Easy Pumpkin Rolls Recipe

Fluffy Homemade Pumpkin Rolls Recipe: Autumn Comfort on a Plate

Crafting a delightful pumpkin rolls recipe can transform an ordinary autumn afternoon into a magical culinary adventure.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Soft, spiced dough promises a delectable treat that melts in your mouth.

Seasonal baking becomes effortless with this straightforward approach to creating a classic dessert.

Layers of creamy filling nestled within tender cake promise pure deliciousness.

Unexpected ingredients and simple techniques make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and create something extraordinary that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips to Get Perfect Swirls in Rolls

Tips to Get Perfect Swirls in Rolls
  • Roll the warm cake with a towel while it's still hot to help maintain flexibility and prevent unwanted cracks during the rolling process.
  • Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to ensure the perfect cake texture and avoid a dense or dry roll.
  • Bring cream cheese and butter to room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, lump-free filling that spreads easily.
  • Refrigerate the rolled pumpkin roll for at least an hour to help it set and make clean, beautiful slices when cutting.
  • When unrolling and re-rolling the cake, use a light hand to prevent tearing and maintain the delicate cake's structure.

Storing and Reheating Pumpkin Rolls

Storing and Reheating Pumpkin Rolls
  • Store the pumpkin roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the entire pumpkin roll securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut the roll into individual slices, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw individual slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  • Bring refrigerated or thawed pumpkin roll to room temperature before serving. For a slightly warm treat, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds on low power to prevent drying out.

Tasty Pairings for Pumpkin Rolls

Tasty Pairings for Pumpkin Rolls
  • Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the warm pumpkin spices with a creamy, aromatic chai tea that echoes the cake's cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
  • Create Dessert Wine Moment: Select a sweet Moscato or late-harvest Riesling to balance the cream cheese filling's richness and enhance the pumpkin roll's delicate sweetness.
  • Serve with Maple Bourbon Whipped Cream: Elevate the dessert by topping or serving alongside a whipped cream infused with maple syrup and a hint of bourbon, which intensifies the roll's autumnal flavors.
  • Garnish with Candied Pecans: Sprinkle toasted, caramelized pecans around the plate to add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft, creamy pumpkin roll.

Unique Takes on Pumpkin Rolls

Unique Takes on Pumpkin Rolls
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same soft texture and flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Alternative: Swap regular cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and coconut oil, maintaining the rich filling while accommodating dairy restrictions.
  • Keto-Friendly Pumpkin Roll: Use almond flour instead of regular flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate cream cheese with minimal carbohydrates for a low-carb version.
  • Nut-Free Spice Variation: Omit nuts if used in the original recipe, and enhance the roll's flavor with additional warm spices like ginger and allspice for added depth.

FAQs

FAQs
  • Why use parchment paper in the pan?

Parchment paper prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to remove the cake from the pan without breaking it, ensuring a perfect roll every time.

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure to drain excess moisture and strain it to achieve the right consistency for the recipe.

  • How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Check the cake at 15 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake soft and rollable.

  • What's the trick to rolling the cake without cracking?

Roll the cake while it’s still warm using a powdered sugar-dusted towel. The warmth and sugar help prevent cracking and make the rolling process smoother.

Why Pumpkin Rolls Are a Fall Favorite

Why Pumpkin Rolls Are a Fall Favorite
  • Pumpkin rolls offer a cozy baking experience that brings warmth to any kitchen.
  • This recipe is beginner-friendly, with simple steps that guarantee success even for novice bakers who want to impress their loved ones.
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations, these rolls deliver a stunning presentation that looks professionally made but comes together with minimal effort.
  • Prepare this dessert in advance and refrigerate, which means less stress and more enjoyment during busy entertaining seasons – a total game-changer for home cooks juggling multiple tasks.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Rolls

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth vegetable base that provides moisture and rich autumn flavor to the roll.
  • Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the cake structure together.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that give the pumpkin roll its classic fall taste.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the cake.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the cake.
Filling and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter, Powdered Sugar: Creamy, sweet filling that provides a rich and smooth texture to the pumpkin roll.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cake removal easier.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting the towel and can be used for final decoration.
  • Clean Kitchen Towel: Assists in rolling the cake without cracking.
  • Plastic Wrap: Helps in storing and shaping the finished roll.

Instructions for Making Pumpkin Rolls

Instructions for Making Pumpkin Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Surface

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and carefully line it with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create the Luscious Batter

Gather your ingredients:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt
  • Flour

Blend the wet ingredients until silky smooth in one bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients.

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Base

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

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

Step 4: Roll and Cool the Cake

Immediately dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.

Carefully flip the hot cake onto the towel, remove parchment paper, and gently roll the cake with the towel from the short end.

Allow it to cool completely.

Step 5: Craft the Creamy Filling

Whip cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until achieving a smooth, luxurious texture.

Step 6: Final Assembly

Unroll the cooled cake, generously spread the cream cheese filling across the surface.

Roll the cake tightly, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before slicing and serving.

Print
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Easy Pumpkin Rolls Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Silky pumpkin rolls blend autumn’s warmth with delicate spices, creating a nostalgic dessert that whispers comfort. Sweet spirals of seasonal magic invite you to savor each tender, cream-filled bite with pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin puree

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling and Frosting:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper, then preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Create a smooth wet mixture by whisking pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla until fully integrated.
  3. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, including baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour, then gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
  4. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring uniform thickness and distribution.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean when inserted into the center.
  6. Immediately after removing from oven, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.
  7. Carefully invert the hot cake onto the sugared towel, gently removing parchment paper.
  8. Roll the cake with the towel from the short end, allowing it to cool completely while maintaining its rolled shape.
  9. Prepare cream cheese filling by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
  10. Once cooled, unroll the cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface.
  11. Tightly re-roll the cake without the towel, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

  • Moisture Matters: Ensure pumpkin puree is well-drained to prevent excess liquid that could make the roll soggy and difficult to handle.
  • Precise Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light, tender texture and prevent a tough, dense cake roll.
  • Temperature Control: Allow the rolled cake to cool completely before adding filling to prevent melting and ensure clean, crisp layers.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, keeping the same measurement.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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