Looking for a pumpkin dessert that isn’t pie? Make this simple Pumpkin Roll and your quest is over.
A pumpkin roll is simple dessert that is sweet, creamy, and delicious. Whenever I bring one anywhere, it’s the first thing to go.
Make this ahead of time for holiday meals or parties. It freezes well once it’s been wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. I always slice one roll up and then freeze it for when unexpected company comes or when I want a sweet bite, but don’t want to be tempted by the whole dessert. You can just pull out what you need and allow it to defrost.
Fresh pumpkin puree makes all the difference in the flavor of this cake. It is easy to make. After Halloween, I cut up our pumpkins and roast them for fresh puree and roasted pumpkin seeds. If you’d like to make your own puree, you can find the tutorial here. If you don’t want to make your own, you can use canned pumpkin puree in equal amounts.
Pumpkin Roll
Ingredients
Cake
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 2/3 cup fresh pumpkin puree
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Filling
- 1 cup + 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 6 Tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 10" jelly roll pan and line with wax paper. Butter and flour the wax paper.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Beat eggs and sugar in a large mixing bowl until thick.
- Beat in pumpkin until well incorporated.
- Stir pumpkin mixture into dry ingredients and combine well.
- Pour into prepared jelly roll pan and spread evenly.
- Spread top with chopped walnuts.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the top of the cake is pops back after you touch it. It should feel spongy.
- Evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup of powdered sugar onto a kitchen towel.
- After the cake is done, immediately remove it from the oven. Loosen the wax paper and invert the cake onto the prepared/sugared kitchen towel.
- Carefully peel off the wax paper.
- Roll up the cake and towel together, narrow side first. Cool on a wire rack, seam side down.
For Filling
- Beat cream cheese and remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth.
Assembling Pumpkin Roll
- Carefully unroll cake, removing the towel.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake.
- Reroll the cake and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Optional: Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy!
If you are looking for Thanksgiving Recipes, Planning Ideas, etc. Be sure to check this articles/recipes:
- Ultimate Thanksgiving Planner
- Thanksgiving Meal Planning 101
- Thanksgiving Dinner: What’s the Plan (recipes)
- Thanksgiving & More Pinterest Board
This pumpkin roll looks really delicious! I love the cream cheese and vanilla filling. Also really like that you have used fresh pumpkin puree, so this is a recipe that I can make, since we cannot get canned pumpkin here in New Zealand.
Thanks Nicole. You can also try this with sweet potato or squash puree as well. Both will have the same consistency and bake up just as well. The taste will be slightly different, but still VERY good.
I’ve always wanted to try making one of these, but it seems so intimidating! Having said that though, I think this looks AMAZING and I definitely want to give it a try. Love the make ahead for the holidays too – making T-Day easy…I’m all about that!
This dessert is very simple to make. Making Thanksgiving is always a big plus
I loooooove swill-roll and your looks soooooooooooo GOOD !!!
I wish I could have a big slice to eat 🙂
Thanks Winnie. I’ve never heard called a swill roll. Love the name.
I haven’t made a cake roll in years and your recipe has inspired me to try one soon! So festive and yummy!
My kids love helping me make these. I hope you enjoy my recipe
Gorgeous work with this Pumpkin Roll!
Thanks so much Dan
Thanks so much for the recipe and great tutorial!
~ Ashley
Love this easy and wonderful recipe – not too sweet! I received raves. so so yummy and authentic. Thank you.