There’s something magical about pumpkin season — that sweet, spiced scent that fills your kitchen and the cozy feeling of baking something from scratch. This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is the ultimate fall showstopper: a soft, spongy pumpkin cake rolled up with a rich cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. It’s elegant enough for Thanksgiving dessert and simple enough for a weekend treat.
With its swirl of pumpkin spice and creamy center, this cake is both comforting and light. Whether you’re looking for an easy homemade dessert, a sweet idea for pumpkin breakfast recipes, or a festive addition to your roasted pumpkin recipes collection — this one delivers all the cozy flavors of fall in every bite.
- ✔️ Soft, moist pumpkin sponge filled with rich cream cheese frosting.
- ✔️ Perfect balance of sweetness and spice — no overpowering pumpkin flavor.
- ✔️ Easy to make ahead and even easier to serve.
- ✔️ A healthy twist on classic pumpkin roll cake with pure pumpkin puree.
- ✔️ Great for breakfast, dessert, or gifting during the holidays!
This Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is as comforting as a morning latte and as elegant as a bakery dessert. Let’s roll up some cozy goodness together!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3/4 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 1 tbsp |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Pure pumpkin puree | 2/3 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | 2 tbsp |
Cream Cheese Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz |
| Butter, softened | 4 tbsp |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin puree — not pie filling. It adds moisture, flavor, and nutrition, keeping the sponge tender. Homemade roasted pumpkin puree gives a rich, earthy depth. (See our Roasted Pumpkin Soup for fresh puree inspiration!)
Spices: Pumpkin pie spice blends cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that warm bakery aroma. You can customize it to your liking — add a touch of ginger for extra zip.
Cream cheese: Full-fat block cream cheese gives the filling its luscious, velvety texture. Don’t use whipped or spreadable versions.
Flour: Measure precisely — too much and the cake won’t roll smoothly.
How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake
This elegant dessert looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Follow these steps and you’ll have a bakery-worthy pumpkin roll in no time!
- Preheat & Prepare: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for easy lifting. Lightly grease the paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Whip Wet Ingredients: Beat eggs and sugar for 2–3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla, mixing just until combined.
- Combine: Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently using a spatula. Do not overmix — this keeps the sponge light.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
- Roll the Cake: While warm, turn the cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment and roll the cake with the towel from the short end. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare Filling: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy and smooth.
- Assemble: Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, and re-roll tightly without the towel. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve chilled with coffee or tea.
Texture Tips & Variations
- Fluffier texture: Beat the eggs longer for more air in the batter.
- Healthier version: Use half whole wheat flour and low-fat cream cheese for a lighter cake.
- Nutty addition: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans on top before baking for crunch.
- Breakfast twist: Slice thin and serve with yogurt and honey — perfect for pumpkin breakfast recipes.
- Holiday presentation: Pipe extra cream cheese filling on top and dust with cinnamon for a festive look.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This pumpkin roll pairs beautifully with fall beverages and light sides:
- Pumpkin Spice Milk — for a creamy, spiced drink pairing.
- Autumn Harvest Salad — as a refreshing pre-dessert course.
- Hot coffee, spiced chai, or herbal tea.
- Apple Crumble — a cozy dessert duo for a holiday table.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- Cake cracked when rolling? Roll while warm and handle gently; next time, bake one minute less.
- Filling too runny? Chill it for 15 minutes before spreading, or add more powdered sugar.
- Dry sponge? Overbaked or undermeasured puree — adjust next time for moisture.
- Sticking to towel? Dust with powdered sugar generously before rolling.
- No jelly roll pan? Use a rimmed baking sheet — just watch bake time closely.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge: Wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days. Slice just before serving for neat edges.
Freezer: Freeze the whole roll (without sugar dusting) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing.
Make-ahead: Perfect for holidays — make the roll the day before, chill overnight, and dust with sugar right before serving.
Pro tip: Freeze extra pumpkin puree in ice cube trays to use later in pumpkin breakfast smoothies or soups!
FAQ
Can I make this with fresh pumpkin? Yes! Roast and puree your pumpkin for the freshest flavor. Check our Roasted Pumpkin Soup for technique. Can I add nuts or seeds? Absolutely. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans on top for crunch and a nutritional boost. Is this good for breakfast? Definitely! It’s light and moist — perfect for brunch or paired with coffee. Can I make it without cream cheese? Try mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a lighter filling. How do I keep it from sticking? Always use parchment and roll while warm — it prevents cracks and sticking.
Final Sweet Slice
This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake brings together everything we love about fall: spiced pumpkin, creamy filling, and a swirl that makes every slice picture-perfect. It’s indulgent yet simple, festive yet comforting — a true pumpkin recipes healthy classic that proves dessert can feel wholesome too.
Serve it for brunch, dessert, or as a centerpiece at your next dinner party. Pair with Pumpkin Spice Milk or hot coffee for the ultimate cozy experience. And if you’re planning your holiday menu, add this to your list of easy homemade desserts — it’s a guaranteed crowd favorite.
Simple, soft, and spiced — this pumpkin roll will make your kitchen smell like happiness. 🎃
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake
Equipment
- 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- mixing bowls
- electric mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
Pumpkin Sponge
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar for 2–3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla; mix just until combined.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using a spatula. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Immediately turn the cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment and roll the cake with the towel from the short side. Let cool completely.
- Meanwhile, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Unroll cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, then re-roll tightly. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve chilled with coffee or Pumpkin Spice Milk.
Notes
✔️ To make ahead, prepare the cake a day early and refrigerate.
✔️ Add pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans for a crunchy topping.
✔️ Serve alongside Autumn Harvest Salad or Apple Crumble for a complete fall menu.
