

The pumpkin roll recipe is fairly straightforward, but there are a few ways you can adjust the ingredients to suit different preferences or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to ensure a stable structure.
• Sugar Alternatives: You can use coconut sugar or a low-carb sweetener like erythritol in place of granulated sugar in the cake. For the filling, a powdered sugar substitute like monk fruit can work well.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter in the filling to make the recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. You can add ground allspice, cardamom, or even a touch of black pepper for a slightly more complex flavor.
• Filling Flavors: While cream cheese filling is traditional, you can switch it up by adding a bit of maple syrup to the filling for a maple-flavored twist. Or, for a lighter variation, try using whipped cream instead of cream cheese.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to help lift the cake out later. Grease the parchment paper to ensure that the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until thick and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed in the center.

Step 6: Roll the Cake

While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle it generously with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done baking, carefully turn it out onto the towel while it’s still warm. Remove the parchment paper and immediately roll the cake up, starting from one of the short sides, using the towel to help you roll it tightly. Let the rolled cake cool completely while still wrapped in the towel. Rolling the cake while it’s warm helps prevent cracks.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cake cools, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. If the filling is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or heavy cream to loosen it.

Step 8: Unroll and Fill the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it from the towel. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. Then, carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, wrapping it as tightly as possible to create a nice spiral.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld. Once chilled, slice the roll into pieces, dust with powdered sugar for decoration, and serve.

How to Cook Pumpkin Roll: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and Line the Pan: Heat your oven to 375°F and line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick, then add the pumpkin and vanilla.
4. Combine: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just mixed.
5. Bake: Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 13-15 minutes.
6. Roll the Cake: Flip the warm cake onto a sugared towel and roll it up to cool.
7. Prepare the Filling: Beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
8. Unroll and Fill: Spread the filling over the cooled cake, then roll it back up.
9. Chill and Serve: Wrap the roll, chill for 1 hour, then slice and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the cake: Overbaking can cause the cake to become dry and more prone to cracking when rolled. Keep an eye on it and test it with a light press in the center.
• Rolling the cake without parchment paper: Be sure to use parchment paper to help release the cake easily from the pan, and always roll the cake while it’s warm to prevent cracking.
• Not chilling before slicing: Letting the roll chill before slicing helps the filling set and makes for cleaner cuts.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A pumpkin roll looks gorgeous as is, but a few small touches can elevate the presentation:

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Before serving, lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic look.
• Garnish with Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Add a hint of extra spice to the top by lightly sprinkling cinnamon or nutmeg over the powdered sugar.
• Whipped Cream: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness with a side of raspberries or strawberries.

How to Serve Pumpkin Roll

Serve pumpkin roll chilled for the best results. Slice into 1-inch thick slices for individual servings. You can pair it with a cup of coffee, hot apple cider, or even a spiced tea for the perfect autumn dessert experience.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Roll

• Plate it with Seasonal Garnishes: Serve the slices on a platter decorated with mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, or fall leaves to enhance the seasonal theme.
• Drizzle with Caramel: For added decadence, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over each slice right before serving.
• Elegant Plating: Serve each slice with a few berries, a sprig of mint, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Pumpkin Roll Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store leftover pumpkin roll tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the roll for up to 1 month, just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
• Rolling the Cake: Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracks. If you notice any cracks, don’t worry—powdered sugar or frosting can cover them up!
• Make Ahead: This dessert can be made a day ahead, making it a great option for busy holiday schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the pumpkin roll ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it up to one day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped.

Can I freeze a pumpkin roll?
Absolutely! Pumpkin rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Why did my cake crack?
Cracks usually occur if the cake wasn’t rolled when it was still warm. Make sure to roll it immediately after removing it from the oven.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree, but be sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery batter.

Conclusion

The Classic Pumpkin Roll is a timeless fall dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its tender, spiced pumpkin cake and smooth, tangy cream cheese filling, it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or enjoying it as an afternoon treat, this pumpkin roll recipe is sure to impress. Try it out today, and let the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice fill your home!

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