Pumpkin Roll Recipe

I absolutely love making this Pumpkin Roll Recipe whenever the cozy season rolls around. It’s such a delightful dessert that feels both special and comforting, perfect for sharing with family and friends during holiday gatherings or even a casual Sunday afternoon. What really makes this pumpkin roll stand out is its moist, spiced cake paired with a creamy, luscious filling — the flavors just sing together beautifully.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to pull off, despite the fancy impression it gives. You’ll find that the cake is soft yet sturdy enough to roll without cracking, which is often the tricky part. Plus, the filling has a lovely tang from the Greek yogurt that balances the sweetness perfectly, making this Pumpkin Roll Recipe a winner every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pumpkin Roll Recipe lies in the simple pantry staples combined with seasonal spices and fresh pumpkin puree. Make sure to use a good quality canned pumpkin and fresh eggs for the best flavor and texture.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure; don’t substitute with whole wheat or the texture will change drastically.
• Baking powder & baking soda: The leavening duo that helps the cake rise just right for rolling.
• Ground cinnamon & pumpkin pie spice: These warm spices give the cake that signature pumpkin flavor you’ll crave.
• Ground allspice: A subtle depth of spice that works wonders with pumpkin.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic note that complements the spices.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it!
• Eggs: Key for the cake’s fluffy texture and elasticity needed for rolling.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the spices.
• Canned pumpkin: Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for authentic flavor and moisture.
• Non-stick spray: Essential for easy release of the cake from the pan and parchment.
• Powdered sugar: Used for dusting the towel to prevent sticking when rolling the cake.
• Light cream cheese (room temperature): Provides the creamy base for the filling; avoid fat-free as it changes consistency.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling smoothly without graininess.
• Fat free Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightness to the filling—makes it less heavy than plain cream cheese frosting.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): For a crunchy texture and nutty flavor in the filling.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor of the filling beautifully.

Variations

I love to tweak this Pumpkin Roll Recipe depending on the season and who I’m baking for. It’s such a versatile dessert that welcomes a little creativity without losing its charm.

• Nut-free: If you or your guests are nut allergic, just skip the walnuts in the filling—it’s still delicious and creamy.
• Spiced up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg can enhance the warm spiced flavor even more based on your preference.
• Chocolate twist: Swirl in some mini chocolate chips in the filling or sprinkle cocoa powder into the batter for a subtle chocolate flavor.
• Whipped cream topping: For an extra indulgent touch, top slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

How to Make Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven for Success

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and place the oven rack in the center position. Spray a 15 x 10 inch baking pan generously with non-stick spray, then line it with parchment paper. Don’t forget to spray the parchment lightly and dust it with flour — this little extra step is what helps prevent the cake from sticking, making the rolling process so much smoother.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, allspice, and salt into a large bowl. Sifting helps to evenly distribute those spices and lift the flour so your cake ends up light and tender instead of dense or clumpy.

Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar to Perfection

Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for about five minutes. This step is crucial — you want the mixture to become thick, pale yellow, and fluffy. If you lift the beaters, the batter should fall back into the bowl in slow ribbons. This aeration ensures your pumpkin roll gets that beautiful rise and spongy texture.

Step 4: Add the Pumpkin and Vanilla

Beat in the vanilla extract and canned pumpkin until fully incorporated. The batter will have that lovely orange hue and will smell amazing thanks to the spices and pumpkin coming together.

Step 5: Fold in the Dry Ingredients Gently

Using a spatula, fold the sifted flour mixture into the wet batter gently but thoroughly. You don’t want to overmix here or the cake can become tough. Just keep folding until there are no more streaks of flour.

Step 6: Bake and Roll While Warm

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then bake for about 13 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the cake springs back when lightly pressed. Immediately after baking, sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar, flip the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, sprinkle the top with more powdered sugar, and roll it up with the towel while still hot. This rolling step right out of the oven is key to prevent cracking later.

Step 7: Make the Creamy Filling

Beat the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until fluffy and smooth. Then add the powdered sugar and beat until creamy. If you want a little crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts. Pop the filling into the fridge for at least an hour to make it easier to spread.

Step 8: Assemble and Chill

Once the cake is cooled, carefully unroll it, spread your chilled filling evenly over the surface, and roll it back up without the towel. Transfer to a serving plate, cover, and chill for a few hours or overnight. Chilling helps the filling set and makes slicing a breeze. Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar for that classic finishing touch.

How to Serve Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and elegant by lightly dusting the finished pumpkin roll with powdered sugar just before serving. Sometimes I sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or even a pinch of cinnamon on top for an inviting look that matches the cozy flavors inside.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin roll pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, especially on crisp fall afternoons. If you’re serving as part of a bigger dessert spread, some spiced whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side complements it beautifully, balancing the spices with creamy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve rolled this pumpkin roll into smaller logs to create mini individual servings—super cute and easier to pass around. You can also slice normal rolls and stand the slices upright on a platter with some autumn leaves or fresh berries around for a festive centerpiece. Wrapping each slice in parchment with a little twine makes for an adorable edible gift, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pumpkin roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it actually tastes better the next day once all those flavors have mingled. It stays moist and the filling sets perfectly, making it easier to slice without mess.

Freezing

You can freeze this pumpkin roll by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When I’ve done this, the texture holds up nicely, though I recommend thawing it overnight in the fridge for best results before slicing and serving.

Reheating

Since this pumpkin roll is best served chilled, I don’t usually reheat it. However, if you want a slightly warmer dessert, letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes takes the chill off without losing the softness and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Roll Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen – it’s the perfect blend of autumn flavors and comforting textures that make any day feel a little festive. Whether you’re making it for a party, holiday feast, or just a cozy treat, it’s bound to impress without the stress. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it year after year. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s roll up something truly delicious together!

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