The World’s Best Pumpkin Roll is a dessert that wraps you in a cozy embrace with its soft, spiced cake and creamy filling. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your kitchen, making you feel like autumn has wrapped itself around you in a delicious hug. creamy pumpkin delight dessert delicious pumpkin cinnamon roll cake making pumpkin puree from scratch
Now picture this: it’s a crisp fall evening, and family members gather around the table, eagerly waiting for the sweet treat that will crown the night. Memories flood back as laughter fills the room, each slice of pumpkin roll sparking joy and nostalgia. It’s not just dessert; it’s an experience that makes every occasion special. For more inspiration, check out this decadent peanut butter brownies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Pumpkin Roll is easy to prepare, making it perfect for novice bakers
- The flavor profile combines warm spices with a rich cream cheese filling that delights the senses
- Its stunning visual appeal rolls out beautifully, impressing everyone at gatherings
- This recipe is versatile enough for any celebration or cozy evening at home
I remember the first time I made this recipe; my friends devoured it in minutes and begged for seconds!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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- Canned Pumpkin Puree: Look for 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten the deal! Regular sugar works well here to balance flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a more wholesome texture; it helps create that soft cake.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs bring moisture and richness; they also help bind everything together beautifully.
- Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth; use ground cinnamon for convenience or fresh if you’re feeling fancy.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg elevates flavors and adds depth to your pumpkin roll.
- Baking Powder: Essential for rising; ensure it’s fresh so your roll doesn’t end up flat as a pancake!
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances sweetness; it’s like magic dust!
- Cream Cheese: For that luscious filling, choose full-fat cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the cream cheese filling without grittiness—trust me, it makes all the difference!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and complements all those lovely spices perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking; grease lightly if needed.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth.
Create Your Cake Batter: In another large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually fold in pumpkin puree along with the dry ingredients until just combined.
Spread the Batter Evenly on Pan: Pour batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Smooth out any lumps like your life depends on it.
Bake Until Perfectly Set: Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The cake should spring back when gently pressed—like an excited puppy!
Roll It Up!: While still warm, turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll tightly from one end to create a log shape; let it cool completely while rolled up.
Create Your Cream Cheese Filling : Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy and smooth—a heavenly mixture that will make you want to eat it by the spoonful.
Unroll Cake & Fill It Up!: Carefully unroll your cooled pumpkin cake and spread an even layer of cream cheese filling over its surface. Don’t be shy—spread generously!
Roll It Back Up & Chill : Roll back up tightly without the towel this time! Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing. Patience pays off!
Enjoy serving slices of The World’s Best Pumpkin Roll at your next gathering or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here! This recipe invites laughter around tables as everyone digs into this delightful treat.
You Must Know
- This delightful pumpkin roll is not just a treat; it’s an experience
- The aroma of warm spices fills your kitchen, making it smell like fall
- With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this dessert is sure to impress everyone at your gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make the world’s best pumpkin roll, start by preparing your ingredients and preheating the oven. Mix wet ingredients first, then combine them with dry ones for a perfectly blended batter.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment! Swap in different spices like nutmeg or add chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic recipe. pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To enjoy again, simply slice and microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When baking your pumpkin roll, ensure you spread the batter evenly on the pan for uniform cooking
- Avoid overmixing to keep your roll fluffy and light
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking—and save yourself from a sticky situation!
The first time I made this pumpkin roll, my friends couldn’t believe how delicious it was! Their compliments made me feel like a baking superstar, which is always a nice bonus.

FAQ
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?
Greek yogurt works well as a lighter alternative for cream cheese in the filling.
Can I freeze my pumpkin roll?
Yes! Wrap it well in plastic wrap before freezing to preserve its flavors.
How do I make my pumpkin roll more festive?
Add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top to make your pumpkin roll pop during celebrations.
The World’s Best Pumpkin Roll
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
The World’s Best Pumpkin Roll is the perfect autumn dessert, combining a soft, spiced cake with a luscious cream cheese filling. Every slice evokes the warmth of family gatherings and celebratory moments, making it not just a treat but a cherished experience. With its delightful aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, this pumpkin roll promises to impress at any occasion—making it irresistible for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (100% pure)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat, softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until fluffy. Fold in pumpkin puree and dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly onto the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until set.
- While warm, turn cake onto a powdered sugar-dusted towel and roll tightly into a log shape to cool.
- For filling, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Unroll cooled cake, spread filling generously, then re-roll without the towel and refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating chocolate chips or different spices like ginger or allspice into the batter. Ensure even spreading of the batter to achieve uniform cooking and avoid overmixing for a fluffy texture.