Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe
The Classic Pumpkin Roll is a delightful fall dessert that features a moist pumpkin sponge cake rolled around a creamy cream cheese filling. This elegant treat is perfect for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, or any autumn occasion. With its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors, the pumpkin roll is sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients List
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Timing
Preparing the Classic Pumpkin Roll takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of baking time, plus cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. Grease the parchment lightly.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cake Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until thick and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Pumpkin and Vanilla: Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, gently folding until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back when gently pressed.
Step 4: Roll the Cake
- Cool in the Pan: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Invert and Roll: Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Invert the cake onto the towel, carefully peeling off the parchment paper. Starting from one short end, roll the cake up in the towel, jelly-roll style. Let it cool completely in the towel.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Pumpkin Roll
- Unroll the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it from the towel.
- Spread Filling: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll Again: Carefully roll the cake back up (without the towel) and place seam side down on a serving platter.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
- Chill: Refrigerate the pumpkin roll for at least 1 hour to set the filling.
- Slice and Serve: Dust with additional powdered sugar before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Classic Pumpkin Roll (per slice, based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 10g |
Tips for Customization
- Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding a pinch of cloves can enhance the flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cream cheese filling for added texture.
- Chocolate Twist: For a chocolate version, add cocoa powder to the batter or mix chocolate chips into the filling.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store any leftover pumpkin roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pumpkin roll for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Conclusion
The Classic Pumpkin Roll is a beautiful and delicious dessert that captures the essence of fall. With its moist pumpkin cake and creamy filling, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy this delightful treat with friends and family, and celebrate the flavors of the season!
FAQs
Can I make the pumpkin roll ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pumpkin roll a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when it springs back when gently pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
Print
Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. Grease the parchment lightly.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cake Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until thick and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Pumpkin and Vanilla: Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, gently folding until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back when gently pressed.
Step 4: Roll the Cake
- Cool in the Pan: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Invert and Roll: Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Invert the cake onto the towel, carefully peeling off the parchment paper. Starting from one short end, roll the cake up in the towel, jelly-roll style. Let it cool completely in the towel.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Pumpkin Roll
- Unroll the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it from the towel.
- Spread Filling: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll Again: Carefully roll the cake back up (without the towel) and place seam side down on a serving platter.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
- Chill: Refrigerate the pumpkin roll for at least 1 hour to set the filling.
- Slice and Serve: Dust with additional powdered sugar before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
