Pumpkin Rolls Recipe

Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Rolls Recipe: Sweet Swirls of Spiced Joy

Autumn whispers comfort through a delectable pumpkin rolls delicacy that beckons with warmth and nostalgia.

Soft spices dance across pillowy layers of delicate cake.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a culinary canvas that celebrates fall’s rich palette.

Sweet cream cheese filling promises indulgence in every tender slice.

Generations have treasured this classic dessert as a cherished tradition.

Rustic and elegant, these rolls invite you to savor each delightful bite.

Unwrap a slice of pure seasonal magic that will become your new favorite fall treat.

What Makes Pumpkin Rolls So Good

  • Conquer Baking Challenge: Perfect for home bakers wanting to level up their skills with a stunning dessert that looks impressive but is totally doable.
  • Quick Family Dessert Delight: Whips up in minimal steps, creating a crowd-pleasing treat that brings everyone together with its warm, comforting pumpkin flavor.
  • Seasonal Showstopper: Captures the essence of autumn with its rich pumpkin spice profile, making it an ideal centerpiece for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing stress-free entertaining and maximum flavor development.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Rolls

Main Ingredients:

Cake Base:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Gives the roll its signature autumn flavor and moisture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cake and provides structure.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warm, classic autumn spice flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and complements the pumpkin flavor.
Filling and Finishing:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy filling with a tangy flavor.
  • Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the filling.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents the cake from sticking to the pan.
  • Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Provides a classic finishing touch to the roll.

How to Make Pumpkin Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to 375F (190C).

Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and apply a light grease coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, vigorously beat eggs and sugar until the mixture transforms into a thick, pale, and fluffy consistency.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, stirring until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Sift together these dry ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 5: Bake Cake Layer

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan.

Bake for 13-15 minutes until the top springs back when lightly touched.

Step 6: Prepare Towel Surface

While cake bakes, dust a kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar.

Step 7: Initial Rolling Process

Immediately after baking, carefully flip the cake onto the sugared towel.

Remove parchment paper and gently roll the cake within the towel.

Allow complete cooling.

Step 8: Whip Creamy Filling

Beat together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Butter

Mix until smooth.

Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until achieving a creamy consistency.

Step 9: Final Rolling

Unroll the cooled cake, spread filling evenly across the surface.

Roll the cake back up without the towel.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for at least an hour to set.

Slice and serve chilled.

Pro Tips for Soft Pumpkin Rolls

  • Dust the kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth cake release.
  • Gently fold dry ingredients to maintain the airy, light texture of the pumpkin roll cake.
  • Roll the cake while warm to help it maintain flexibility and prevent cracking when filling later.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
  • Prepare the pumpkin roll a day in advance and refrigerate to enhance flavor and make serving easier.

Variations on Pumpkin Rolls

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend made from rice, almond, or coconut flour. Ensure the baking powder is also certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter for the filling. Select a plant-based milk alternative to maintain moisture.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce powdered sugar in the filling and use a sugar-free cream cheese alternative for a diabetic-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream cheese, almond-based butter substitute, and plant-based milk. Replace dairy ingredients with nut-based alternatives to maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Rolls

  • Party-Perfect Slice and Share: Cut the pumpkin roll into elegant diagonal slices for a stunning dessert presentation at gatherings or holiday events.
  • Festive Dessert Companion: Serve alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider or creamy hot chocolate to complement the roll's rich pumpkin flavor.
  • Garnish Elegance Boost: Dust the top with additional powdered sugar, sprinkle crushed pecans, or add a delicate drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the visual appeal and taste complexity.
  • Seasonal Serving Style: Present on a rustic wooden board with small decorative autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks to enhance the cozy, seasonal mood of this delightful dessert.

How to Store Pumpkin Rolls

  • Store the pumpkin roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and preventing it from drying out.
  • Wrap the entire roll in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container for quick single-serving treats.
  • Bring refrigerated rolls to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. For frozen rolls, thaw completely in the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

  • Is pumpkin pie spice necessary?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal proportions.

  • How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

The key is to roll the cake while it’s still warm and using a powdered sugar-dusted towel to prevent sticking. Be gentle and roll it loosely.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pumpkin roll a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pumpkin Rolls Recipe

Pumpkin Rolls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky smooth pumpkin rolls dance with cream cheese filling, bringing autumn’s warmth to your table. Delicate spices and sweet pumpkin create a comforting dessert you’ll crave all season long.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 23 cup pumpkin puree
  • 34 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 12 teaspoon salt
  • 12 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) salted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
  2. Whip eggs and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a thick, pale consistency with visible volume.
  3. Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, blending thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
  4. Gently sift dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, then delicately fold into the wet ingredients to maintain the airy texture.
  5. Distribute the batter evenly across the prepared pan, ensuring a consistent layer, and bake for 13-15 minutes until the surface elastically rebounds when gently pressed.
  6. While the cake bakes, dust a kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent potential sticking during cake transfer.
  7. Immediately after removing from the oven, carefully invert the cake onto the sugared towel, delicately removing the parchment paper, then carefully roll the cake within the towel, allowing complete cooling.
  8. Prepare the filling by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky smooth, then gradually introduce powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until achieving a creamy consistency.
  9. Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling uniformly across the surface, then gently re-roll the cake without the towel.
  10. Encase the completed roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour to set and enhance flavor development before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust spice levels by experimenting with different pumpkin pie spice blends for personalized flavor profiles.
  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better volume and smoother batter consistency when beating.
  • Use a lightweight kitchen towel to prevent sticking and make rolling the cake easier without cracking.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain texture and structure.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 311 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 157 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star