Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Roll Recipe

If you are craving a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that embodies the warm flavors of fall, this Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Roll Recipe is your go-to treat. With its tender pumpkin-spiced cake wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling, every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and creamy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, this pumpkin roll brings a touch of homemade magic and classic comfort that will quickly make it a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting a perfect pumpkin roll might seem fancy, but the ingredients are straightforward and essential, each playing its part to achieve the ideal taste, texture, and vibrant autumn hue you want to see on your plate.

• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, providing moisture and that unmistakable rich pumpkin flavor; be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
• Brown Sugar: Packed tightly, it adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the batter.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness, making the cake sturdy yet soft enough to roll.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together with just the right amount of density.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise perfectly light and airy.
• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that bring out the cozy fall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (for filling): Sweet and smooth, it blends perfectly with cream cheese.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to a creamy filling that contrasts the spiced cake beautifully.
• Ground Ginger (optional for filling): Adds a subtle spicy zing if you want to elevate the filling’s flavor.
• Whipped Cream (optional for serving): A light, airy addition that complements each slice splendidly.

How to Make Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. The parchment helps prevent sticking and makes rolling the cake so much easier later on.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree with both sugars and vegetable oil. Stir this mixture until it’s smooth and well blended – this base will give you that moist, tender cake everyone loves.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

One at a time, beat in the eggs vigorously. Adding them gradually helps create a fluffy texture and ensures everything incorporates evenly, making the cake light enough to roll without cracking.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional ginger in a separate bowl. This blend of baking agents and spices is what gives the pumpkin roll its signature rise and warm flavor.

Step 5: Fold Dry into Wet

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix. This keeps the batter light and tender, which is essential for a cake that bends easily but holds its shape.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Timing here is key – you want a sponge that’s cooked but still pliable.

Step 7: Roll Up the Cake

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, then roll the cake up with the towel inside. This pre-rolling step helps the cake remember the shape and prevents cracks.

Step 8: Prepare the Filling

While the cake cools completely, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and the optional ground ginger until silky smooth. This filling adds a creamy and slightly tangy contrast to the spiced cake that’s irresistible.

Step 9: Assemble the Roll

When the cake has cooled, gently unroll it, spread the cream cheese filling evenly, then re-roll tightly without the towel. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to set and develop flavors.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, slice the pumpkin roll into approximately 1-inch thick pieces and prepare to enjoy! Each slice reveals a beautiful swirl of spiced cake and creamy filling that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

How to Serve Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Garnishes

An extra dollop of whipped cream on top adds a light, cloud-like softness that complements the dense cake perfectly. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a handful of toasted pecans for added texture and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin roll pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, balancing the cake’s sweetness with warm, aromatic beverages. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or a creamy custard for a luxurious experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the roll and arrange the pieces on a decorative platter, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle a caramel or maple syrup glaze over each slice for a decadent twist. You can also serve it on individual dessert plates with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finale.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. Due to its cream cheese filling, it’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the pumpkin roll after assembling and chilling by wrapping it well with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pumpkin roll can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this dessert is served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer slice, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or briefly warm it in the oven wrapped in foil to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices which can alter the consistency and flavor balance of the roll.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm with the towel inside helps train it to hold that shape without cracking. Also, avoid overbaking to keep the cake soft and pliable.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this pumpkin roll?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter adds crunch, and mini chocolate chips can give delightful bursts of chocolate throughout. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing and then serving later?

Yes, this Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Roll Recipe freezes very well. Freeze it tightly wrapped to keep it fresh, then thaw in the fridge before slicing and serving.

How long does it need to chill before serving?

Refrigerating the roll for at least one hour allows the cream cheese filling to firm up and the flavors to meld, making slicing easier and the taste more harmonious.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Roll Recipe enough if you want to add a show-stopping, scrumptious dessert to your fall repertoire. It’s approachable, rewarding, and tastes like it took way more effort than it actually does — perfect for impressing friends or simply enjoying a comforting slice at home. Give it a try and watch it become a seasonal star in your kitchen!

Print