Pumpkin Roll Recipe
Introduction
This classic pumpkin roll is a delightful fall dessert that combines a tender spiced cake with a creamy cream cheese filling. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, offering a beautiful presentation and delicious flavors.

Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin (or homemade pumpkin puree)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an extra inch hanging on the long sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment as well.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined and no dry streaks remain. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Step 5: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye, as oven temperatures vary.
- Step 6: Immediately lift the cake out of the pan using the parchment paper, placing it onto a flat, heat-safe surface. While still warm, gently and slowly roll the cake along with the parchment paper starting from a short end. Let it cool completely on a wire rack while rolled up.
- Step 7: To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until fluffy and smooth.
- Step 8: Once the cake is fully cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Step 9: Roll the cake back up without the parchment paper. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Step 10: Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense pumpkin flavor, use homemade pumpkin puree or roasted pumpkin.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- If you prefer, add chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture.
- Use a damp kitchen towel to help roll the cake initially if parchment paper is not available.
Storage
Store the pumpkin roll wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Let slices come to room temperature for best flavor and texture, or enjoy chilled.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pumpkin can be used. Roast, puree, and drain any excess moisture before measuring to avoid a soggy batter.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
Rolling the cake while it is still warm helps prevent cracking. Roll it gently and slowly with the parchment paper inside, then allow it to cool fully in the rolled shape before adding the filling.
Print
Pumpkin Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Pumpkin Roll recipe features a moist and spiced pumpkin cake rolled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall and holiday gatherings, this dessert combines warm cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice flavors with a luscious filling for an impressive yet easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin (or homemade pumpkin puree)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the pumpkin cake.
- Prep Pan: Lightly grease a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper, allowing an extra inch on the long sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the parchment paper as well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.
- Bake Cake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens may vary, so watch carefully to avoid overbaking.
- Roll Cake: Immediately after baking, lift the parchment paper with the hot cake out of the pan onto a heat-safe flat surface. Starting at a short end, carefully roll the cake up with the parchment paper inside. Let it cool completely on a wire rack; rolling while hot prevents cracking, and cooling in the rolled shape prevents sweating.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and Re-roll: Once the cake is completely cooled, gently unroll it and evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border. Carefully roll the cake up again, this time without the parchment paper. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the rolled cake for at least 1 hour to set. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and enjoy this deliciously festive pumpkin roll.
Notes
- Rolling the cake while hot is crucial to prevent cracks in the finished roll.
- Use parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal of the cake.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, wrapped tightly to maintain freshness.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Customize the spices according to your taste; additional nutmeg or ginger can enhance the pumpkin flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin roll, pumpkin cake roll, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, holiday dessert, pumpkin dessert, spiced cake roll

