๐ Introduction
Thereโs no dessert that screams fall comfort quite like a Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake! ๐โจ
This cozy classic combines a light, fluffy pumpkin sponge infused with warm autumn spices and a rich cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. Every swirl is perfectly balanced โ soft cake, creamy sweetness, and that signature pumpkin spice aroma that makes your kitchen smell like a dream.
Itโs elegant enough for Thanksgiving dessert, easy enough for weeknight baking, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to snag a slice. ๐๐
๐งฐ Equipment Needed
- 10×15-inch jelly roll pan (or rimmed baking sheet)
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Wire rack
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
๐ Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- ยพ cup all-purpose flour
- ยฝ teaspoon baking powder
- ยฝ teaspoon baking soda
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ยฝ teaspoon ground ginger
- ยผ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ยผ teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- โ cup pumpkin purรฉe (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
For Dusting:
- Powdered sugar (for towel and topping)
๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Oven
Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
Step 3: Whip the Eggs & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar for about 2 minutes, until thick and pale.
Add pumpkin purรฉe and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Step 4: Combine & Spread
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined โ donโt overmix.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 13โ15 minutes, or until the top springs back when gently touched.
๐ก Pro Tip: Donโt overbake โ this keeps the cake soft and rollable.
Step 6: Roll the Cake
While still warm, carefully invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar.
Peel off the parchment paper.
Starting from the short end, gently roll the cake and towel together into a spiral.
Let it cool completely (rolled up) on a wire rack.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light, fluffy, and creamy.
Step 8: Assemble the Roll Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it.
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border.
Roll the cake back up (without the towel) tightly, but gently.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for that perfect bakery look.
Cut into thick slices and enjoy your creamy, spiced masterpiece! ๐
๐ฝ๏ธ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8โ10 slices
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
๐ง Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the roll (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
- Serve: Best chilled or at room temperature.
๐ฅ Variations
- Maple Cream Cheese Filling: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the frosting.
- Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans inside the roll.
- Pumpkin Mocha Roll: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the batter.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- White Chocolate Filling: Mix in melted white chocolate with the cream cheese.
- Gingerbread Twist: Add ยฝ teaspoon molasses for a deeper spice flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Roll: Add ยผ teaspoon coffee powder to the batter and frosting.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip nuts and use extra cinnamon sugar for texture.
- Cinnamon Swirl Version: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar between layers before rolling.
- Mini Pumpkin Rolls: Bake thinner and slice smaller for bite-sized dessert rolls.
โ 10 FAQs
- Why do I roll the cake while itโs warm?
It helps it hold its shape without cracking once cooled. - Can I use pumpkin pie filling?
No โ itโs pre-sweetened and spiced differently. Use pure pumpkin purรฉe. - How do I keep it from cracking?
Roll gently while warm and donโt overbake. - Can I make it ahead?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. - Can I use a different filling?
Sure โ try whipped cream, Nutella, or buttercream. - Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for great results. - Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat gives a richer, creamier texture. - Can I skip the towel method?
You can use parchment paper instead, but the towel holds moisture better. - What can I use instead of nutmeg or cloves?
Pumpkin pie spice blend works perfectly! - Can I decorate it for holidays?
Yes โ add sugared cranberries, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of cinnamon on top.
๐ Conclusion
This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is a slice of autumn heaven โ soft, spiced cake wrapped around a silky cream cheese filling that melts in every bite. ๐๐ฐโจ
Itโs festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress guests or make any fall evening feel special. Once you master this cozy dessert, youโll be baking it on repeat all season long.
Wrap, chill, slice, and serve up some pumpkin perfection. ๐๐

๐๐ฐ๐ Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake โ Soft, Spiced & Filled with Luscious Autumn Sweetness!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar for about 2 minutes, until thick and pale.
- Add pumpkin purรฉe and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined โ donโt overmix.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 13โ15 minutes, or until the top springs back when gently touched.
- ๐ก Pro Tip: Donโt overbake โ this keeps the cake soft and rollable.
- While still warm, carefully invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar.
- Peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting from the short end, gently roll the cake and towel together into a spiral.
- Let it cool completely (rolled up) on a wire rack.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until light, fluffy, and creamy.
- Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border.
- Roll the cake back up (without the towel) tightly, but gently.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for that perfect bakery look.
- Cut into thick slices and enjoy your creamy, spiced masterpiece! ๐
Notes
๐ง Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze: Freeze the roll (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight. Serve: Best chilled or at room temperature.๐ฅ Variations
Maple Cream Cheese Filling: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the frosting. Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans inside the roll. Pumpkin Mocha Roll: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the batter. Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving. White Chocolate Filling: Mix in melted white chocolate with the cream cheese. Gingerbread Twist: Add ยฝ teaspoon molasses for a deeper spice flavor. Pumpkin Spice Latte Roll: Add ยผ teaspoon coffee powder to the batter and frosting. Nut-Free Option: Skip nuts and use extra cinnamon sugar for texture. Cinnamon Swirl Version: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar between layers before rolling. Mini Pumpkin Rolls: Bake thinner and slice smaller for bite-sized dessert rolls.โ 10 FAQs
Why do I roll the cake while itโs warm?It helps it hold its shape without cracking once cooled. Can I use pumpkin pie filling?
No โ itโs pre-sweetened and spiced differently. Use pure pumpkin purรฉe. How do I keep it from cracking?
Roll gently while warm and donโt overbake. Can I make it ahead?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Can I use a different filling?
Sure โ try whipped cream, Nutella, or buttercream. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for great results. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat gives a richer, creamier texture. Can I skip the towel method?
You can use parchment paper instead, but the towel holds moisture better. What can I use instead of nutmeg or cloves?
Pumpkin pie spice blend works perfectly! Can I decorate it for holidays?
Yes โ add sugared cranberries, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of cinnamon on top.