Name: Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¼ cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel); 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature; ¼ cup salted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch sea salt; 3 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 37 reviews

If you adore the cozy flavors of fall and want to impress friends and family with a delightful dessert, this Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture a soft, spiced pumpkin cake rolled around a luscious, tangy cream cheese filling that’s perfectly smooth and rich. It’s a stunning dessert that’s as comforting as it is elegant, bringing together the warmth of spices, the natural sweetness of pumpkin, and the creamy bliss of the filling in one irresistible roll. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple weekend treat, this recipe never fails to steal the spotlight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large, rectangular single-layer golden-brown cake with a slightly rough texture rests inside a baking tray lined with white parchment paper that lifts slightly at the edges. The surface of the cake is even with a few small dimples and a matte finish. The baking tray sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential, each playing a unique role to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe. From the aromatic spices to the creamy filling, everything comes together to make this dessert unforgettable.

1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb of the cake.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise gently, giving it a light texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder for rise and softness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Add warmth and a classic autumn spice flavor.
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices vital for that signature pumpkin taste.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s moisture.
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the pumpkin cake just right.
1 cup pumpkin puree: Provides moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin goodness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a smooth, fragrant note.
¼ cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel): Prevents sticking when you roll the cake.
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature: Creates the rich and tangy filling foundation.
¼ cup salted butter, softened: Adds creaminess and helps smooth out the filling.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Boosts the cream cheese filling’s flavor.
⅛ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice kick to the filling.
Pinch sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the filling’s flavor depth.
3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese filling beautifully.

How to Make Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tools and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and hot for baking. Then, sprinkle powdered sugar evenly on a large tea towel — this little extra step ensures your cake won’t stick when you roll it up later. Line a 13×17-inch jelly roll pan with parchment or wax paper and give it a light grease. These prep steps set you up for a smooth baking process and flawless rolling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mixing these first guarantees even distribution of flavors and rising agents. It’s a simple mix but critical for that perfectly spiced cake every time.

Step 3: Beat Eggs and Sugar

Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about two minutes. This step creates air bubbles that give the cake its tender, light texture. Watching the mixture transform is always so satisfying — fluffy and thick is what you’re aiming for.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin and Vanilla

Next, mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract into your beaten egg and sugar mixture. The pumpkin adds moisture and that rich fall color, while the vanilla deepens the flavor. Combining wet and dry ingredients carefully now is key to keeping your batter smooth and light.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so stir carefully until you no longer see flour. This will give your pumpkin cake the delicate crumb and tender bite it deserves.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared jelly roll pan, leaving about a quarter-inch border around the edges for clean lines. Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 15 minutes, until the cake’s surface is set and springs back lightly when touched. This quick bake time keeps the cake soft enough to roll without cracking later — the hallmark of a perfect pumpkin roll.

Step 7: Roll the Cake While Warm

Right out of the oven, carefully invert the cake onto the powdered sugar-covered tea towel. Peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake and towel together from the short end. This early rolling prevents cracks once the cake cools. Let it cool completely in the towel, which locks in moisture and shape elegantly.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the softened butter in your mixer until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese, beating until smooth and lump-free. Then, mix in vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt for balanced flavor. Gradually fold in powdered sugar a cup at a time, making sure your filling is silky and thick enough to spread easily. This luscious filling is what elevates the cake from yummy to extraordinary!

Step 9: Assemble the Pumpkin Roll

Unroll your cooled cake gently and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface. Roll it back up carefully, this time without the towel, to form the iconic spiral. Place your masterpiece on a serving plate and chill for at least an hour so the filling sets perfectly and flavors meld.

How to Serve Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

A soft rolled cake rests on a white marble surface, dusted lightly with powdered sugar, showing two visible layers: a brown spiced cake layer wrapped around a creamy white filling that spirals through the roll. One slice is placed in front, displaying the swirl pattern clearly. Nearby, two cinnamon sticks and a small pumpkin add warm, autumn feelings. A sieve filled with powdered sugar lies softly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar over the chilled pumpkin roll adds a snowy touch that’s both beautiful and delicious. For extra festive appeal, sprinkle with chopped pecans or drizzle a little caramel sauce. Fresh whipped cream or a few cinnamon sticks on the side also make fantastic garnishes that invite you to dig right in.

Side Dishes

While the pumpkin roll can certainly shine on its own, pairing it with warm spiced tea or a hot cup of coffee takes the experience to the next level. For holiday meals, serve alongside subtly sweet roasted apples or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrasting textures and temperatures that delight the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, slice the pumpkin roll cake into thick spirals and stack them vertically on a rustic wooden board for an impressive dessert display. Alternatively, arrange thin slices in a fan shape on white porcelain plates and drizzle with a maple glaze or chocolate sauce for a modern twist on this classic treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. Because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness, flavor, and the perfect creamy texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the pumpkin roll for longer storage. Wrap it well first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the filling’s smoothness and cake’s moisture.

Reheating

Since this dessert is best served chilled, reheating is not usually recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly warmed, unwrap and microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the filling just a bit without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I make this pumpkin roll gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or an equivalent binder to maintain the cake’s structure and rollability.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can create your own pumpkin pie spice by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves or allspice. This DIY blend works wonderfully and lets you adjust spice levels to taste.

Why do I need to roll the cake while it’s warm?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm prevents cracks from forming as it cools. It basically ‘trains’ the cake to hold its roll shape, making assembly smooth and the final texture tender.

Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The filling can be prepared a day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before spreading to ensure it’s easy to handle and spread smoothly.

How can I tell when the cake is perfectly baked?

The cake top should spring back lightly when you press it gently with your finger, and it should look set but not browned. Overbaking will dry it out and make it harder to roll, so keep a close eye around minute 14.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe enough for anyone who loves festive flavors paired with a dessert that’s truly impressive but surprisingly easy to pull off. Each bite is a celebration of fall’s finest ingredients and comforting textures, perfect to share with family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for every occasion.