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Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll Recipe
This pumpkin spice cake roll combines the warm, cozy flavors of fall with a light, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or whenever you crave that signature autumn taste, this dessert offers impressive presentation with surprisingly simple preparation techniques.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly dessert using common pantry ingredients that costs under $8 to make
- Rich in vitamin A from pumpkin puree, supporting eye health and immune function
- Perfect make-ahead dessert that actually improves in flavor when chilled overnight
- Impressive presentation that looks professionally made but requires no special skills
- Customizable filling that can accommodate different dietary preferences and flavor variations
Why This Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances moisture and structure perfectly. The pumpkin puree keeps the cake tender while eggs provide the necessary lift for rolling without cracking.
The spice blend creates depth without overwhelming the delicate pumpkin flavor. Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking, while the cream cheese filling adds richness that complements the cake’s natural sweetness.
Temperature control is crucial here. Room temperature ingredients blend smoothly, creating an even batter that bakes uniformly. This ensures your cake rolls easily and looks professional every time.
What You’ll Need for This Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll
Success starts with quality ingredients and proper tools. Fresh spices make a noticeable difference, so check expiration dates on your cinnamon and nutmeg before starting.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | Structure and body for the cake |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetness and moisture retention |
| Canned pumpkin puree | 1/2 cup | Flavor, moisture, and natural color |
| Large eggs | 3 (room temperature) | Binding and leavening agent |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Primary warm spice flavor |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 tsp | Depth and complexity to spice blend |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | Chemical leavening for light texture |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Enhances flavors and balances sweetness |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (softened) | Rich, tangy filling base |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | Sweetens filling without grittiness |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances overall flavor profile |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Jelly roll pan | Creates thin, even cake layer for rolling |
| Parchment paper | Prevents sticking and aids in cake removal |
| Clean kitchen towel | Shapes cake while cooling to prevent cracking |
| Electric mixer | Ensures smooth filling and proper egg beating |
| Wire whisk | Combines dry ingredients evenly |
| Mixing bowls | Separate wet and dry ingredient preparation |
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll
The key to success lies in timing and temperature. Work quickly but carefully, especially when rolling the warm cake.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare Pan | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease |
| 2. Mix Dry Ingredients | Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar in large bowl |
| 3. Combine Wet Ingredients | Beat eggs until frothy in separate bowl; add pumpkin puree and mix thoroughly |
| 4. Create Batter | Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined – don’t overmix |
| 5. Bake Cake | Pour batter into prepared pan, spread evenly. Bake 15 minutes until toothpick comes out clean |
| 6. Roll While Warm | Invert cake onto powdered sugar-dusted towel. Remove parchment and roll tightly while warm |
| 7. Make Filling | Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until completely smooth |
| 8. Final Assembly | Unroll cake gently, spread filling evenly, then roll back up without the towel |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume and smoother batter integration
- Don’t overbake the cake – it should spring back lightly when touched in center
- Roll the cake while still warm to prevent cracking when shaping
- Chill the finished roll for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean cuts
- Dust your knife with powdered sugar between cuts to prevent sticking
Serving and Storage Tips for Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll
This dessert shines at fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, and cozy family meals. Its elegant appearance makes it perfect for special occasions, while the comforting flavors suit casual weeknight treats.
Serving Tips
Slice with a sharp, clean knife using gentle sawing motions. Serve chilled or at room temperature – both offer different texture experiences that highlight the cake’s versatility.
Pair with light desserts for variety at dinner parties. The cake complements coffee, spiced tea, or warm apple cider beautifully.
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as spices meld together. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll
Overbaking creates a dry cake that cracks when rolled. Watch timing carefully and test for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
Using cold ingredients prevents proper mixing and can result in lumpy batter. Bring eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before starting for best results.
Waiting too long to roll the cake causes cracking. Roll immediately after removing from oven while the cake remains flexible and warm.
You Must Know
- Always roll the cake while warm – cooling makes it brittle and prone to cracking
- Pure pumpkin puree works better than pumpkin pie filling which contains added spices and sugar
- Softened cream cheese should give slightly to pressure but not be melted or warm
- The cake can be made 1-2 days ahead and actually tastes better after chilling overnight
Suggestions for Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture and nutty flavor. Toast nuts lightly before adding for enhanced taste.
Try maple cream cheese filling by substituting 2 tablespoons maple syrup for part of the powdered sugar. This creates a more complex fall flavor profile.
For inspiration, check out these classic pumpkin roll variations and traditional family recipes.
Consider serving alongside hearty main dishes for complete fall meals that satisfy every palate.
FAQs:
Yes, this cake roll actually improves when made 1-2 days ahead. The flavors meld together and the texture becomes more tender. Store covered in the refrigerator and slice just before serving.
Cracking usually occurs when the cake cools too much before rolling or is overbaked. Roll the cake while still warm and ensure you don’t bake beyond 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Absolutely! Wrap the finished cake roll tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. Dust the blade with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Make gentle sawing motions rather than pressing straight down.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for half the cream cheese for a lighter filling, or add different spices like ginger or allspice. However, maintain the same liquid-to-dry ingredient ratios for best results.
Conclusion
This pumpkin spice cake roll delivers bakery-quality results with simple home techniques. The combination of warm spices, tender cake, and creamy filling creates a dessert that’s both impressive and comforting.
With proper timing and temperature control, you’ll achieve professional-looking results every time. The make-ahead nature makes it perfect for entertaining, while the affordable ingredients keep it budget-friendly for regular family treats.
Master this recipe and you’ll have a go-to dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite.
More Easy desserts Recipes:
- Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Bread: Amazing Recipe & Tips
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – Amazing Fall Recipe Guide
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake: Perfect Moist Fall Recipe
- Smores Layer Cake: Amazing Recipe with Graham Crackers & Chocolate
Recommended
📖 Recipe Card
Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1-2 days ahead. the flavors meld together and the texture becomes more tender. store covered in the refrigerator and slice just before serving 1x
Description
A delicious and moist pumpkin spice cake roll filled with creamy cream cheese filling. Perfect for fall celebrations and holidays, this tender cake is infused with warm spices and rolled to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar in large bowl
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat eggs until frothy in separate bowl; add pumpkin puree and mix thoroughly
- Create Batter: Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined – don’t overmix
- Bake Cake: Pour batter into prepared pan, spread evenly. Bake 15 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
- Roll While Warm: Invert cake onto powdered sugar-dusted towel. Remove parchment and roll tightly while warm
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until completely smooth
- Final Assembly: Unroll cake gently, spread filling evenly, then roll back up without the towel
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume and smoother batter integration
- Roll the cake while still warm to prevent cracking when shaping
- Chill the finished roll for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean cuts
- Store covered in the refrigerator – flavors meld together and texture becomes more tender after 1-2 days
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of roll)
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 195mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice cake roll, fall dessert, cream cheese filling, holiday cake, pumpkin recipe, spiced cake
