๐ Introduction
Thereโs nothing quite as cozy (or as stunning!) as a perfectly swirled Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake. ๐โจ
This showstopping dessert captures everything we love about fall โ warm spices, soft pumpkin cake, and a luscious cream cheese filling rolled into a picture-perfect spiral. Every bite is tender, moist, and bursting with that classic pumpkin spice flavor that makes the season so special. ๐
Despite its elegant appearance, this roll cake is surprisingly easy to make with just a few tips and a simple rolling technique. Whether youโre baking for Thanksgiving, a fall gathering, or simply treating yourself, this Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is guaranteed to impress โ and disappear quickly! ๐ฐ๐
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric hand or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk & spatula
- Kitchen towel (for rolling)
- Cooling rack
๐ Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- ยพ cup all-purpose flour
- ยฝ tsp baking powder
- ยฝ tsp baking soda
- ยฝ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ยฝ tsp nutmeg
- ยฝ tsp ground ginger
- ยผ tsp cloves (optional)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- โ cup pumpkin purรฉe (not pie filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping (Optional):
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
- A drizzle of caramel sauce or crushed pecans
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving extra over the sides for easy removal.
- Lightly grease the parchment paper.
2. Make the Pumpkin Cake Batter
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in pumpkin purรฉe and vanilla.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined โ do not overmix.
3. Bake
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 13โ15 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched.
4. Roll the Cake
- Lay out a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.
- While the cake is still warm, carefully invert it onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting from a short end, gently roll the cake with the towel inside.
- Let it cool completely on a wire rack (about 1 hour).
5. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
6. Assemble the Roll Cake
- Once the cake is cool, carefully unroll it.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake.
- Re-roll it (without the towel) and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing.
7. Serve & Decorate
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel, or top with chopped pecans before serving. ๐โจ
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8โ10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling & Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months.
- To Serve: Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing.
๐ฅ Variations
- Maple Cream Filling: Replace vanilla with 1 tsp maple extract. ๐
- Nutty Pumpkin Roll: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
- Pumpkin Mocha Roll: Mix 1 tsp espresso powder into the batter for a subtle coffee note. โ
- Cinnamon Swirl Twist: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the filling before rolling.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese and flax eggs.
โ 10 FAQs
- Why did my roll crack?
Rolling the cake while itโs warm prevents cracking โ donโt wait too long! - Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of purรฉe?
No โ pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced; use pure pumpkin purรฉe. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes โ itโs even better the next day after chilling! - Can I use a larger pan?
Use the specified jelly roll pan for the right thickness. - What if I donโt have a towel?
Use parchment paper dusted with powdered sugar instead. - Can I freeze it with the filling?
Yes โ just wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge. - How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts. - Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works beautifully. - Can I add whipped cream inside?
You can, but mix it with the cream cheese for stability. - Can I skip the spices?
Not recommended โ theyโre what make this cake taste like fall! ๐
๐ Conclusion
This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is fall baking perfection โ light, moist, and wrapped around a dreamy cream cheese filling. ๐๐โจ
Itโs an elegant dessert that looks bakery-worthy but comes together easily with simple ingredients. Whether youโre serving it at Thanksgiving, a fall brunch, or as a cozy weekend treat, this pumpkin roll will steal the show โ slice by creamy, spiced slice. ๐ฐ๐

๐๐ฐโจ Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake โ Soft, Spiced & Filled with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving extra over the sides for easy removal.
- Lightly grease the parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined โ do not overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 13โ15 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched.
- Roll the Cake
- Lay out a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.
- While the cake is still warm, carefully invert it onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting from a short end, gently roll the cake with the towel inside.
- Let it cool completely on a wire rack (about 1 hour).
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cake is cool, carefully unroll it.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake.
- Re-roll it (without the towel) and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel, or top with chopped pecans before serving. ๐โจ
Notes
Rolling the cake while itโs warm prevents cracking โ donโt wait too long! Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of purรฉe?
No โ pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced; use pure pumpkin purรฉe. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes โ itโs even better the next day after chilling! Can I use a larger pan?
Use the specified jelly roll pan for the right thickness. What if I donโt have a towel?
Use parchment paper dusted with powdered sugar instead. Can I freeze it with the filling?
Yes โ just wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge. How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts. Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works beautifully. Can I add whipped cream inside?
You can, but mix it with the cream cheese for stability. Can I skip the spices?
Not recommended โ theyโre what make this cake taste like fall! ๐ ๐ Conclusion This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is fall baking perfection โ light, moist, and wrapped around a dreamy cream cheese filling. ๐๐โจ Itโs an elegant dessert that looks bakery-worthy but comes together easily with simple ingredients. Whether youโre serving it at Thanksgiving, a fall brunch, or as a cozy weekend treat, this pumpkin roll will steal the show โ slice by creamy, spiced slice. ๐ฐ๐