Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
A soft and tender pumpkin cake rolled around a luscious cream cheese filling, this pumpkin roll is the perfect fall dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.
- Prep40 min
- Cook15 min
- Total4h
- DifficultyMedium
- Servings10
This pumpkin roll is a classic American dessert that brings together the warm spices of fall with a creamy, tangy filling. The cake is incredibly light and fluffy, thanks to the whipped eggs and pumpkin, and it rolls up beautifully without cracking.
Once chilled and sliced, each piece reveals a beautiful spiral of pumpkin cake and cream cheese filling. It's a show-stopping dessert for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any autumn celebration, and it can be made ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
For the cake
For the filling
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on the narrow ends, then spray the parchment as well.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the sugar and eggs until pale and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add the pumpkin and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- Add the flour mixture and fold gently with a spatula just until no streaks of flour remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Gently shake the pan to level it.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, until the cake is set and springs back when lightly touched.
- Working quickly, use the parchment overhang to lift the cake and transfer it to a clean, heatproof surface. Starting from one narrow end, roll the cake up (with the parchment) into a log. Roll it snugly but not too tight. Let the rolled cake cool completely on a wire rack, about 2–3 hours.
- While the cake cools, make the filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the filling evenly over the cake, leaving a 1/4-inch border on all sides. Re-roll the cake (without the parchment) from one narrow end to the other.
- Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- To serve, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired, then slice into 1-inch rounds. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
💡 Tips
- Make sure the eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for a smooth batter and filling.
- Roll the cake while it's still warm to prevent cracking; let it cool completely before filling.
- For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Inspired by a recipe from Cooking Classy
