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Pumpkin cake roll slices with cream cheese filling on a beige platter with fall decorations.
Inga

Easy Pumpkin Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Soft pumpkin sponge flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg, rolled around a smooth cream cheese filling. This pumpkin cake roll is a beautiful make-ahead dessert for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling and Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 255

Ingredients
  

For the Pumpkin Sponge
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (94 g)
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
  • cup pumpkin purée (163 g), not pumpkin pie filling
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
For the Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 ounces full-fat block cream cheese (226 g), softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (28 g), softened to room temperature
  • cups powdered sugar (180 g), sifted if lumpy
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
Optional for Serving
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Equipment

  • 15 × 10-inch (38 × 25 cm) jelly roll pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Silicone spatula
  • Offset spatula
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Plastic wrap
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15 × 10-inch (38 × 25 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for lifting out the baked cake.
  2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Beat the eggs and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until pale, thick, and fluffy. Add the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
  4. Finish the batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture just until no streaks of flour remain. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, reaching into the corners.
  5. Bake: Bake for 13-15 minutes, until the surface springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.
  6. Roll the warm sponge: Carefully lift the cake out using the parchment overhang. Starting at a short end, roll the hot sponge with the parchment still attached, keeping the paper between the layers. Place seam-side down on a wire rack and let cool completely, about 1 hour.
  7. Make the filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until incorporated, then beat until smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  8. Fill and reroll: Gently unroll the cooled sponge without forcing the curled center flat. Spread the filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll it up again, peeling away the parchment as you go so no paper remains inside.
  9. Chill: Wrap the filled roll snugly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Refrigerate seam-side down for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  10. Slice and serve: Unwrap and dust lightly with powdered sugar, if desired. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts, and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Pumpkin purée: Use plain, unsweetened pumpkin purée. Homemade purée should be thick, cooled, and drained of excess liquid before measuring.
  • Preventing cracks: Roll the sponge while it is hot and flexible. Let it cool completely before unrolling and filling.
  • Cream cheese: Full-fat block cream cheese gives the filling a firmer consistency than spreadable tub cream cheese.
  • Make ahead: Prepare the roll the day before serving and refrigerate overnight.
  • Storage: Keep tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap the chilled roll or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Serving size: Nutrition is estimated for 1 of 12 equal slices and excludes optional powdered sugar for dusting.
 
 

Nutrition per Serving

Calories: 255 kcal | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 10 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 33 g