Perfect Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting
This Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate autumn dessert—moist, warmly spiced, and filled with luscious cream cheese frosting. With its beautiful swirl and tender texture, this classic treat looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or just embracing fall flavors, this recipe is a seasonal showstopper.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Elegant Presentation: The spiral swirl is eye-catching and festive.
Warm Seasonal Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger enhance the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
Perfect Texture: Moist cake and smooth cream cheese frosting in every bite.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill it overnight for even better flavor and slicing.
Ingredients & Their Purpose
For the Pumpkin Cake
3/4 cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure and creates a light, flexible cake that rolls easily.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise evenly.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Balances the acidity of the pumpkin for a tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds cozy, classic spice.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Enhances the pumpkin’s earthy sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a zesty warmth.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances and intensifies the flavors.
3 large eggs – Provide richness and help the cake bind together.
1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps keep the cake moist.
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree – The star ingredient that brings flavor, color, and moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth.
Powdered sugar – For dusting the towel and finished roll; prevents sticking and adds a decorative touch.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese, softened – The creamy base of the filling with a slight tang.
1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and creates a smooth texture.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the sweetness with warm vanilla flavor.
How to Make the Best Pumpkin Roll
Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar and set aside for rolling.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
Combine: Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 13–15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Roll the Cake: Immediately invert the hot cake onto the prepared towel. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Starting from the short end, tightly roll the cake and towel together. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Fill & Re-Roll: Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the frosting evenly over the surface. Gently re-roll the cake (without the towel) into a log shape.
Chill: Wrap the pumpkin roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Dust & Slice: Before serving, dust with a light layer of powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Pumpkin Roll Success
Use parchment paper and a towel to prevent sticking and tearing when rolling the cake.
Roll while warm – Rolling the cake straight from the oven ensures it molds into shape without cracking.
Cool completely before filling to prevent the frosting from melting.
Chill before slicing – This firms up the filling and makes for clean, beautiful slices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or pumpkin spice latte.
Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a stunning dessert plate.
Great for holiday dessert tables or gifting wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t just a fall dessert—it’s a timeless favorite that’s elegant, satisfying, and remarkably simple to prepare. With its signature swirl and luscious filling, it brings warmth and joy to every slice. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time. Make it once, and it’ll become a holiday tradition you look forward to year after year.