Pumpkin Cake Roll
The Pumpkin Cake Roll takes me back to delightful fall afternoons spent baking in the kitchen. There’s something so comforting about this dessert, with its moist, spiced cake wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling. I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen smelled like a warm pumpkin pie, and I could hardly wait to share it with my family. As I gently rolled the cake, I felt a thrill of excitement bubbling within me. It felt like a magical transformation, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary that everyone could enjoy. This recipe has become a staple in our household, making appearances at Halloween parties and family gatherings alike. Each slice is a celebration of the season, and it brings smiles all around the table. If you haven’t tried making a Pumpkin Cake Roll, this is the perfect time to dive in!
Recipe Snapshot
40 mins
20 mins
20 mins
Medium
250 kcal
4 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
Oven, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife
What’s Great About This Pumpkin Cake Roll
1. A Festive Favorite
The Pumpkin Cake Roll is a true seasonal delight that embodies the spirit of fall. Its vibrant orange color and warm spices add a festive touch to any table, making it a perfect dessert for Halloween or Thanksgiving celebrations.
2. Easy to Impress
This dessert looks complicated, but it’s surprisingly simple to make! When you roll it up and dust it with powdered sugar, it transforms into a beautiful centerpiece that will impress your guests.
3. Versatile and Customizable
While the classic version is delightful, the Pumpkin Cake Roll can easily be customized. Consider adding nuts or experimenting with different spices for a unique twist.
4. A Creamy Surprise
The rich cream cheese filling is the star of the show. Its smooth texture complements the fluffy pumpkin cake perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that everyone will love.
5. A Slice of Nostalgia
Every bite of this cake reminds me of my childhood and the joy of baking with family. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, bringing warmth and nostalgia to family gatherings.
6. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday party, the Pumpkin Cake Roll fits right in. It’s a dessert that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it ideal for any gathering.
Pumpkin Cake Roll Ingredients
Creating the perfect Pumpkin Cake Roll starts with the right ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. The key players include all-purpose flour for structure, pumpkin puree for flavor and moisture, and pumpkin pie spice that captures the essence of fall. All these ingredients work together to create the soft, delectable cake and the creamy filling that makes this dessert so cherished.
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup – This staple ingredient provides the structure necessary for the cake to hold its shape while still being soft and tender.
- Pumpkin pie spice: 1 and 1/2 teaspoons – This warm, aromatic blend of spices infuses the cake with that quintessential fall flavor.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon – A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – A crucial component that enhances all the flavors in the cake.
- Large eggs: 4, at room temperature – Eggs act as a binding agent, adding moisture and richness to the cake.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup – Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon – Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cake.
- Pumpkin puree: 3/4 cup – The star ingredient that provides moisture, flavor, and the iconic orange color.
- Powdered sugar: for dusting – Adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation finish.
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, at room temperature – The base of the luscious filling that gives the cake a creamy texture.
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons, at room temperature – Adds richness and helps create a smooth filling.
- Powdered sugar: 3 cups – Sweetens the filling and creates a velvety, smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling.
How to Prepare Pumpkin Cake Roll
Making a Pumpkin Cake Roll is a delightful journey that brings together the essence of fall into a delicious dessert. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning cake that impresses everyone. Let’s get started!
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and has the perfect fluffy texture. While the oven heats, grease a half-sheet baking tray and line it with parchment paper, which prevents the cake from sticking.
In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well mixed, ensuring each bite of cake is flavorful.
In a large bowl, combine eggs and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat them on medium speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture turns pale and light. This process incorporates air into the eggs, making your cake fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously until everything is combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that light texture. Once fully combined, pour the batter into the prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly.
Tap the tray on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. This step helps avoid holes in your cake. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
While the cake bakes, prepare a clean kitchen towel by dusting it generously with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, carefully flip it onto the kitchen towel. Peel off the parchment paper and dust more powdered sugar on top.
Start rolling the cake from one short end, using the towel to assist you. This helps shape the cake while it’s still warm, allowing it to hold its form better. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely.
While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat them together on medium speed until well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar in batches, mixing until smooth. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 4 to 5 minutes until the filling is light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it gently and spread the prepared filling evenly over the surface. Carefully roll it back without the towel, ensuring the filling stays inside.
Wrap the cake roll in cling wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour to help it firm up. This chilling step makes it easier to slice later.
When ready to serve, dust the top with powdered sugar and pipe any reserved filling as a decoration. Slice the Pumpkin Cake Roll gently, and enjoy a slice of fall!
Things Worth Knowing
- Always use room temperature ingredients: This ensures better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don’t skip the towel dusting: This prevents the cake from sticking and helps maintain its shape while rolling.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is cooked through; it should come out clean.
- For added flavor: Consider incorporating chopped nuts into the filling for a delightful crunch.
How to Switch It Up
If you want to get creative with your Pumpkin Cake Roll, here are some fun ideas to switch it up and personalize your dessert!
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the rolled cake (wrapped tightly) for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
- Pairing: Serve your Pumpkin Cake Roll with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Flavor variations: Experiment with different spices. Adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling can enhance the flavor profile even more.
- Decorative touches: Get creative with your presentation. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for a stunning effect.
- Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Side Dish Ideas for Pumpkin Cake Roll
When it comes to serving your Pumpkin Cake Roll, a few thoughtful side dishes can enhance the experience. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Spiced apple cider: Pair your cake with a warm glass of spiced apple cider for a cozy autumn vibe.
- Chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea complement the flavors of the cake beautifully.
- Vanilla ice cream: A cold scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich cake.
- Cheese platter: Serve with a selection of cheeses to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Seasonal fruits: Fresh figs or sliced pears can elevate your dessert table and add a refreshing contrast.
- Nutty granola: Crumble some nutty granola on top of the cake for added texture and crunch.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Pumpkin Cake Roll stands out as a charming dessert that encapsulates the flavors of fall. Its combination of moist pumpkin cake and creamy filling creates a delightful experience with every bite. I encourage you to try making this cake for your next gathering or simply to enjoy at home. It’s a recipe that brings joy, warmth, and a little bit of nostalgia to the table.
Pumpkin Cake Roll
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a half-sheet baking tray and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well mixed.
- In a large bowl, combine eggs and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat them on medium speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture turns pale and light.
- Add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously until everything is combined.
- Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray, spreading it evenly.
- Tap the tray on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare a clean kitchen towel by dusting it generously with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, carefully flip it onto the kitchen towel.
- Start rolling the cake from one short end, using the towel to assist you. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling by beating cream cheese and unsalted butter together until well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar in batches, mixing until smooth. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 4 to 5 minutes until the filling is light and fluffy.
- Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it gently and spread the prepared filling evenly over the surface. Carefully roll it back without the towel.
- Wrap the cake roll in cling wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour to help it firm up. Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Tip 2: You can freeze the rolled cake (wrapped tightly) for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
- Tip 3: Serve your Pumpkin Cake Roll with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Tip 4: Experiment with different spices. Adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling can enhance the flavor profile even more.
- Tip 5: Get creative with your presentation. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for a stunning effect.
