When the leaves turn golden and cozy flavors take over the season, nothing beats a homemade pumpkin roll recipe. This classic dessert combines a soft spiced pumpkin cake with a silky cream cheese filling, rolled into a beautiful swirl that impresses every guest. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply craving something festive, this pumpkin roll will become a staple in your kitchen.

At inasrecipes.com, we love sharing tried-and-true desserts that are family-approved, and this recipe is no exception.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Here’s why readers keep coming back to this fall favorite:

Seasonal favorite – Warm spices and pumpkin flavor in every bite.
Beginner-friendly – Step-by-step instructions make rolling easy.
Picture-perfect – A dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Quick to make – Just 15 minutes of prep and 13 minutes to bake.
Customizable – Add nuts, caramel drizzle, or even chocolate chips.

Pumpkin Roll Recipe: The Perfect Holiday Dessert You Can Master 13

Ingredients for Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need for the cake and filling:

For the Pumpkin Cake

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
⅔ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and salt.
In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla.
Gently fold dry mixture into wet until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
Bake for 13–15 minutes until the top springs back when touched.

Step 4: Roll the Cake

Immediately turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Peel off parchment and roll the cake up with the towel. Let cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Filling

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until creamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Roll

Unroll cooled cake. Spread cream cheese filling evenly.
Roll the cake back up (without the towel). Wrap in plastic and chill at least 1 hour.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Dust with powdered sugar.
Slice into even rounds and enjoy your homemade pumpkin roll!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Roll while hot – Rolling the cake right out of the oven prevents cracks.
Don’t overbake – A dry cake will crack when rolled.
Chill before slicing – Makes cleaner cuts and better presentation.
Use parchment + towel – Double insurance for smooth rolling.

Pumpkin Roll Variations

With Nuts

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.

Chocolate Pumpkin Roll

Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the cake batter for a rich twist.

Caramel Pumpkin Roll

Drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving for indulgence.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge: Wrap tightly in plastic. Keeps up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Make-Ahead: Bake, roll, and freeze without filling. Add filling before serving.

FAQ About Pumpkin Roll Recipe

What are common pumpkin roll mistakes?

The most common mistakes are overbaking the cake, not rolling it while warm, and using too much filling. Each can lead to cracks or messy swirls.

How long will pumpkin roll keep in the fridge?

A pumpkin roll will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator when wrapped tightly in plastic or foil.

What are the ingredients for a pumpkin roll?

You’ll need pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, spices, and for the filling: cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla.

What is the secret to rolling a pumpkin roll?

The secret is rolling the cake in a towel dusted with powdered sugar immediately after baking. This sets the shape and prevents cracks.

Check out our full desserts category for more ideas.

Conclusion

This pumpkin roll recipe is festive, delicious, and surprisingly easy to master. With its soft spiced cake and creamy filling, it’s guaranteed to become a family tradition.

👉 Ready to impress your guests? Bake this pumpkin roll today, and discover more holiday-ready recipes at inasrecipes.com.