Tasty Fall Pumpkin Roll Recipe You Must Try in 2025

Fall baking doesn’t get more classic or more satisfying than a pumpkin roll cake. This cozy, sweet, and lightly spiced dessert is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by cake rolls, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through every single step with friendly, down-to-earth instructions and practical tips that anyone can follow.

Whether you’re making it for your family, guests, or to treat yourself, this pumpkin roll recipe is bound to become a fall tradition in your kitchen. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s roll (pun intended)!

🎃 Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Roll

If you’re looking for that one dessert that will wow your guests, satisfy your fall cravings, and become a go-to holiday staple, this pumpkin roll is it. Here’s why:

1. It’s Surprisingly Easy to Make

Despite its fancy, swirled appearance, this pumpkin roll is simple. With just a little prep and a few key tools, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s much easier to make than it looks.

2. That Flavor Though!

Each bite delivers the perfect combination of cozy fall spices, such as cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, balanced with the subtle richness of real pumpkin. Add in the creamy, lightly sweetened cream cheese filling, and you’ve got a flavor match made in heaven.

3. The Texture is Perfection

The sponge cake is soft and fluffy, thanks to the incorporation of whipped eggs and sifted flour. The cream cheese filling is thick and smooth like marshmallow fluff, easy to spread, but firm enough to hold its shape. It’s a dream to slice and serve.

4. It’s a Total Make-Ahead Hero

Hosting a fall gathering or Thanksgiving dinner? Make this cake the day before, wrap it up, and chill. The flavors deepen, the texture improves, and you’ve got one less thing to worry about.

5. No Fancy Decorations Needed

Forget piping bags or fondant. The powdered sugar coating from the towel leaves the outside beautifully finished. Add a light dusting before serving, and you’re done. Easy and elegant.

6. It’s a Crowd Favorite

From kids to grandparents, this pumpkin roll never disappoints. You’ll probably get recipe requests, so keep extras on hand. It also travels well, perfect for potlucks and gifting.

🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is a neatly organized table to help you gather all the ingredients for this delicious pumpkin roll recipe. This includes everything you need for both the cake and the cream cheese filling, plus a few extras for prepping the pan and the towel.

🛒 Recommended Tools (Optional but Helpful)

• Rimmed baking sheet (13x18x1 inches)
• Fine mesh sieve or flour sifter
• Offset spatula (for spreading)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Thin cotton kitchen towel
• Wire cooling rack

👩‍🍳 How to Make Pumpkin Roll (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Let’s break down how to make the perfect pumpkin roll from prep to slicing. These steps are adapted for home bakers, whether you’re new to rolled cakes or a seasoned dessert lover.

Follow this guide closely, and you’ll have a fall masterpiece in no time!

🔥 Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want your oven to be hot and ready the moment the batter is prepared. Rolled cakes bake quickly, so accurate temperature is key to avoid overbaking.

Next, grab a 13x18x1-inch rimmed baking sheet. This is the standard jelly roll pan size. Generously grease the entire pan with butter, covering both the bottom and sides.

Now comes a trick that guarantees your cake won’t stick:

• Line the greased pan with parchment paper, letting the sides overhang slightly.
• Then butter the parchment paper as well.
• Lightly dust it with flour to create a nonstick surface.

✅ Pro Tip: This layered prep helps the sponge cake release perfectly after baking—no tearing, no sticking.

🧻 Step 2: Prepare the Rolling Towel

This might seem old-school, but it works like a charm. While your cake bakes, you’ll need a thin cotton kitchen towel ready to roll the hot sponge.

Here’s how:

• Place the towel on a flat wire rack or counter.
• Generously dust the towel with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, spreading it out evenly.
• Ensure it covers an area larger than the cake itself, especially the corners.

Why the towel? Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracks and sets the swirl shape. The powdered sugar keeps it from sticking and leaves a lovely decorative coating on the outside.

🥣 Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the following:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

If you don’t have a sifter, use a fine-mesh sieve. Sifting isn’t just for show—it aerates the flour and evenly distributes the baking soda and spices.

And don’t skip the salt! Even a small amount enhances all those cozy fall flavors.

🧁 Step 4: Whip the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 3 large eggs (room temp)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer for this part. Beat on high speed for 5 full minutes until the mixture becomes:

• Lighter in color
• Thicker in texture
• Fluffy and slightly ribbony

Next, add your 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree. If it has been in the fridge, let it come to room temperature first for optimal results.

🧡 We recommend Libby’s pumpkin puree for its rich flavor and thick consistency, which is ideal for baking.

Blend the pumpkin in at low speed just until fully mixed.

🌀 Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry

With the mixer still on low, gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Once most of the flour is incorporated, switch to a spatula and gently fold until no streaks of flour remain.

Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can deflate your batter and lead to a dense cake. Just fold until combined.

✅ Quick Check: Use the spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to catch any hidden flour clumps.

🧊 Step 6: Spread the Batter and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly into a thin layer.

Use an offset spatula to smooth the top and ensure the batter reaches all the edges of the pan.

Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. The top should be:

• Light golden in color
• Springy when gently touched
• Not wet in the center

🛑 Watch the bake time closely, especially if you’re using a dark-colored pan, which bakes faster. Start checking around the 11-minute mark.

🍥 Step 7: Roll the Cake While Warm

This is the most critical step, and timing matters!

1. Remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a heat-safe surface.
2. Immediately lift the cake using the parchment paper edges and invert it onto your prepared towel (powdered sugar side up).
3. Carefully peel back the parchment paper from the cake’s bottom.
4. Starting from the short edge, gently roll the cake and towel together into a tight log.

Place the cake seam side down on the cooling rack. Let it cool completely to room temperature, which usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

This step not only prevents cracks but also gives your roll that perfect swirl.

🧈 Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cake cools, let’s make that luscious filling.

In a medium bowl, combine:

• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, also softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Start mixing on low speed (to avoid a sugar cloud), then increase the speed to high and beat for 2–3 minutes, until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and slightly whipped.

🔁 Scrape down the bowl once or twice during mixing to ensure everything blends evenly.

The filling should be:

• Thick and spreadable
• Not runny or oozy
• Sweet but balanced with tang from the cream cheese

🎂 Step 9: Fill and Roll It Up!

Once the cake has cooled and set into its spiral shape, carefully unroll it on a flat surface.

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the cake using an offset spatula or butter knife, extending to the edges.

Then, gently re-roll the cake in the same direction as before. This time, include only the cake and filling, without the towel.

The outside will have a light, even dusting of powdered sugar from the towel; no further decoration is needed unless desired.

🎯 Optional Tip: Trim both ends of the roll with a serrated knife for a cleaner, more professional look.

🍽 Step 10: Serve, Store, or Chill for Later

You did it! You now have a gorgeous pumpkin roll, ready to impress.

Transfer your finished cake to a serving platter. If you like, sprinkle a little more powdered sugar on top just before serving.

To Store:

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Slice only what you need to keep the roll fresh

To Make Ahead:

This pumpkin roll is a perfect make-ahead dessert. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and the filling firms up.

To Freeze:

Wrap it twice (using plastic wrap and foil) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing.

🍰 Serving Tips:

• Use a serrated knife to slice through the roll cleanly.
• Wipe the blade between slices for perfect swirls.
• Serve chilled or room temp with coffee, tea, or a dollop of whipped cream.

🧠 Expert Tips for a Perfect Pumpkin Roll (Every Time)

Even though pumpkin rolls are easy to make, these pro tips will help you master the process, prevent cracks, and get that perfect swirl with every bake.

✅ 1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Let your eggs, cream cheese, butter, and pumpkin puree come to room temperature before starting. Cold ingredients don’t blend as smoothly and can lead to lumps or uneven textures.

✅ 2. Don’t Skip the Sifting

Sifting your dry ingredients helps:

• Break up clumps in the flour or spices
• Evenly distribute baking soda/powder
• Aerate the batter, resulting in a fluffier sponge

If you don’t have a flour sifter, a fine mesh strainer works perfectly.

✅ 3. Whip Eggs and Sugar Long Enough

Whipping the eggs and sugar for 5 full minutes on high is essential. This introduces air, giving your cake volume and a delicate texture. It’s what makes the sponge flexible enough to roll without cracking.

✅ 4. Pre-dust the Kitchen Towel

Generously coat your towel with powdered sugar before flipping the cake onto it. This keeps the cake from sticking to the towel and gives it a pretty, sugar-dusted finish on the outside.

✅ 5. Roll While the Cake Is Hot

Timing matters! Roll the cake up immediately after removing it from the oven. Waiting too long causes the sponge to become stiff and prone to cracking. Rolling while hot sets the shape beautifully.

✅ 6. Cool Completely Before Filling

Let the rolled sponge cool to room temperature completely. This takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Adding cream cheese filling to a warm roll will cause it to melt and slide.

🍂 Pumpkin Roll Variations to Try

Want to give your classic pumpkin roll a twist? There are endless ways to personalize this dessert depending on your flavor mood or occasion. Here are some fun and tasty pumpkin roll variations to try:

🎯 Pro Tip: Always let your creative flavors complement, not overpower, the pumpkin and spice base. These rolls are all about balance.

🍁 Final Thoughts: The Cozy Fall Treat You’ll Want on Repeat

The texture, flavor, and creaminess – everything about this pumpkin roll screams comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a party, joining a potluck, or want something sweet with your coffee, this cake delivers every time.

It’s easy to make, but the result looks like something from a bakery window. And the best part? You’ll probably have all the ingredients in your pantry already!

Seriously, make this once and you’ll make it all season. Just be ready to share the recipe—people will ask.

🎯 You May Also Love These Fall Favorites:

Looking for more warm and cozy recipes to celebrate the season? Here are a few more fall-inspired treats that are just as delicious and crowd-pleasing as this pumpkin roll:

🎃 Best Pumpkin Cheesecake for Fall Vibes

Creamy, rich, and full of real pumpkin flavor. This cheesecake is a fall dream with a buttery graham cracker crust and a spiced pumpkin filling that melts in your mouth.

🍪 Quick Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for Fall

Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips, these cookies are a speedy way to get your pumpkin fix without needing a mixer or fancy tools.

🥣 Easy 30-Min Pumpkin Soup Recipe for Fall

Comfort food in a bowl! This creamy pumpkin soup is healthy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for chilly evenings or make-ahead lunches.

Ella Foster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.