If you are looking for a festive, cozy dessert that will wow your friends and family, this Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute gem. It perfectly balances the warm spices of pumpkin and autumn flavors with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Light, fluffy, and visually stunning rolled up like a beautiful swirl, this pumpkin roll makes any gathering feel extra special and welcoming. Once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a fall favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in the simplest yet most delicious way, each one playing a key role in creating the cake’s perfect texture, rich flavor, and inviting color. Quality spices and fresh pumpkin give the roll that iconic fall warmth, while the cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess.
- 3 large eggs: Beaten well, they provide a light, fluffy base essential for the cake’s airy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the pumpkin spices.
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling): Offers natural moisture and that beautiful pumpkin flavor and color.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh): Balances sweetness and enhances the cake’s lightness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds a warm, fragrant note to the batter.
- 3/4 cup flour (spooned and leveled): Provides structure while keeping the cake tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay airy for easy rolling.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the pumpkin and spices.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon: Brings the classic fall spice warmth throughout the cake.
- 1 teaspoon ginger: Adds a pleasant zing that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves: Deepens the spice profile with its robust aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Rounds out the spice blend for that authentic pumpkin roll flavor.
- 1/8 teaspoon cardamom: A subtle touch that elevates the entire spice mixture.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Keeps the roll from sticking and adds a pretty, snowy finish.
- 1 batch cream cheese frosting: The creamy, tangy filling that makes this pumpkin roll irresistible.
How to Make Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature for baking. Next, line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs off the edges on the short sides. Spray the paper and pan edges generously with nonstick spray to guarantee your cake will release easily after baking.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs for Fluffy Cake
In a large bowl or your stand mixer, beat the 3 eggs on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until they are pale and bubbly. This step is crucial because the fluffiness of those eggs is what makes your cake light and easy to roll later on.
Step 3: Incorporate Sugar, Pumpkin, and Flavorings
Add 1 cup granulated sugar to the eggs and beat well, then mix in the 2/3 cup pumpkin. Follow this by stirring in the teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl so everything blends beautifully.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the warm spice mix of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients and beat until fully combined and smooth, making sure there are no flour streaks for that perfect batter.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth it out to the edges. Bake it for 13 to 15 minutes, but don’t take your eyes off it — a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, and the cake should spring back gently when pressed. It’s important to pull it out before the edges crisp, so it rolls without cracking.
Step 6: Roll While Warm
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the top generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Use the parchment paper’s edges to help you roll the cake from the short side with the paper still inside. Don’t worry about rolling too tightly — just gentle and even. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap to keep it moist and let it cool for 1 to 2 hours, or chill it to speed the process after cooling slightly to room temperature.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake cools, whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting. Beat the frosting until smooth, making sure it’s chilled so it won’t run out when you fill the cake later. The tangy sweetness of this frosting is the crown jewel of this Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Step 8: Frost and Re-Roll
Unwrap and gently unroll the cake. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire cake, making sure to cover every edge, especially along the end you’ll start rolling again. Then roll it back up carefully, this time without the parchment paper. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap once more and chill for 1 to 3 hours until fully set.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
When chilled, use a sharp serrated knife to slice the roll into approximately twelve 1-inch slices. Clean your knife between each cut to keep the slices looking neat and beautiful.
How to Serve Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To add some extra flair, dust the finished slices with a little powdered sugar for a delicate snowy look. Freshly grated nutmeg or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add visual warmth and aroma that’ll enchant anyone lucky enough to taste it.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin roll pairs impeccably with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced apple cider. For a complete fall-inspired dessert experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange slices on a rustic wooden board or wrap the whole roll in parchment paper tied with twine and a sprig of rosemary. You can also serve individual slices with small spoons of extra cream cheese frosting on the side for guests to add more if they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted and rolled, store the pumpkin roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead festive treat.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat later, you can freeze the rolled and wrapped cake for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a cake with frosting, it’s best enjoyed without heating. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let slices sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the cream cheese frosting and affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin, then measure 2/3 cup for this recipe. Fresh pumpkin can add extra moisture, so keep an eye on baking time.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese frosting?
You can use a simple buttercream or even whipped cream cheese mixed with a touch of honey as a lighter option. However, the classic cream cheese frosting really complements the spices best.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when I roll it?
Rolling the cake while it’s still warm, with parchment paper and powdered sugar, helps prevent cracks. Rolling it gently and not too tight also keeps it intact.
Can I prepare this pumpkin roll ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake and roll the cake a day in advance, keep it refrigerated with the frosting on, and slice it just before serving for the best presentation.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
The cinnamon and ginger are the most important; if you’re short on the others, cinnamon alone still delivers great flavor, but the full mix adds that authentic pumpkin roll taste.
Final Thoughts
Making this Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is such a rewarding experience, especially when you see the beautifully swirled slices come together with that rich, creamy frosting. It’s a centerpiece dessert that invites smiles and creates lasting memories. Give this recipe a try—it’s a warm hug in cake form that you’ll love sharing over and over again.
