Is it even fall without pumpkin? This Pumpkin Roll is the ultimate fall dessert, featuring moist, spiced cake and creamy, sweet cream cheese filling. It looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make with just 20 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Plus, you can make it ahead, so it's great for meal prep and always a crowd-pleaser.
Preheat your oven to 375°F/190°C and line a 15" x 10" jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, ⅔ cup pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, then set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar and eggs until thick, approximately 1 minute. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract and whisk until they are just combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour mixture until it is just combined.
Evenly spread the batter into the jelly roll pan and bake until the top springs back when gently pressed, approximately 14 - 15 minutes. Lift the parchment paper and the cake onto a flat heatproof surface. Using your hands, carefully roll from the short end roll (with the parchment paper still in place) until it is completely rolled up; place on a wire rack and leave to cool to room temperature.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
Whisk cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together.
When the cake has cooled, place it on a flat surface and roll until virtually flat again. Then, spread the filling evenly over the cake, leaving a ½ inch border, then roll the cake without the parchment paper. Use plastic wrap to tightly wrap the pumpkin roll and place it in the fridge to cool for a minimum of one hour. When cooled, remove the plastic wrap, dust with powdered sugar, cut into slices and serve.
Notes
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains additional spices and sweeteners that will throw off the balance of the cake.
Parchment Paper: Don’t skip lining your pan with parchment paper. It prevents sticking and makes rolling the cake a breeze.
Cooling: Let the rolled cake cool completely before you unroll it to add the filling. This keeps the cake from cracking and losing its shape.
Even Spreading: Spread the batter evenly in the pan to ensure it bakes uniformly. An offset spatula is perfect for this job.
Rolling the Cake: Roll the cake while it’s still warm to avoid cracks. Keep the parchment paper in place to help you handle it better.
Softened Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened before making the filling. This ensures it’s smooth and lump-free.
Chilling: After you’ve assembled the pumpkin roll, chill it for at least an hour. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Powdered Sugar Dusting: Dust the cake with powdered sugar just before serving. It adds a nice touch of sweetness and looks great.
Storage: Store the pumpkin roll in the refrigerator. You can make it a day ahead, which is perfect for busy schedules.