Ingredients
Scale
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or plant-based alternative for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based alternative)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper extending over the edges, then lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to ensure even spice distribution.
- Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Fold until just incorporated to maintain a tender texture and avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cake springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Roll the Cake While Warm: Immediately after baking, flip the cake onto a powdered sugar-coated clean kitchen towel. Peel off parchment paper and roll the cake lengthwise in the towel starting from the short side. Let it cool completely rolled to form without cracking.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Unroll, Fill, and Re-roll: Once cool, gently unroll the cake from the towel. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border at the edges. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, creating the classic spiral.
- Chill and Serve: Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour to set the filling before slicing for neat, flavorful servings.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree when possible for enhanced flavor and moisture.
- Roll the cake while warm to avoid cracking and ensure smooth rolling.
- Coat the towel with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and add light sweetness.
- Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner, more stable slices.
- Beat eggs thoroughly for a light and fluffy cake texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of roll)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pumpkin roll, fall dessert, pumpkin cake, cream cheese filling, autumn dessert, spiced pumpkin roll