Best Easy Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

There’s nothing quite like a homemade pumpkin roll with cream cheese frosting to usher in the cozy flavors of fall! It’s a classic Fall dessert that is loved for its warm, spiced aroma, but it has never been easier to make! I’m sharing a simple trick using parchment paper to make this pumpkin roll mess-free, delicious, and simple.

This classic pumpkin roll recipe is an absolute favorite, with a soft pumpkin cake and a rich, creamy cream cheese filling, you wouldn’t believe how easy it is to make.

While many pumpkin recipes are on rotation in my kitchen, there’s something special about this pumpkin roll recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that’s requested year after year, especially in November when baking pumpkin is a daily occurrence. Although I also like to enjoy Frosted Pumpkin Spice Cake this time of year, this pumpkin roll always stands out.

Mess-Free Pumpkin Roll Trick

For many of us, the thought of making a roll cake brings up memories of messy, cracked pumpkin rolls from childhood. But no need to worry anymore! The old method of flipping the pumpkin cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar may have made your kitchen look like a powdered mess. But I’ve got a better way: the parchment paper trick for rolling a pumpkin roll!

The secret to an easy, mess-free pumpkin roll is simple: use parchment paper! Forget the messy towel method. Instead, bake your pumpkin cake on parchment, and when it’s done, roll the cake up in the same parchment paper. This keeps everything neat and helps prevent cracks. Allow it to cool completely before unrolling and spreading the luscious cream cheese frosting.

How to Make the Best Pumpkin Roll

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line your jelly roll pan (15 x 10 inches) with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting. This is key to creating a smooth pumpkin roll without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: 1 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅔ cup pumpkin puree (or homemade cup canned pumpkin).

Step 4: Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

Stir until smooth. Combine the dry and wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan.

Step 5: Bake Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Remove the Mess-Free Pumpkin Roll

Immediately lift the parchment paper and the hot cake from the pan. Starting at one short end, gently roll the pumpkin cake up on the parchment paper while it’s still warm.

Place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Pumpkin roll with Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients

While the pumpkin roll cools, prepare the rich cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat together:

• 8 ounces package of cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and fluffy. Once the pumpkin roll is completely cool, carefully unroll it, remove the parchment paper, and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top.

Roll the cake back up (without the parchment paper this time) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Storing and Serving

Let the pumpkin roll chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures perfect slices. If desired, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. Your guests will love the soft, spiced pumpkin cake paired with the creamy cheese frosting!

Variations on the Classic Pumpkin Roll Recipe

If you love the combination of pumpkin and cream cheese, there are plenty of ways to switch up this easy pumpkin roll recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some fun variations that take the pumpkin cream cheese flavor to the next level:

Extra Creamy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll
For a richer, creamier filling, simply double the package of cream cheese in the recipe. This creates an ultra-thick layer of pumpkin cream cheese that melts into every bite of the pumpkin roll. This variation is perfect for those who want more cream cheese in their dessert.

Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Swirl Roll
Instead of spreading the cream cheese filling all over the cake, try swirling it into the batter before baking. Pour half of the pumpkin cake batter into the inch jelly roll pan, then dollop the cream cheese filling over it. Use a knife to create swirls before adding the rest of the batter on top. This creates a beautiful marbled effect when sliced and adds even more flavor throughout the roll.

Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll
Give your pumpkin roll an extra spice kick by adding a teaspoon of baking powder along with extra cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the batter. This small adjustment will give your pumpkin cake a delightful boost, enhancing the pumpkin and cream cheese roll flavor.

Nutty Pumpkin Roll
Add a crunchy twist to this classic by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts onto the batter before baking. As the pumpkin cake bakes on the rimmed baking sheet, the nuts will toast and give the roll a nutty contrast to the smooth cream cheese filling.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll
If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the flour in the recipe with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix. This ensures the roll is still soft and tender while maintaining the perfect structure for rolling. Many required recipe ratings say this gluten-free version is just as delicious!

Mini Pumpkin Rolls
If you want to try a fun twist, you can make smaller individual rolls by cutting the pumpkin cake into smaller sections after baking. Roll each section with pumpkin cream cheese filling for bite-sized versions of the made pumpkin roll. These mini rolls are perfect for parties or quick treats!

Tips for Success

When making any of these variations, it’s important to keep the rolling technique in mind. Use a rimmed baking sheet or inch jelly roll pan to ensure the cake is the right thickness for rolling. Additionally, always use fresh baking powder to guarantee a light and fluffy texture. One of the top tips many recipe ratings mention is to roll the cake while it’s warm, which helps prevent cracks and keeps it pliable. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and this easy pumpkin roll recipe is no exception!

Does a Pumpkin Roll Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes! Once the pumpkin roll has been filled with the cream cheese frosting and rolled back into a log, it should be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated. This will keep it fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Learn more safety tips for healthy holidays here.

How to Keep a Pumpkin Roll from Cracking

The key to avoiding cracks is rolling the cake while it’s still hot. This ensures the cake remains pliable and smooth. Rolling it on the parchment paper directly after baking will make the process even easier.

Can You Freeze a Pumpkin Roll?

Absolutely! A fully prepared pumpkin roll can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve.

Make Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare the cake ahead of time, bake and roll the cake in the parchment paper and allow it to cool. You can refrigerate the unfilled cake roll for up to a day. When ready, simply fill with cream cheese frosting and serve!

Making a homemade pumpkin roll doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With this simple method using parchment paper, you’ll be making beautiful, mess-free pumpkin rolls in no time! You may even want to research further why baking with parchment paper works, or you’ll just be happy it makes baking easier and use it time and time again.

Whether for a November gathering or just because you love pumpkin desserts, this pumpkin roll recipe is a must-try. Give it a go and see why this classic pumpkin roll remains a fall favorite.

More Easy Recipes

If you are looking for more classic Fall dessert recipes, you’ll love this Soft & Chewy Blackstrap Molasses Cookie Recipe and this Old Fashioned Gingerbread Recipe.