Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe

The Cozy Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe for Autumn Bliss

Fall baking reaches new heights with this classic pumpkin roll that promises delightful layers of autumnal comfort.

Soft spices dance through tender cake, creating a swirl of nostalgia and warmth.

Cream cheese filling adds luxurious richness to each delectable slice.

Sweet memories emerge from this traditional dessert that connects generations of home cooks.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly into a spectacular treat that impresses without complicated techniques.

Invite friends and family to savor this elegant yet approachable dessert that celebrates harvest traditions.

Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe People Always Come Back To

  • Quick Seasonal Delight: Effortlessly transform autumn ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that celebrates fall flavors.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Minimal baking skills required with straightforward steps anyone can master, making it perfect for novice bakers seeking impressive results.
  • Time-Efficient Treat: Ready in under an hour, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation, ideal for busy home cooks craving a delicious dessert.
  • Family Gathering Star: Perfectly portioned bars that appeal to all ages, guaranteed to become a must-have at potlucks, holiday parties, and weekend gatherings.

Elements In A Classic Pumpkin Roll

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential dry ingredient providing structure for the pumpkin roll.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create tender cake texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft, ensuring smooth texture.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides rich autumn flavor and moisture to the cake.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to cake's light structure.
Spices and Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become fluffy.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic pumpkin spice flavor.
  • Baking Soda: Assists with cake's rise and helps balance acidity.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base for smooth, rich filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the filling.

Classic Pumpkin Roll Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whip up your wet ingredients until they’re silky smooth:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until everything is perfectly blended and there are no lumpy surprises.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the pumpkin creation cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a bowl, beat together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until the frosting is dreamy and smooth.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Spread the luscious frosting over the cooled pumpkin bars.

Slice into delectable pieces and get ready to enjoy a slice of autumn magic.

Steps To Nail A Picture-Perfect Pumpkin Roll

  • Thoroughly grease and line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal and flawless presentation.
  • Use fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree to ensure a rich, moist texture and enhance the dessert's natural flavor profile.
  • Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a silky, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.
  • Chill the rolled cake for 30 minutes before cutting to achieve clean, precise slices without crumbling.
  • Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version that's equally tender and delectable.

Tips to Store Classic Pumpkin Roll

  • Store leftover pumpkin roll in an airtight container, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Carefully wrap the entire roll or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for maximum 2 months.
  • Transfer frozen pumpkin roll to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to slowly defrost and preserve its creamy texture.
  • Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to let it reach room temperature and restore its soft, delectable consistency.

Pumpkin Roll Matching Drinks or Snacks

  • Elevate Flavor Companions: Complementary Tastes for Pumpkin Roll
  • Brew Rich Coffee Pairing: Bold espresso or medium roast coffee cuts through the sweet cream cheese frosting, offering a robust contrast that highlights the pumpkin's warm spices.
  • Serve Alongside Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over each slice to enhance the dessert's autumnal richness and add sophisticated depth to the pumpkin's natural sweetness.
  • Create Whipped Cream Accent: Top with lightly spiced whipped cream featuring a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon to amplify the roll's existing warm flavor profile and provide a delicate, airy texture.
  • Match with Dessert Wine: Select a sweet late-harvest Riesling or moscato to complement the pumpkin roll's creamy texture and balance its sugary undertones with elegant wine notes.

Pumpkin Roll Tasty Recipe Alternatives

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same soft texture and rich pumpkin flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut-based cream cheese, and use vegan butter to create a plant-based friendly dessert that's equally creamy and delicious.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use reduced-fat cream cheese to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly pumpkin roll with fewer calories.
  • Keto Adaptation: Transform the recipe using coconut flour, erythritol as a sweetener, and almond flour to create a low-carb pumpkin roll that fits ketogenic dietary requirements while preserving the classic dessert's essence.

FAQs

  • Can I substitute ingredients in the pumpkin roll recipe?

You can replace oil with applesauce, use gluten-free flour for a wheat-free version, and swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.

  • How do I prevent my pumpkin roll from cracking?

Roll the cake while it’s still warm using a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. This helps prevent cracking and makes rolling easier.

  • Is pumpkin roll suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

With simple modifications like using gluten-free flour or dairy-free cream cheese, you can make this recipe friendly for various dietary needs.

  • What are some common mistakes to avoid when making pumpkin roll?

Don’t overbake the cake, ensure ingredients are at room temperature, and carefully roll the cake while it’s still warm to maintain flexibility and prevent cracking.

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Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Seasonal comfort wraps into this classic pumpkin roll, blending warm spices with smooth cream cheese filling. Creamy and perfectly balanced, each slice promises a delightful autumn experience you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt

Filling and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Meticulously prepare a rectangular baking sheet by thoroughly coating with non-stick spray and lining with parchment paper, ensuring complete surface coverage.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients in a sifting motion, creating a uniform powder mixture with gentle, even strokes to eliminate potential lumps.
  3. Whisk pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, granulated sweetener, and eggs in a separate vessel, blending until the composition appears silky and integrated.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the liquid mixture, stirring with deliberate, smooth circular motions until a consistent, velvety batter emerges.
  5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a level surface.
  6. Position in a preheated oven set at 350°F, baking for approximately 25-30 minutes until the edges slightly pull away and a inserted toothpick reveals minimal moisture.
  7. Allow the pastry to cool completely at room temperature, which prevents potential structural breakdown during frosting application.
  8. Craft the cream cheese frosting by whipping together softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a luxuriously smooth consistency.
  9. Once the pumpkin base has reached ambient temperature, delicately spread the frosting across the surface using an offset spatula for precision.
  10. Chill the dessert briefly to set the frosting, then slice into elegant rectangular portions for serving.

Notes

  • Check pan size precisely to ensure even baking and perfect texture.
  • Sifting dry ingredients prevents lumps and creates a smoother, more consistent cake base.
  • Room temperature eggs blend more evenly, helping create a lighter, fluffier pumpkin roll.
  • Cream cheese frosting works best when ingredients are softened but not melted, guaranteeing a silky smooth consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 47 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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