This Pumpkin Roll recipe is a beloved fall favorite that wraps the warm, spiced flavor of pumpkin into a soft sponge cake and fills it with sweet, creamy frosting. Popular around Thanksgiving and autumn gatherings, the pumpkin roll is both nostalgic and impressive, with its elegant swirl and balanced sweetness. The moist pumpkin cake contrasts perfectly with the rich filling, making each slice as beautiful as it is delicious. Easy to prepare and perfect for making ahead, it’s a show-stopping dessert that feels special for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- ⅔ cup canned pumpkin
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp butter
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat 1 cup sugar and 3 eggs for 5–8 minutes until light and thick.
- Stir in ⅔ cup pumpkin and 1 tsp lemon juice.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together ¾ cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ginger, ½ tsp nutmeg, 2 tsp cinnamon, and ½ tsp salt.
Step 3: Mix Batter
- Fold dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until fully combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 10x15-inch jelly roll pan.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.
- Bake at 375°F for 15–17 minutes.
Step 5: Roll the Cake
- Remove from oven and immediately turn cake out onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Roll up the cake in the towel and let cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat 1 cup powdered sugar, 4 tbsp butter, 6 oz cream cheese, and ½ tsp vanilla until smooth.
Step 7: Fill and Finish
- Unroll the cooled cake.
- Spread the filling evenly over the cake.
- Re-roll without the towel.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips
- Add a pinch of clove for deeper spice.
- Substitute walnuts or pecans in place of mixed nuts.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
- For easier rolling, use parchment paper instead of a towel.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Nutrition
Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 194mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 1gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 2921IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 1mg
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