Print

Perfect Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Roll: Easy Fall Dessert

cream cheese swirled pumpkin roll - featured image

A foolproof pumpkin roll with a luscious cream cheese swirl that never cracks. Perfect for fall gatherings, this tender pumpkin cake is wrapped around a tangy cream cheese filling and creates beautiful spirals every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (about 2 tablespoons, plus more for rolling)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving about an inch of overhang on the long sides. Lightly spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk for about 20 seconds to aerate and combine. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until thick, pale, and ribbon-like.
  4. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Beat on low speed just until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl once or twice.
  6. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it all the way to the edges. The layer should be thin and even—about 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched and the edges start to pull away from the pan. Do not overbake.
  8. While the cake bakes, prepare your rolling station. Lay a clean kitchen towel flat on your counter. Dust it generously with powdered sugar—about 2 tablespoons spread evenly over the area where the cake will sit.
  9. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, run a knife around the edges to loosen it. Carefully invert the cake onto the prepared towel, then peel off the parchment paper. Starting at one short end, gently roll the cake and towel together into a tight log. Let it cool completely, seam-side down, on a cooling rack (about 45 minutes to 1 hour).
  10. While the cake cools, make the cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat on low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and beat for 2 more minutes until light and fluffy.
  11. Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
  12. Re-roll the cake gently but firmly, using the towel to help guide it. Roll it tightly enough that there are no air pockets, but not so tight that the filling squeezes out the ends. Wrap the finished roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  13. To serve, unwrap the pumpkin roll and trim the ends for a clean look. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Slice into 1-inch rounds using a sharp, serrated knife.

Notes

Roll the cake while it’s still warm to set the curve and prevent cracking. Chill the filled roll for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) for clean slices. Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. For best results, let cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature before starting.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin roll, cream cheese swirl, fall dessert, pumpkin cake, Thanksgiving dessert, easy pumpkin roll, crack-free pumpkin roll