WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

A Classic Pumpkin Roll with Creamy Filling is one of those nostalgic desserts that never goes out of style. Each slice reveals a delicate spiral of spiced pumpkin cake and sweet, tangy cream cheese filling—a visual and flavorful masterpiece. It’s soft, warmly spiced, and just the right amount of sweet, perfect for cozy fall gatherings or anytime you want something comforting and festive.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its texture: a light and airy sponge with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, hugging a luscious cream cheese center. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, sharing with friends, or indulging solo with a cup of coffee, this pumpkin roll delivers on all fronts.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Pumpkin Roll with Creamy Filling

This pumpkin roll is more than just beautiful to look at. It checks all the boxes: it’s moist, full of flavor, and keeps well for several days. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge or freezer, and slice off a piece whenever you crave something sweet and satisfying.

The filling is thick and velvety, made with real cream cheese and just enough sweetness to balance the spice in the cake. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to roll, with a few simple techniques that keep it from cracking.

Do I Need a Special Pan to Make a Pumpkin Roll?

You don’t need anything fancy, just a standard 10×15 jelly roll pan. This size ensures the cake bakes evenly and remains thin enough to roll without breaking. A piece of parchment paper and a clean kitchen towel are your best friends for making the rolling process go smoothly.

Ingredients for the Classic Pumpkin Roll with Creamy Filling

This dessert may look like it took hours to prepare, but the ingredient list is refreshingly simple. Each component plays a role in achieving that iconic pumpkin spice balance and tender texture.

Pumpkin puree brings moisture and earthy sweetness. Make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling.

Eggs give the sponge its structure and lightness.

Granulated sugar sweetens and helps with the cake’s delicate crust.

All-purpose flour forms the base of the sponge, keeping it soft but sturdy enough to roll.

Baking powder and baking soda work together to lift the batter.

Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm autumn spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Salt enhances all the other flavors.

Vanilla extract rounds out the sweetness in both the cake and filling.

Powdered sugar is used in the filling and for dusting the towel to prevent sticking.

Cream cheese makes the filling rich and tangy.

Butter adds a silky, spreadable texture to the cream cheese filling.

How To Make the Classic Pumpkin Roll with Creamy Filling

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Towel

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 10×15 jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease it. Lay a clean kitchen towel flat and generously dust it with powdered sugar.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Batter

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract and stir until combined. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 13 to 15 minutes until the cake springs back lightly when touched. Do not overbake.

Step 4: Roll While Warm

Immediately after baking, loosen the edges of the cake and invert it onto your prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from the short end, roll the cake and towel together gently but firmly. Let it cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Filling

Beat softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble the Pumpkin Roll

Unroll the cooled cake gently. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface. Roll it back up without the towel, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dust with extra powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Serving and Storing Your Pumpkin Roll

This pumpkin roll yields 8 to 10 generous slices, making it a great option for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday dessert tables. To keep it fresh, store it tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to five days. It also freezes beautifully—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

When serving, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream adds a lovely touch. It’s just as good cold from the fridge as it is slightly warmed.

What to Serve With a Pumpkin Roll?

A Hot Mug of Coffee

The warm spices in the roll pair perfectly with a bold cup of black coffee or a pumpkin spice latte.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For a more decadent dessert, serve your slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Spiced Apple Cider

Hot or cold, the crispness of apple cider enhances the pumpkin flavors beautifully.

Maple Whipped Cream

A lightly sweetened whipped cream with maple syrup offers a subtle richness.

Chai Tea

The aromatic spices in chai blend beautifully with pumpkin.

Caramel Drizzle

A little drizzle of warm caramel sauce can take it to the next level.

Fresh Berries

Tart berries like raspberries or cranberries bring a bright contrast.

Want More Pumpkin Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Classic Pumpkin Roll with Creamy Filling, you’ll definitely want to check out these fall-favorite recipes:

• Pumpkin Bread with Maple Cream Cheese Filling
• Butter Pecan Cheesecake
• Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies
• Warm and Cozy Apple Crisp
• Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the spice or keep it classic? Any fun twists?

I love hearing how others bring their own flavor to these traditional favorites. Questions are welcome too—let’s bake better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

This Classic Pumpkin Roll with Creamy Filling is an easy showstopper that’s worth every minute. It’s a dessert that impresses visually and satisfies with every bite. If you’re ready to embrace all things fall, this is the recipe that’ll win hearts at your table.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?