The Fluffiest Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe: Fall’s Favorite Treat

Fall’s crisp air brings a delightful classic pumpkin roll that dances with spicy warmth and creamy elegance.

Sweet memories of grandmother’s kitchen suddenly rush back with each delicate slice.

Soft pumpkin sponge cake wraps around luxurious cream cheese filling, creating a dessert that whispers comfort.

Seasonal baking doesn’t get more charming than this delectable treat.

Delicate swirls and rich flavors promise a memorable experience for anyone who loves autumn’s culinary magic.

Unexpected guests or weekend gatherings deserve something special – this roll delivers pure deliciousness.

Make this recipe and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Why Classic Pumpkin Roll Remains a Favorite

• Bake with Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with this classic pumpkin roll that brings warm, comforting spices and rich flavors to your kitchen.
• Impress Guests Effortlessly: Create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made but requires minimal baking skills, making you feel like a star baker.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for holiday parties, family reunions, or potluck events where you want to bring a show-stopping sweet treat that everyone will love.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up this dessert with straightforward steps and common ingredients, allowing even novice bakers to achieve a delicious result without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Classic Pumpkin Roll

• All-Purpose Flour: The essential base that provides structure to the pumpkin roll cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Provide moisture, richness, and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings seasonal flavor and moistness to the cake.

• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that enhance the classic pumpkin flavor profile.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the cake.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a rich and creamy filling with smooth consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and provides a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cream cheese filling.
• Parchment Paper, Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Help with cake preparation and final presentation.

How to Make Classic Pumpkin Roll

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Warm up your oven to 375F.

Grab a large baking pan and create a perfect non-stick surface by generously greasing it and laying down parchment paper.

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra magic.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Salt

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whip eggs and sugar until they become thick and fluffy.

Pour in pumpkin puree and blend until silky smooth.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a velvety batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes.

The cake is ready when it springs back after a gentle touch.

Step 5: Roll the Warm Cake

Immediately transfer the hot cake onto a towel generously dusted with powdered sugar.

Carefully roll the cake within the towel, allowing it to cool completely while maintaining its rolled shape.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Filling

• Cream cheese
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until the mixture becomes smooth and luxurious.

Step 7: Assemble the Roll

Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface.

Carefully roll the cake back up, creating a beautiful spiral.

Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Step 8: Final Touch

Before serving, dust the pumpkin roll with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Slice and enjoy your masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Classic Pumpkin Roll Success

• Spread batter evenly and use a thin kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to help roll the cake without breaking.
• Refrigerate the roll for at least an hour to help filling set and enhance flavor melding.
• Replace cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests or use gluten-free flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Roll the warm cake immediately after baking while it's flexible to prevent cracking and create a smooth, tight spiral.
• Wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Variations on Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap cream cheese and butter with coconut cream and plant-based margarine for a lactose-free alternative that's equally creamy.
• Vegan Pumpkin Treat: Use flax eggs, maple syrup, and dairy-free cream cheese to create a plant-based version that's kind to animals and delicious.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing calories while maintaining the classic pumpkin roll taste.

Serving Suggestions for Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange slices of pumpkin roll on a decorative autumn-themed plate with scattered cinnamon sticks and whole pecans for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Cozy Dessert Companion: Serve alongside hot spiced apple cider or warm vanilla coffee to complement the roll's rich, sweet flavors and enhance the overall dessert experience.
• Garnish Elegance: Top each slice with a light dusting of ground nutmeg, a dollop of whipped cream, and a few toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pumpkin roll a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making it perfect for stress-free entertaining during holiday gatherings.

How to Store Classic Pumpkin Roll

• Store the pumpkin roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it sealed to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the entire roll or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For a slightly warm treat, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking carefully to avoid overheating.
• Dust with fresh powdered sugar just before serving to restore its beautiful presentation and add a touch of sweetness.

FAQs

• Why is parchment paper important in this recipe?

Parchment paper helps the cake release easily from the pan and prevents sticking, ensuring a smooth cake surface without tearing when rolling.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The cake is ready when it springs back when lightly touched and appears golden around the edges, typically after 13-15 minutes of baking.

• What if my cake cracks when rolling?

To prevent cracking, roll the warm cake immediately after baking while it’s still flexible, using a powdered sugar-dusted towel to help it roll smoothly without breaking.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin roll a day in advance and keep it refrigerated, which actually helps the flavors meld and makes the filling set perfectly.

Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Culinary magic unfolds with this classic pumpkin roll, blending warm spices and creamy filling into a rolled dessert masterpiece. Delicate cake layers promise sweet comfort, inviting you to savor each delightful slice of seasonal goodness.

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Ingredients

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Pumpkin Roll Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup canned pumpkin (175g)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar (225g)

Dry Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (115g)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Finishing Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 15×10-inch baking pan by greasing, lining with parchment paper, and dusting with powdered sugar. Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously beat eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale, creating a fluffy base.
4. Incorporate pumpkin puree into the egg mixture, blending until completely smooth and uniform in color.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, taking care not to deflate the batter while ensuring no flour pockets remain.
6. Carefully spread the batter into the prepared pan, creating an even layer that reaches all corners.
7. Bake for 13-15 minutes, watching for the cake to become springy and lightly golden when touched.
8. Immediately after removing from oven, quickly invert the cake onto a towel generously sprinkled with powdered sugar.
9. While still warm, carefully roll the cake and towel together, creating a tight spiral shape. Allow to cool completely.
10. Prepare the filling by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy.
11. Gently unroll the cooled cake, keeping it on the towel to prevent breaking.
12. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the cake’s surface, ensuring complete coverage.
13. Carefully roll the cake back into its original spiral shape, using the towel to guide and support the process.
14. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set the filling and shape.
15. Before serving, dust with additional powdered sugar for a festive finishing touch.

Notes

• Handling the delicate pumpkin cake requires a light touch to prevent cracking when rolling, so use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar for smooth, easy rolling.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and tender.
• Cream cheese filling can be customized by adding a hint of orange zest or maple extract for an unexpected flavor twist that elevates the classic dessert.
• Chilling the roll for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld and helps the filling set, creating a more stable and delicious dessert that slices beautifully.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg