Introduction

The beloved pumpkin roll is a seasonal favorite that beautifully melds the flavors of autumn with a delightful dessert experience. As the leaves begin to turn and the air turns crisp, this recipe for a pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling is the perfect sweet treat to share with family and friends.

With its soft, spongy cake reminiscent of the traditional jelly roll, this pumpkin version is enhanced by a creamy filling that adds richness and a touch of tang. Ideal for gatherings or simply enjoying at home, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert collection.

Not only is it visually appealing when sliced, revealing its swirled design, but it is also straightforward to make. Follow along as we break down the ingredients and share tips to ensure your pumpkin roll turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
This is the base of the pumpkin roll, providing structure. The flour interacts with the eggs and pumpkin puree to create a soft, spongy texture that makes the cake rollable.
1 teaspoon baking powder
This leavening agent helps the cake rise, ensuring it has a light and airy quality. It also contributes to the overall texture, making it fluffy.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly. It’s a quintessential spice in fall baking, enhancing the cake’s sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Nutmeg offers a deeper, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with cinnamon and pumpkin, adding layers of complexity to the overall taste profile.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt is essential in any dessert to enhance overall flavor and balance out the sweetness. It makes the other flavors pop, making the pumpkin and spices more pronounced.
3 large eggs
Eggs provide moisture and richness in the batter. They also help bind the ingredients together and are crucial for achieving the right texture that allows for rolling.
1 cup granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the cake and contributes to its tender texture. It affirms the delightful sweetness that balances the spiced pumpkin.
1 cup pumpkin puree
This is the star ingredient, providing both flavor and moistness. The puree gives the roll its characteristic pumpkin taste while contributing to its vibrant color.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla extracts add depth to the flavor profile, enhancing the sweetness and making the overall taste richer.
8 oz cream cheese, softened
Cream cheese forms the base of the filling, lending richness and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Powdered sugar is used in the cream cheese filling for sweetness and smooth texture, allowing it to blend easily and become fluffy.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract for filling
The additional vanilla in the filling complements the cream cheese, making it more flavorful and aromatic.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Preheating the oven is essential for even baking. It ensures the cake starts to set immediately, creating a fluffy texture. Make sure to give it enough time to fully reach the desired temperature.

Step 2: Grease and line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

Lining the pan with parchment prevents the cake from sticking, allowing for a clean release after baking. This also helps maintain the shape of the cake when rolled.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Whisking these dry ingredients together evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices. This step is key to ensuring your cake rises evenly and is flavor-infused throughout.

Step 4: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Beating the eggs and sugar aerates the mixture, which is crucial for a light cake. This step also helps dissolve the sugar, promoting better texture in the final product.

Step 5: Blend in the pumpkin puree and vanilla until combined.

Incorporating the pumpkin and vanilla at this stage adds moisture and flavor. It’s important to mix until fully combined to avoid uneven texture in the cake.

Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Combining the dry and wet ingredients should be done gently to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake. Mix until you see no dry flour.

Step 7: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Spreading the batter uniformly ensures even baking, preventing thick or thin spots that could affect the roll’s ability to maintain shape. Use a spatula for a smooth surface.

Step 8: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.

This baking step is crucial—overbaking can dry out your cake, while underbaking will make it difficult to roll. The touch test ensures it’s just right.

Step 9: Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.

Inverting the cake prevents it from cooling in the pan, which can cause it to become soggy. The powdered sugar helps prevent sticking to the towel, keeping the cake intact.

Step 10: Starting at one end, carefully roll the cake and the towel together, forming a log shape.

Rolling the cake while it’s warm is key to forming the roll without cracking. This gentle technique ensures the shape’s integrity once it cools.

Step 11: Let the rolled cake cool completely on a wire rack.

Allowing the cake to cool fully enables it to set in its rolled shape. This step prevents cracking when you unroll it to fill.

Step 12: While the cake cools, make the cream cheese filling by beating the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth.

This filling step brings richness and flavor to balance the sweetness of the cake. Use a hand mixer for fluffy consistency and avoid lumps.

Step 13: Unroll the cooled cake carefully and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface.

Spreading the filling evenly ensures each bite contains the delightful cream cheese flavor. Be gentle, as the cake can crack if handled roughly.

Step 14: Roll the cake back up without the towel, wrapping it in plastic wrap.

Re-rolling without the towel allows the filling to remain intact and keeps the cake from drying out. This step also helps maintain moisture and freshness.

Step 15: Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to set the filling.

Chilling the rolled cake helps firm the filling and keeps the roll intact for slicing. It also allows flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.

Step 16: Slice into portions and enjoy your delicious pumpkin roll!

Slicing the roll gives a beautiful presentation of the swirls and helps control portion sizes. Admire the cross-section before serving; it’s as delightful as it is delicious!

Creative Variations for Your Pumpkin Roll

While the classic pumpkin roll is delightful, consider adding a twist to your recipe. For a chocolate lover’s variation, incorporate cocoa powder into the batter, transforming it into a chocolate pumpkin roll. You can also experiment with flavored extracts such as almond or maple to give a unique spin to the traditional recipe.

Making Pumpkin Roll More Festive

For a festive touch, think about incorporating seasonal spices such as ginger or allspice into the batter. You can also decorate the final roll with crushed nuts or drizzled chocolate, adding both visual appeal and additional flavors. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the cream cheese filling can enhance the presentation as well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your pumpkin roll is a success, avoid the common mistake of overmixing the batter. This can lead to a dense texture. Also, let the cake cool while rolled to set its shape and prevent cracking during the unrolling process. Lastly, take care when slicing; a serrated knife often works best for a clean cut through the soft cake.

FAQs

What if my pumpkin roll cracks when I unroll it?

If your pumpkin roll cracks, don’t worry! This might happen if it’s not cooled enough. Try to roll it carefully and if it cracks, use the filling to patch it up before serving.

Can I use a different cream cheese filling?

Absolutely! You can mix in different flavorings such as orange zest or maple syrup for a unique twist. Adjust the sugar according to your taste preference.

What if my cake is too thick or thin?

If your cake is too thick, it may not bake evenly; ensure to spread it to a uniform thickness in the pan. If it’s too thin, you might need to bake it longer to achieve the right texture—monitor it closely.

Can I scale this recipe for a larger gathering?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or additional pans. Just ensure to adjust the baking time as needed.

What spices can I add for more flavor?

You can enhance the flavor with spices like ginger or allspice, which pair beautifully with pumpkin. A pinch of cloves can also add depth.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when it springs back when lightly touched and the edges pull away from the pan. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Conclusion

Creating a pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling is an enjoyable baking experience that results in a stunning and delicious dessert. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can master this favorite fall treat.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and decorations to make it your own. Whether for holidays or casual gatherings, this pumpkin roll is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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