Classic Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll Recipe

Classic Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll Recipe with cream cheese filling. Easy step-by-step instructions for the perfect autumn dessert that serves 14.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last October, my sister challenged me to recreate our grandmother’s mysterious pumpkin roll that disappeared with her recipe box.

You know what? After twelve attempts, three kitchen towel disasters, and one spectacularly cracked cake, I finally cracked the code.

Well… let me tell you, this classic pumpkin spice cake roll recipe transforms any autumn gathering into something magical. Moreover, the aroma alone—that perfect blend of cinnamon, cloves, and warm pumpkin—instantly transports you to a cozy New England farmhouse where leaves crunch underfoot and apple cider simmers on the stove.

Consequently, I’ve perfected every detail so you can nail this dessert on your first try. Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving fall flavors, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.

Furthermore, the cream cheese filling creates the perfect balance against the spiced cake, making each slice absolutely irresistible.

What Makes This Classic Pumpkin Roll Special

This classic pumpkin spice cake roll recipe stands apart because it uses the perfect spice blend and foolproof rolling technique. Additionally, the cake stays moist for days thanks to the ideal pumpkin-to-flour ratio I’ve fine-tuned through countless tests.

The secret lies in the temperature control and timing. Furthermore, using room temperature eggs creates the light, airy texture that rolls without cracking. Meanwhile, the cream cheese filling strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet.

Essential Ingredients for Classic Pumpkin Roll

Shopping Tips for Success

First, select canned pumpkin carefully—avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains added spices. Instead, choose pure pumpkin puree from brands like Libby’s for consistent results. Similarly, fresh spices make an enormous difference in flavor depth.

Moreover, cream cheese quality directly impacts your filling’s smoothness. Therefore, choose full-fat Philadelphia or similar premium brands. Additionally, ensure all dairy ingredients reach room temperature before mixing—this prevents lumps and creates silky texture.

Smart Substitutions for Pumpkin Rolls Recipe

However, dietary restrictions don’t have to derail your pumpkin roll dreams. Consequently, here are tested alternatives that maintain the recipe’s integrity:

For gluten-free needs, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 baking blend containing xanthan gum. Nevertheless, expect a slightly denser texture. Meanwhile, dairy-free versions work beautifully with vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter.

Egg substitutes present more challenges, but applesauce (¼ cup total) creates acceptable results. Still, the texture won’t achieve the same lightness as traditional eggs provide.

Equipment and Preparation Mastery

Pumpkin Rolls Recipe Essential Equipment List

Professional results require the right tools, but don’t worry—most home kitchens already have everything needed. First, you’ll need a 13×18-inch half sheet pan (also called a jelly roll pan). Additionally, parchment paper prevents sticking disasters.

Furthermore, a clean cotton kitchen towel becomes crucial for the rolling process. Avoid terry cloth towels since their texture imprints on the delicate cake. Instead, choose thin, lint-free cotton towels for smooth results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase: Setting Up for Success

Preheat your oven to 375°F while you prepare the pan. Next, grease the half sheet pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Then, line it with parchment paper, ensuring edges hang over slightly for easy removal.

Oops! Here’s where I made my biggest mistake initially—I forgot to grease the parchment paper itself. Consequently, my first cake stuck terribly. Therefore, grease and flour the parchment paper for guaranteed release.

Meanwhile, sprinkle your clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. This prevents the warm cake from sticking during the crucial rolling phase.

Mixing the Perfect Cake Batter

Combine all dry ingredients in a small bowl first. Specifically, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until evenly distributed. This ensures consistent spicing throughout.

In your mixer bowl, beat the room temperature eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale yellow. This process typically takes 3-4 minutes with a stand mixer or 5-6 minutes with hand beaters. The mixture should fall in ribbons when lifted.

Next, beat in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated. Finally, gently stir in the flour mixture just until combined—overmixing creates tough cake texture.

Baking Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan using an offset spatula. Additionally, tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles and level the surface.

Bake for 13-15 minutes, checking at the 13-minute mark. The cake is ready when it springs back lightly when touched and pulls slightly from the pan edges. Moreover, the surface should appear set but not overly golden.

The Critical Rolling Technique

Here’s where many home bakers panic, but don’t worry—this technique works every time. Immediately after removing from the oven, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake. Then, quickly flip it onto your powdered sugar-dusted towel.

Carefully peel off the parchment paper while the cake remains warm and pliable. Starting from the narrow end, roll the cake and towel together snugly but not tightly. The towel prevents the cake from sticking to itself while cooling.

Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a wire rack to cool completely—this takes about 1 hour.

Creating the Luscious Cream Cheese Filling

While the cake cools, prepare your filling by beating softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until no lumps remain. Then, incorporate softened butter and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves silky consistency.

Pro tip: If your filling appears grainy, the ingredients weren’t warm enough. Simply let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then beat again.

Classic Pumpkin Roll Final Assembly

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and remove the towel—it should unroll easily without cracking. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides.

Reroll the cake gently but firmly, using the filling as natural “glue.” Wrap the completed roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time allows the filling to set and flavors to meld beautifully.

Expert Tips and Creative Variations for the Perfect Classic Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll Recipe

Professional Techniques

Thomas Keller emphasizes the importance of ingredient temperature in delicate baking, and this principle applies perfectly to pumpkin rolls. Similarly, Julia Child always stressed the value of proper preparation—having all ingredients measured and ready prevents rushed mistakes.

Temperature control makes the difference between success and disaster. Therefore, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your oven runs accurately at 375°F. Additionally, rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.

Flavor Variations to Explore

Maple Pecan Pumpkin Roll: Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup to the filling and sprinkle chopped pecans over the cream cheese before rolling. This variation pairs beautifully with our honey BBQ crockpot meatballs for holiday buffets.

Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold mini chocolate chips into the filling for added texture and richness. Moreover, this version appeals to chocolate lovers who want autumn flavors with familiar comfort.

Bourbon Cream Filling: Replace vanilla extract with 1 tablespoon bourbon for an adult twist. However, let the alcohol flavor mellow by refrigerating overnight before serving.

Spiced Apple Version: Add ¼ cup finely diced apples to the filling and extra cinnamon for apple-pie-meets-pumpkin-roll magic. Furthermore, this combination celebrates multiple fall flavors simultaneously.

Classic Pumpkin Roll Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

For make-ahead convenience, prepare the roll completely up to three days before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together. However, add the powdered sugar garnish just before serving to maintain its appearance.

Freezing works beautifully for longer storage. Wrap the completed roll in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.

Classic Pumpkin Roll Perfect Pairings and Presentation

This classic pumpkin roll pairs wonderfully with hot apple cider or freshly brewed coffee. Additionally, it complements rich dinner menus by providing a lighter dessert option after heavy fall meals.

For elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar just before serving and garnish each plate with a cinnamon stick or candied pumpkin seeds. Moreover, consider serving alongside our apple crisp mini cheesecakes for a stunning autumn dessert spread.

Restaurant-quality plating involves slicing with a sharp, clean knife, wiping the blade between cuts for neat edges. Furthermore, slightly warm plates enhance the serving experience and complement the roll’s flavors.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

Even experienced bakers encounter obstacles with pumpkin rolls. Consequently, here are solutions to the most frequent issues:

Cracked cake during rolling: Usually indicates overbaking or insufficient towel powdering. The cake should feel slightly underdone rather than completely set when rolling.

Lumpy filling: Cold ingredients create this texture problem. Always ensure cream cheese and butter reach room temperature before mixing.

Soggy bottom: Too much pumpkin or insufficient flour creates excess moisture. Additionally, ensure your measuring cups are accurate for consistent results.

Man, oh man, learning these solutions the hard way taught me valuable lessons I’m happy to share with you!

Classic Pumpkin Roll FAQs

Creating Lasting Fall Memories

This classic pumpkin spice cake roll recipe transforms ordinary autumn afternoons into extraordinary celebrations. Moreover, the process itself becomes a cherished ritual—the careful rolling, the anticipation while chilling, and finally the joy of sharing perfect slices with loved ones.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or contributing to a harvest potluck, this dessert guarantees impressed guests and requests for the recipe. Additionally, the beautiful spiral presentation makes every slice Instagram-worthy without requiring professional pastry skills.

Remember that autumn flavors deserve to be savored slowly, just like the season itself. Therefore, pair this delightful roll with our pumpkin spice Chex mix for a complete fall snacking experience.

I’d love to see your pumpkin roll creations! Tag @TastyAtHome on social media and share your rolling success stories. After all, every kitchen victory deserves celebration, and this recipe definitely qualifies as a win worth sharing.

Tasty at Home – Where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.

Classic Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll

A moist pumpkin spice cake rolled with creamy cream cheese filling, creating the perfect autumn dessert. This classic recipe features warm spices and a silky smooth filling that’s ideal for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Chilling Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 14 servings

Equipment

• 13×18-inch half sheet pan
• Electric mixer
• Clean cotton kitchen towel
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• mixing bowls
• Offset spatula

Ingredients

  

For the cake

• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting towel
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour 115g
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar 225g
• ⅔ cup canned pumpkin 175g

For the filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened, 227g
• 1 cup powdered sugar 125g
• 6 tablespoons butter softened, 84g
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for garnish if desired

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 13×18-inch half sheet pan and line with parchment paper. Grease and flour the paper. Sprinkle a thin, cotton kitchen towel with the 3-4 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
• Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in larger mixer bowl until thick and pale yellow in color. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan.
• Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
• Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake and remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake.
• Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Libby’s brand pumpkin. For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. The cake can be stored wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keyword cake roll, cream cheese, fall dessert, pumpkin, thanksgiving