Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines autumn’s best flavors in one irresistible package, this Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll Cake is your new best friend. Imagine a tender, softly spiced pumpkin sponge cake rolled around a luxuriously creamy filling, finished off with a luscious whipped cream coating and delicate chocolate curls. This dessert is a celebration of texture and taste—light, moist cake paired with rich cream cheese, all wrapped up in one stunning spiral. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just indulging yourself on a cozy evening, the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll Cake is a beautiful, festive treat that feels both classic and completely special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the smooth pumpkin puree that keeps the cake moist and colorful, to the warming spices that give it that unmistakable fall vibe. The cream cheese filling provides the perfect creamy contrast, making every bite dreamy and delightful.
- Eggs (3 large): They add structure and help the cake rise beautifully while keeping it light.
- Granulated sugar (150 g): Sweetens the pumpkin sponge just right without overpowering.
- Pumpkin puree (120 g): Unsweetened is best for an authentic pumpkin flavor and moist texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp total): Adds a warm, mellow aroma to both cake and filling.
- Flour (95 g): Keeps the sponge tender but sturdy enough to roll.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Combine to give that perfect lift and a delicate crumb.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg: These warming spices transform the sponge into a cozy autumn delight.
- Cream cheese (225 g): The star of the filling, softened for smooth, rich texture.
- Unsalted butter (60 g): Adds creaminess and silkiness to the filling without overwhelming it.
- Powdered sugar (150 g in filling, plus extra for rolling): Sweetens and ensures a silky, lump-free filling and dusting.
- Whipped cream and chocolate shavings: For that final indulgent touch of decoration and texture contrast.
How to Make Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Sponge Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepping your pan: grease a 25×38 cm (10×15 inch) rolling pan and line it with parchment paper. The eggs and sugar whisked together until thick and pale create a light base, while the addition of pumpkin puree adds moisture and vibrant color. Sifting the dry spices and leavening agents before folding them gently into the wet mixture ensures a tender crumb with evenly distributed flavors. Spread the batter evenly in your pan and bake for just 12–14 minutes—you want it lightly golden but still soft enough to roll later.
Step 2: Rolling the Cake While Warm
This step is crucial for avoiding cracks later on. Once your sponge is out of the oven, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top, then immediately roll it up carefully with a clean kitchen towel from the short side, removing the parchment paper as you go. Let the rolled cake cool completely in this form. This technique helps “train” the cake for rolling and gives you that perfect spiral when you fill it.
Step 3: Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
For the filling, beat softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Slowly adding the powdered sugar while mixing yields that silky, sweet texture that contrasts beautifully with the mildly spiced pumpkin cake. A smooth filling makes spreading easy and ensures every bite melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Filling and Re-rolling the Cake
Once your pumpkin roll is fully cooled, gently unroll the cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface. From here, carefully roll it back up tightly but without the towel. If the edges are uneven or bulky, trim them carefully to create a neat finish. This step forms the iconic spiral that makes the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll Cake a visual feast as well as a taste sensation.
Step 5: Decorating the Cake
Coat the outside of your rolled cake with whipped cream for an extra layer of creamy decadence. This not only makes it look elegant but adds lightness. Finish with chocolate shavings or delicate curls to provide a beautiful contrast in color and a touch of crunch. Presentation truly elevates the experience, turning this pumpkin roll into a centerpiece dessert.
Step 6: Chilling Before Serving
For the best flavor and cleanest slices, chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. This resting period allows the cream cheese filling to set nicely, making it easier to serve and enhancing all those wonderful flavors coming together perfectly.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll Cake
Garnishes
Beyond the whipped cream and chocolate curls, consider a dusting of cinnamon or a light sprinkle of crushed pecans for extra warmth and texture. Fresh cranberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also create a fabulous visual and flavor contrast, making your Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll Cake feel even more festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin roll cake pairs beautifully with hot beverages that complement its spices. Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a cinnamon-spiced latte for a cozy autumn treat. For an added touch of indulgence, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of salted caramel sauce on the side transforms it into a full dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the roll into thick, generous pieces and layering them on a platter with a ribbon of caramel or chocolate drizzle. You can also plate individual slices with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar. For gatherings, consider offering smaller bite-sized pinwheels perfect for finger food presentation—they’re both classy and easy to enjoy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect dessert to enjoy over several days without losing any of its magic.
Freezing
If you want to extend the life of your pumpkin roll, freezing is a great option. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, it will keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve that lovely texture and taste.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly softer cream cheese texture, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the cream cheese filling and affect the overall structure.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugars. Pure pumpkin keeps the flavor balanced and lets you control the spice levels perfectly in the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll Cake.
What if I don’t have a rolling pan of the exact size?
If your pan is slightly smaller or larger, just adjust the batter amount accordingly and watch the baking time closely. The key is to bake the sponge until it’s just set and springy to the touch—overbaking can make rolling difficult.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whip before spreading to ensure it’s smooth and easy to work with.
How do I prevent the pumpkin roll from cracking?
Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and wrapping it gently in a towel during cooling helps train the sponge and prevents cracking. Also, avoid overbaking as a dry cake is more prone to cracking when rolled.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking mix that has xanthan gum included for structure. Just make sure to choose a blend suitable for cakes to maintain the tenderness and moisture of the pumpkin roll.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll Cake is genuinely rewarding—the way those spiced pumpkin layers hug the creamy filling never gets old. It’s a dessert that brings warmth and joy, perfect for harvest gatherings or simply treating yourself on a quiet night. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; once you taste that first slice, it might just become your seasonal obsession too!
