The pumpkin roll is a timeless dessert that showcases the warm, comforting flavors of fall. The cake is made light and tender with pure pumpkin purée and flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Once baked, it’s rolled up in a towel to cool; this step helps form its signature spiral shape. The creamy, tangy filling perfectly complements the sweet, spiced cake, creating a balanced dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Yield: 10 to 12 servings
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup canned pumpkin purée
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Add the pumpkin and mix until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until fully combined.
Step 3
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched.
Step 4
While the cake is hot, carefully turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake and towel together tightly, starting from the short end. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5
Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
Step 6
Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread the filling evenly over the surface, then re-roll without the towel. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 7
Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and slice into rounds. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.