Pumpkin Rolls Recipe

Pumpkin rolls are a delightful fall dessert that combine the warm, spiced flavor of pumpkin with the creamy richness of a cream cheese filling. This classic dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any time you're craving something sweet and seasonal. The light, moist pumpkin cake is rolled around a luscious cream cheese filling, creating beautiful spiral slices that are as impressive as they are delicious. If you’ve never made a pumpkin roll before, don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks! Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a stunning and tasty pumpkin roll that’s sure to become a family favorite.

this Recipe

What is a Pumpkin Roll?

A pumpkin roll is a rolled cake made from a light and fluffy pumpkin sponge that’s filled with a sweet cream cheese filling. The cake is baked in a thin layer, then rolled up with the filling inside, creating a spiral pattern when sliced. This dessert is known for its beautiful presentation and its delicious blend of pumpkin spice and creamy filling. It’s a classic fall dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a crisp autumn day.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Rolls

To make this delicious Pumpkin Roll, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Cake:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting the towel

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

Pumpkin rolls are versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives.
• Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or a blend of stevia and monk fruit in place of granulated and powdered sugar.

Variations:

• Pumpkin Chocolate Roll: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist, or sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cream cheese filling before rolling.
• Nutty Pumpkin Roll: Stir ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Spiced Cream Cheese Filling: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese filling for an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a Pumpkin Roll requires a few steps, but the process is straightforward. Here’s how to create this beautiful and delicious dessert:

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan (baking sheet with a rim) and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Grease the parchment paper as well.
2. Dust a clean kitchen towel with a generous amount of powdered sugar. This will prevent the cake from sticking when you roll it up later.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until thick and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, or until the top of the cake springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Roll the Cake

1. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, loosen the edges with a knife and carefully invert the cake onto the prepared powdered sugar-dusted towel.
2. Gently peel off the parchment paper from the cake.
3. Starting from one of the short ends, carefully roll the cake up with the towel, rolling the towel inside the cake. Let the rolled cake cool completely on a wire rack, seam side down.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. If the filling seems too soft, you can refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up slightly before spreading.

Step 6: Assemble the Pumpkin Roll

1. Once the cake is completely cooled, carefully unroll it from the towel.
2. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Gently re-roll the cake, this time without the towel, to form a tight roll.
4. Wrap the pumpkin roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. Before serving, unwrap the pumpkin roll and dust it with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
2. Slice the roll into 1-inch slices and arrange on a serving platter.
3. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious combination of pumpkin spice and creamy filling!

How to Make a Pumpkin Roll: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick guide to making your Pumpkin Roll:

1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat: Grease a jelly roll pan, line with parchment, and preheat the oven.
2. Make the Batter: Mix dry ingredients, beat eggs and sugar, then combine with pumpkin and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients.
3. Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake until set.
4. Roll the Cake: Immediately roll the cake in a towel dusted with powdered sugar and let it cool.
5. Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
6. Assemble the Roll: Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling, and re-roll it. Chill before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Pumpkin Roll turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Not Rolling While Warm: It’s essential to roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking. If the cake cools too much, it becomes difficult to roll.
2. Overbaking the Cake: Overbaking will make the cake dry and more likely to crack when rolled. Bake just until the cake springs back when touched.
3. Not Cooling Completely: Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the filling. If the cake is still warm, the filling may melt and become runny.
4. Using Too Much Filling: While tempting, using too much filling can cause it to squish out when you roll the cake. Use just enough for a smooth, even layer.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pumpkin rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious, and with these tips, you can make them look even more impressive:

How to Serve Pumpkin Roll

Serve the pumpkin roll chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for a dessert table, and its elegant spiral makes it a great centerpiece for any fall gathering.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Roll

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives the roll a festive, snow-kissed look.
• Add a Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle the roll with caramel sauce or chocolate ganache before serving.
• Garnish with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
• Serve with a Side: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the spiced flavors of the pumpkin roll.

Pumpkin Roll Recipe Tips

To get the best results from your Pumpkin Roll, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the filling, make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the cake with the cream cheese mixture, as it can ooze out when rolled.
• Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerate the rolled cake before slicing to ensure clean, neat cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the pumpkin roll ahead of time?

Yes, pumpkin rolls can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, until ready to serve.

Can I freeze a pumpkin roll?

Yes, you can freeze a pumpkin roll. After wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

What if my pumpkin roll cracks?

If the cake cracks, you can still salvage it. Simply continue rolling and cover the cracks with powdered sugar or frosting. The cracks will be less noticeable once it’s sliced.

How do I store leftover pumpkin roll?

Store leftover pumpkin roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I add nuts or other fillings?

Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of jam or caramel to the filling for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Pumpkin rolls are a classic fall dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. With its light, spiced pumpkin cake and creamy cream cheese filling, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the sweet, spiced goodness of a homemade Pumpkin Roll!

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