When autumn drifts in and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, there’s one dessert that captures the spirit of the season perfectly; the Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake. This isn’t just a treat; it’s a swirl of pumpkin, spice, and creamy goodness that makes fall feel magical. The first time I made this roll cake, I thought of my Nonna’s kitchen; the warm oven, the smell of baking pumpkin, and her quiet smile as she dusted sugar over the counter.
Like every recipe I share on Homely Tasty, this one carries that same heart. It’s sweet, seasonal, and comforting, just like a warm hug in dessert form. If you love soft, cozy bakes, this roll cake belongs next to your cup of coffee and favorite sweater.
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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Roll Cake
This pumpkin swiss roll is the kind of dessert that looks impressive but comes together with simple pantry staples. Its moist pumpkin sponge is delicately spiced and filled with a smooth cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. Each bite feels like the perfect fall moment; balanced, warm, and nostalgic.
If you’ve already tried my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, you’ll know how pumpkin can turn any dessert into comfort food. The same rich, earthy sweetness shines through in this cake roll, only this time, wrapped up beautifully in a swirl.
Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- It’s easy to make yet looks bakery-perfect.
- The flavor deepens after chilling — ideal for make-ahead desserts.
- It freezes well for up to two months.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits any fall gathering.
Whether you call it a pumpkin spice cake roll or a pumpkin swirl cake, it’s the kind of dessert that becomes a tradition. For even more pumpkin inspiration, don’t miss my Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake or the fun bite-sized Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls.
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Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake
This Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake combines soft, spiced pumpkin sponge with a rich cream cheese filling. It’s a cozy fall dessert that’s easy, elegant, and perfect for holidays.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ginger
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices together.
3. Beat eggs and sugar until thick, then add pumpkin and vanilla.
4. Fold in dry ingredients gently until smooth.
5. Spread batter evenly in pan and bake for 13–15 minutes.
6. Turn cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar; roll while warm and cool completely.
7. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
8. Unroll cooled cake, spread filling evenly, roll up again, and chill before slicing.
Notes
Roll the cake while warm to avoid cracks.
Store in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
Add chopped nuts or a pinch of cloves for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make this pumpkin roll dessert. Just grab these simple ingredients and let the magic happen:
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Want another dessert that celebrates fall flavors? Check out these Apple Cider Cheesecake Cookies; they’re soft, buttery, and carry the same warm spice notes that make this roll cake irresistible.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake
Making a pumpkin roll may seem tricky, but it’s surprisingly easy when you follow these steps carefully.
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Grease and dust it lightly with flour.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all spices.
- Make the Batter: Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Add pumpkin and vanilla; mix well. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients until smooth.
- Bake: Spread evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 13–15 minutes, until the top springs back.
- Roll It Warm: Invert the hot cake onto a towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment, then roll it up with the towel. Cool completely.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble: Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, and roll it back up. Chill before slicing.
If you love nostalgic bakes, my Banana Bread is another cozy classic you’ll want to bookmark for later.
Tips and Variations
Here’s how to make your pumpkin spice cake roll even better:
- Use room-temperature ingredients. It makes the filling extra creamy.
- Roll while warm. This prevents cracks later.
- Chill before slicing. It helps the filling firm up for perfect swirls.
- Add texture. Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts over the filling before rolling.
- Try a fall twist. Add a dash of allspice or cloves for deeper flavor.
If you enjoy creamy, spiced desserts, these Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes are another must-try fall recipe from the site; they share that same balance of cozy and indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Why did my cake crack when rolling?
It likely cooled too long. Roll it immediately out of the oven while warm.
Can I add nuts or filling variations?
Yes, pecans, walnuts, or even a touch of maple in the filling are wonderful options.
Final Slice
This Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is fall in every bite; soft, spiced, and filled with creamy sweetness. It’s simple to make yet feels special every time. Whether you bake it for family gatherings or a quiet evening treat, it brings warmth and comfort to the table. One slice, and you’ll understand why this cozy classic isn’t just a dessert, it’s a memory waiting to happen.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
