Autumn Pumpkin Roll Recipe

This autumn pumpkin roll is pure fall magic. Soft pumpkin cake wrapped around creamy, sweet filling—it’s so pretty and so tasty. Every slice feels like a cozy autumn day.

I’ve made this for family gatherings, and it always disappears fast. The pumpkin spice flavor with that smooth cream cheese center is just perfect. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone smile.

When it bakes, the smell of pumpkin and warm spices fills the whole house. The cake is light and tender, and the filling is rich and creamy. You’ll want to save a slice just for yourself.

So, let’s get the pumpkin puree and start rolling. It’s easier than it looks, and I’ll guide you step by step. By the end, you’ll have the perfect fall dessert ready to share.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Roll Recipe

• Fall-Inspired Flavor: This recipe features the perfect balance of spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin.
• Impressive & Beautiful: While it might look complex, this pumpkin roll is surprisingly easy to make and has that wow-factor when you serve it.
• Perfect for Fall Parties: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or an autumn potluck, this cake always becomes the star of the dessert table.
• Moist and Delicious: The pumpkin cake itself is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the pumpkin puree and the precise balance of dry and wet ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake rolls beautifully and can be made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make the Autumn Pumpkin Roll, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Mixing Bowls: For mixing both the cake batter and the cream cheese filling.
• Electric Mixer (Optional): This helps blend the ingredients smoothly, especially for the cream cheese filling.
• Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet, around 10×15 inches, is perfect for this cake roll.
• Parchment Paper: You’ll need parchment paper to line the baking sheet so the cake doesn’t stick and to help with rolling.
• Tea Towel or Clean Kitchen Towel: A towel to roll the warm cake after baking so it maintains its shape.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cake before unrolling and filling it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make both the pumpkin cake and the cream cheese filling (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Cake:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree: This is the star ingredient of the cake, providing both flavor and moisture.
• 4 large eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and create a soft, spongy texture.
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor to balance the spices.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt: A little salt brings out the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives that warm, cozy flavor that screams autumn.
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a hint of spicy warmth.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A small amount gives a rich, aromatic depth.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a slight, nutty warmth that perfectly complements the other spices.
• 1 ¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese (slightly softened): The cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Helps sweeten the filling without making it too heavy.
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream: Whipping cream makes the filling light and airy, creating a fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor to the cream cheese filling.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the filling.

Variations for Autumn Pumpkin Roll

While this pumpkin roll recipe is delicious as is, there are a few ways to get creative with it:

• Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re a fan of chocolate and pumpkin together, consider adding semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter or mixing some into the cream cheese filling for a twist on this classic.
• Spiced Walnuts or Pecans: Chopped walnuts or pecans make an excellent addition for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft cake.
• Maple Cream Cheese Filling: For a more autumnal vibe, swap out some of the powdered sugar in the filling for maple syrup to bring in a warm, maple flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice Blend: If you’re a fan of pumpkin spice, you can adjust the spices to your preference or use a pre-made pumpkin spice blend to make the recipe even easier.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that the cake won’t stick and makes it easier to roll the cake up later.

2. Mix the Pumpkin Cake Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and brown sugar until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and baking powder. Mix until fully combined. Gradually add the flour and mix just until the batter comes together. You want the batter to be smooth but not over-mixed to maintain a light texture.

3. Bake the Pumpkin Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when gently pressed.

4. Roll the Cake

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, lay a clean tea towel or kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it lightly with powdered sugar. Carefully flip the cake onto the towel and remove the parchment paper. Starting from one end, gently roll the cake and towel together into a tight roll. Let it cool completely in the rolled position—this helps the cake maintain its shape when you unroll it to add the filling.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cake is cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.

6. Unroll and Fill the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely (about 30 minutes), gently unroll it from the towel. Be careful not to tear the cake. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.

7. Roll the Cake Back Up

Carefully roll the cake back up, this time without the towel. Don’t worry if it cracks a bit; that’s totally normal. If cracks occur, they will be hidden when the roll is sliced.

8. Refrigerate Before Serving

Place the pumpkin roll in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice. The cake also firms up, making it less likely to fall apart when serving.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve the Autumn Pumpkin Roll

Once your pumpkin roll is chilled and ready, it’s time to slice and serve! Here are a few ways to enjoy this delicious treat:

• Traditional Slices: Simply slice the pumpkin roll into 1-inch thick rounds. Serve each slice as a standalone dessert, or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the top of the pumpkin roll with powdered sugar before serving.
• Topped with Candied Pecans or Walnuts: If you added nuts, sprinkle a few candied pecans or walnuts on top to add a delightful crunch.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: If you love the combination of pumpkin and caramel, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Storing Autumn Pumpkin Roll

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, the pumpkin roll can be stored easily:

• Refrigerate: Store the pumpkin roll in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The filling may soften slightly, but the roll will still taste just as delicious.
• Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then slice and enjoy.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 10 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	160mg
Total Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	30g
Protein	3g

Conclusion

The Autumn Pumpkin Roll is the perfect dessert to embrace the flavors of fall. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking it for Thanksgiving or a cozy weekend get-together, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its spiced pumpkin cake, creamy filling, and simple yet stunning presentation, this dessert will become your go-to fall treat. Plus, with the option to make it ahead of time, it’s a stress-free option for busy holiday seasons. Enjoy.