Pumpkin Roll Cake

by

🎃 Pumpkin Roll Cake

Soft Spiced Cake Rolled with Creamy Vanilla Filling

Few desserts capture the warmth of fall quite like a Pumpkin Roll Cake. With its light, fluffy pumpkin-spiced sponge cake and smooth cream cheese filling, this classic rolled dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. Each slice reveals a perfect swirl of creamy sweetness wrapped in tender pumpkin cake—ideal for holidays, gatherings, or a cozy afternoon treat.

Despite its elegant look, pumpkin roll cake is surprisingly simple to make. Follow this step-by-step guide for foolproof results every time.

⏱️ Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Bake Time: 13–15 minutes

  • Cooling & Filling Time: 1 hour

  • Total Time: ~1½ hours

  • Yield: 10–12 slices

  • Difficulty: Easy–Medium

📝 Ingredients

🎂 Pumpkin Cake

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ⅔ cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

  • ½ tsp ground ginger

  • ¼ tsp ground cloves

  • ¼ tsp salt

🧁 Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

🎃 For Rolling & Garnish

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting towel and top)

🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and generously dust it with powdered sugar. This prevents sticking when rolling.

2️⃣ Make the Pumpkin Batter

In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale, about 2–3 minutes.

Mix in vanilla extract and pumpkin purée until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.

3️⃣ Bake the Cake

Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.

Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

4️⃣ Roll While Warm

Immediately turn the hot cake onto the powdered-sugar towel.
Peel off parchment paper carefully.

Starting from the short end, roll the cake and towel together into a tight spiral.
Let cool completely—this step helps the cake “remember” its shape.

5️⃣ Make the Filling

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and spreadable.

Next →