Okay, friends, let’s talk about fall. And when I say fall, I mean pumpkin everything? Why don’t pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin bread cut it? What is pumpkin roll? Is it better than a swiss roll and pumpkin pie? Is it the kind of dessert that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a warm blanket and snooze? What are some of the easiest desserts to make? Think of it as the effortlessly chic cousin of pumpkin pie – all the flavor, way less fuss. I love pumpkin rolls and I’m so excited to share them with you.
What is a pumpkin roll?
What is a pumpkin roll? Imagine a light and airy pumpkin-spiced cake, baked in prickly paper and then rolled up with an icing sugar. What is a creamy, dreamy Think of it like a Swiss roll, but instead of chocolate cake, you’ve got that beautiful, warm, delicious flavor. What are some of the best pumpkin flavors to enjoy this time of year? What is a rolled cake? The inside is a tangy-sweet cream cheese filling. The outside is soft and slightly spiced. What melts in your mouth? Each slice is a perfect spiral of autumnal goodness. Is it too sweet, too heavy? Plus, it looks incredibly impressive, even though it’s secretly super simple to make.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? What I love most about this pumpkin roll is how much flavor it packs into each slice. The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves is just pure comfort food magic. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
But beyond the amazing taste, it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Seriously! Don’t let the “roll” part intimidate you. With a few simple tricks (that I’ll share, of course!), you’ll have a beautiful pumpkin roll in no time. It uses everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. I’ve made this countless times, and I can practically do it with my eyes closed.
Plus, this pumpkin roll is a crowd-pleaser. I bring it to every holiday gathering, and it always disappears in minutes. Kids and adults alike devour it. It’s definitely one of those recipes that gets requested year after year. And if you are looking to save money this year, this will do the trick. If you love this, you should also try my spiced apple cake, its just as good.
And did I mention how versatile it is? You can serve it for dessert, bring it to a potluck, or even slice it up for a festive brunch. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The possibilities are endless!
How do I make a pumpkin roll?
Quick Overview
How do you make a pumpkin roll? How do I make a pumpkin cake batter? Bake it until it’s set. While it’s still warm, you’ll roll it up in a tea towel to create that signature roll shape. After it cools, you’ll unroll it, slather it with a delicious cream cheese filling, and roll it back. What do you slice and serve it? How do I make a flexible cake that won’t crack when you roll it? Is it a lot easier to cool down this way?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 3 large eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature for better volume and mixing.
* 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
* 2/3 cup pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The filling already has spices in it.
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds brightness to the pumpkin flavor and helps to tenderize the cake.
* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: A classic pumpkin spice flavor.
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle kick.
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way! Adds a depth of flavor.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
For the Filling:
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s fully soften for a smooth and creamy filling. * 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps the filling hold its shape. * 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thicken the filling. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: What is the flavor of the filling?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray. Then, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. How do you lift a cake out of the pan? I always find it helps to make sure nothing sticks.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. How do I spread the spices evenly on a cake? Is it safe to eat clove?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Set aside. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, beat in the pumpkin puree and lemon juice until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the flour or the sugar. Make sure to keep it clean.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth. Set aside. Is there any product that is smooth Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. I sometimes add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do you spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake? How do you roll a cake back up? Wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. How do you make filling easier to slice?
Step 7: Bake
How do I spread the batter in a pan? Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake! The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. Remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool slightly in a bowl for 1-2 minutes.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
While cake is still warm, loosen the edges with a knife. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a clean tea towel dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one of the short ends, roll up the cake tightly in the tea towel. Let the cake cool completely in the towel. How do you keep a cake from cracking when you roll it with the rolling pin?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Remove the plastic wrap and dust the pumpkin roll with powdered sugar, if desired. Slice the roll into 1-inch thick slices. Serve immediately and enjoy. Is it delicious on its own?
What should I serve it with?
What is the best pumpkin roll you’ve ever had? What are What are some different ways to serve it at different times of the day?
For Breakfast:Slice it up and serve it with a cup of hot coffee or chai latte. The warm spices in the cake pair perfectly with the rich flavors of coffee. Arrange slices on a plate with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
For Brunch:Add it to a brunch spread alongside other sweet and savory treats. What is a good holiday brunch buffet? Serve with sparkling cider or mimosas for a festive touch.
As Dessert:Serve it as a classic after-dinner dessert with ice cream or whipped cream. Drizzle it with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.
For Cozy Snacks:What’s a good slice of toast with ice-cold tea? What is the best way to relax with a good book? Can be a great comfort snack.
My family loves to eat vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What is the best way to serve caramel sauce on top of a salad? Is it divine?
How do I make a pumpkin roll?
How can I take my pumpkin roll to the next level? How can I achieve perfection?
Zucchini Prep:If you overbake a cake, be careful not to overcook it. Overcooking can result in cracking. Is it safe to remove a toothpick from the oven? comes out clean.
Mixing Advice:Don’t skip powdered sugar dusting! How do you remove tea towel from cake? This ensures a clean release and beautiful presentation.
Swirl Customization Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened. Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy filling. If your cream cheese is too cold, it will be lumpy and difficult to work with.
Ingredient Swaps:What are some creative filling ideas? Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel to the cream cheese filling. For extra flavor and texture.
Baking Tips:Be patient when rolling the cake. Roll slowly and carefully to avoid cracking. If it does crack, don’t worry! The filling will help to hold it together. Add spices that you enjoy. My mother always adds a small amount of cinnamon.
Glaze Variations:Can you chill the pumpkin roll before slicing? Can you chill the roll for at least 2 hours? This results in clean, even slices that hold their shape.
I learned the hard way that letting the cake cool completely before adding the filling is crucial. If you don’t like the filling, the mixture will melt and become a soupy mess. Trust me on this one!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to enjoy your pumpkin roll for days to come? Here’s how to store it properly:
Room Temperature: Pumpkin roll can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Cover it lightly to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze this for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Glaze Timing Advice: Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. If you’ve dusted it with powdered sugar, you may want to re-dust it before serving for a fresh presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy this pumpkin roll recipe as much as my family does! It’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. It’s easy to make, and it is an amazing treat to share with friends and family. It’s also a recipe that you can customize to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different spices and fillings. If you’re looking for more delicious fall-inspired recipes, be sure to check out my apple crisp and sweet potato pie recipes. Happy baking!
Pumpkin Roll
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15x10 inch jelly roll pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
