Classic Pumpkin Roll

When the crisp air of fall starts to settle in, there’s nothing better than the warm aroma of pumpkin wafting through the kitchen. A slice of Classic Pumpkin Roll—soft, spiced pumpkin cake rolled up with a creamy, sweet filling—offers the perfect combination of flavors and textures that evoke the essence of autumn. This dessert is not only visually stunning but also a delightful treat for your taste buds, making it a must-try for fall celebrations, Thanksgiving dinners, or any occasion that calls for a cozy, flavorful dessert. The pumpkin cake, infused with cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of sweetness, pairs wonderfully with the creamy cream cheese frosting for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

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Ingredients for the Classic Pumpkin Roll

For the Cake:

• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (115g)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar (225g)
• ⅔ cup canned pumpkin (175g)

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (227g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (125g)
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened (84g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13×18-inch half sheet pan, then line it with parchment paper. Lightly grease and flour the paper for easy removal later. Once prepared, sprinkle a clean cotton kitchen towel with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This mix will add depth and warmth to the cake.
3. Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Continue beating until the mixture becomes thick and pale yellow, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the Pumpkin: Stir in the canned pumpkin until well combined. The pumpkin provides moisture and that classic autumn flavor that defines this cake.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly combined, but be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the top of the cake springs back when lightly touched.
7. Roll the Cake: Once baked, immediately loosen the cake from the pan and flip it onto the prepared towel. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Starting from the narrow end, carefully roll up the cake with the towel inside. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the cake maintain its shape when rolled with the filling later.

Preparing the Filling

8. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: While the cake is cooling, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This sweet, tangy filling will complement the spiced cake perfectly.
9. Unroll the Cake: Once the pumpkin cake has cooled, gently unroll it, removing the towel carefully.
10. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the entire surface of the unrolled cake. Be generous with the filling, but leave a small border around the edges.
11. Re-roll the Cake: Once the filling is spread, carefully re-roll the cake, this time without the towel. Ensure it’s tightly rolled so the cake holds its shape.
12. Chill and Serve: Wrap the pumpkin roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling the cake allows the flavors to meld together and makes slicing easier.
13. Serve: Before serving, dust the pumpkin roll with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and elegance. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and enjoy!

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma: What Makes This Pumpkin Roll Irresistible

From the moment you begin to prepare this pumpkin roll, the kitchen is filled with the enticing fragrance of cinnamon and cloves. The cake itself is light and airy with a tender crumb, while the filling offers a creamy, slightly tangy contrast. The pumpkin flavor is warm and comforting, and the spiced notes of cinnamon and cloves give the dessert a classic fall flavor profile. The cream cheese filling is rich and velvety, balancing the cake’s mild sweetness with a smooth, tangy bite. The powdered sugar garnish adds a hint of sweetness, completing this dessert’s aesthetic and flavor profile.

Tips and Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have canned pumpkin, you can substitute it with homemade pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s smooth and thick. If you’re out of ground cloves, try using allspice or nutmeg for a different but still warming flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this dessert.
• Filling Variations: While cream cheese is traditional, you can also experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture. For a fun twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the filling for a citrusy kick.
• Topping Ideas: To make this pumpkin roll even more festive, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the filling. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This pumpkin roll is versatile and can be served in various settings:

• Holiday Gatherings: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, where its beautiful spiral and festive flavor make it a showstopper.
• Casual Dessert: Serve it as a comforting dessert after a cozy fall meal, alongside a hot drink like spiced chai or apple cider.
• Gift-Worthy: Wrapped in parchment paper or placed in a decorative box, this pumpkin roll makes an excellent homemade gift for friends and family during the fall season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Pumpkin Roll is the quintessential fall dessert that brings together the flavors we all love in the season. The combination of the moist pumpkin cake with its spicy cinnamon and clove notes, paired with the creamy and slightly tangy cream cheese filling, is irresistible. Its festive appearance makes it a hit at any gathering, and its soft texture and sweet, comforting flavor will leave everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re new to making pumpkin rolls or an experienced baker, this recipe offers a delightful challenge that’s well worth the effort. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering, the pumpkin roll is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home!