How to Make Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll
Discover the secret to a perfect Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll, featuring a moist, spiced pumpkin cake wrapped around a luscious, smooth cream cheese filling. This delightful dessert balances warm autumn flavors with velvety texture, making it an irresistible treat to bake and share throughout the season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a passionate beginner, mastering this recipe will fill your kitchen with cozy aromas and your table with smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal Bliss: It captures the essence of fall through vibrant pumpkin and cozy spices, creating a festive treat.
- Perfect Texture: The cake is soft and tender, while the filling is silky and rich, creating a harmonious bite every time.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: Rolled to perfection, it makes an impressive centerpiece for any holiday or gathering.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry basics combined with pumpkin puree for an accessible yet flavorful dessert.
- Shareable Joy: Easy to slice and serve, ideal for parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. From the warm spices that enhance the pumpkin to the cream cheese that adds smooth sweetness, these simple components come together for an unforgettable dessert.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure canned pumpkin for a moist, naturally sweet base and vibrant orange color.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the tender cake without weighing it down.
- Sugar: Balances the spices and pumpkin with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Eggs: Help bind the cake and give it a soft, fluffy lift.
- Cinnamon and Pumpkin Pie Spice: These warm spices create that signature autumn flavor profile.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Combined for a light rise and tender crumb.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the filling, adding a rich, tangy creaminess.
- Butter: Adds a silky texture to the filling and flavor depth to the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances both cake and filling with sweet aromatic notes.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling for that smooth consistency.
Variations for Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll
Feel free to adapt this Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes creativity and customization with ease.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend without sacrificing flavor or moistness.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter alternatives to keep it creamy and allergy-friendly.
- Spice It Up: Increase the cinnamon and add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg for deeper spice notes.
- Chocolate Twist: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the cream cheese filling or sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter.
How to Make Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Begin by whisking together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Carefully fold the dry ingredients and pumpkin puree into the egg mixture until fully incorporated, ensuring not to overmix to keep the batter airy and tender.
Step 2: Bake the Pumpkin Cake
Pour the batter evenly onto a parchment-lined jelly roll pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. The goal is a soft cake that is flexible enough to roll without cracking.
Step 3: Roll the Cake While Warm
Immediately after baking, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake along with the towel from the short end. This pre-rolling sets the shape and prevents cracking once filled.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Filling
While the cake cools completely, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Make sure the filling is free of lumps for the best texture.
Step 5: Fill and Re-Roll
Gently unroll the cooled cake, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, tucking the filling inside for that beautiful spiral effect.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to firm up the filling and make slicing easier. Once chilled, slice and serve with your favorite warm beverage.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin puree and cream cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Towel Roll: Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracks and keeps the roll intact when filled.
- Room Temperature Filling: Soften butter and cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a creamy texture.
- Even Thickness: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly for consistent rolls and neat slices.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigeration helps set the filling and flavors meld beautifully for richer taste.
How to Serve Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll
Garnishes
Enhance your Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll presentation by dusting powdered sugar on top, adding a drizzle of caramel sauce, or sprinkling chopped toasted nuts around the edges for a crunchy contrast.
Side Dishes
This treat pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of spiced chai or coffee to complement the warm pumpkin spices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pumpkin roll sliced on a rustic wooden board or elegant cake stand, and consider layering the slices in a trifle dish with fresh whipped cream and chopped pecans for a show-stopping dessert variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze the entire rolled cake wrapped well in plastic and foil. When properly stored, it can last for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
Allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften the filling before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin thoroughly and let it cool before using to maintain the right moisture in the cake.
How do I prevent the pumpkin roll from cracking?
Rolling the cake while still warm inside a lightly sugared towel is key; it trains the cake to roll smoothly without breaking when filled.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives, flax eggs as a substitute, and ensure your sugar and other ingredients align with vegan standards.
What is the best way to slice the pumpkin roll?
Use a serrated knife and slice with a gentle sawing motion to keep the spiral intact and avoid squishing the roll.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well when chilled and even benefits from sitting overnight as the flavors deepen and texture firms up.
Final Thoughts
Making a Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll is like wrapping the warmth of autumn into every bite. With its irresistible blend of soft spiced cake and luscious filling, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite for your seasonal baking. So grab your ingredients and get rolling — it’s time to treat yourself and your loved ones to this deliciously creamy pumpkin delight!
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Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll
Discover the secret to a perfect Creamy Filled Pumpkin Roll, featuring a moist, spiced pumpkin cake wrapped around a luscious, smooth cream cheese filling. This festive dessert balances warm autumn flavors with a velvety texture, making it an irresistible treat to bake, share, and savor throughout the season.
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Cake
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free butter alternative)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Begin by whisking together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Carefully fold the dry ingredients and pumpkin puree into the egg mixture until fully incorporated, ensuring not to overmix to keep the batter airy and tender.
- Bake the Pumpkin Cake: Pour the batter evenly onto a parchment-lined jelly roll pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. The goal is a soft cake that is flexible enough to roll without cracking.
- Roll the Cake While Warm: Immediately after baking, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake along with the towel from the short end. This pre-rolling sets the shape and prevents cracking once filled.
- Make the Creamy Filling: While the cake cools completely, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Make sure the filling is free of lumps for the best texture.
- Fill and Re-Roll: Gently unroll the cooled cake, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, carefully roll the cake back up without the towel, tucking the filling inside for that beautiful spiral effect.
- Chill and Serve: Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to firm up the filling and make slicing easier. Once chilled, slice and serve with your favorite warm beverage.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree and cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Rolling the cake while warm inside a lightly sugared towel prevents cracks.
- Soften butter and cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly for consistent rolls and neat slices.
- Chill the roll thoroughly to set the filling and allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: pumpkin roll, cream cheese filling, autumn dessert, pumpkin dessert, holiday dessert, creamy pumpkin roll, gluten free pumpkin roll