Pumpkin Rolls : The Ultimate Fall Dessert with Cream Cheese Filling

When autumn arrives and pumpkin spice is everywhere, it’s the perfect time to bake a batch of pumpkin rolls. Soft, moist, and delicately spiced pumpkin cake rolled up with a rich, tangy cream cheese filling, this dessert is a showstopper on any holiday table.

Whether you’re looking for a pumpkin rolls recipe easy enough for beginners, a festive Thanksgiving cake roll, or even a lighter healthy pumpkin roll recipe, this guide has you covered. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and serving ideas, you’ll soon be making easy pumpkin rolls with cream cheese that look and taste like they came from a bakery.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this irresistible cream cheese pumpkin roll.

Save

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Rolls

There are plenty of reasons why pumpkin rolls are a classic fall dessert:
Beautiful presentation: The spiral of pumpkin cake and creamy filling is stunning yet simple to achieve.
Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, spiced pumpkin paired with cool, tangy cream cheese.
Make-ahead friendly: Pumpkin rolls can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Great for holidays: A favorite at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall celebration.
Customizable: Make it traditional or try a healthy pumpkin roll recipe with lighter ingredients.

If you’ve already tried other pumpkin desserts like cream cheese pumpkin bread or pumpkin poke cake, you’ll love adding these pumpkin rolls with cream cheese filling to your repertoire.

Pumpkin Rolls Recipe Easy: The Perfect Holiday Dessert

Pumpkin rolls may look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to make. The key is to roll the cake while it’s still warm and pliable, then unroll, spread with filling, and roll back up. The result is a bakery-worthy dessert that’s ideal for a Thanksgiving cake roll or any fall party.

Ingredients for Easy Pumpkin Rolls With Cream Cheese

For the cake:

• 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup (150g) pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

For the cream cheese filling:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for a Thanksgiving Cake Roll

• 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
• Parchment paper
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Whisk and bowls
• Clean kitchen towel
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer
• Offset spatula

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pumpkin Rolls with Cream Cheese Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 13–15 minutes, until the cake springs back when touched lightly.

Step 4: Roll the Cake

While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust generously with powdered sugar. When the cake comes out, immediately turn it out onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll up the cake with the towel inside. Let it cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Filling

Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble

Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly over the surface, then roll it back up without the towel. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Save

Tips for Rolling the Perfect Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll

Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
Use plenty of powdered sugar on the towel to prevent sticking.
Chill the roll before slicing for cleaner, more defined spirals.
Use an offset spatula for even filling.

Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling Easy Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for crunch.
• Mix a little maple syrup or pumpkin spice into the filling for extra flavor.
• For a more festive look, dust with cocoa powder or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Healthy Pumpkin Roll Recipe: Lightened-Up Options

If you’d like a lighter version:

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese and less butter.
• Substitute half the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia.
• Use whole-wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
• Reduce powdered sugar in the filling to taste.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips for Pumpkin Rolls

Pumpkin rolls are delicious served chilled, dusted with a little extra powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel.

Storage: Keep wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Save

Pumpkin Rolls FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — pumpkin rolls are perfect for making 1–2 days in advance.

Why did my cake crack?
It may have cooled too much before rolling or wasn’t rolled tightly enough. Be sure to roll while warm.

Can I make it without a jelly roll pan?
You can use a rimmed baking sheet with similar dimensions, though thickness may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action: Bake Your Own Pumpkin Rolls Today

These pumpkin rolls are everything a fall dessert should be — moist, flavorful, creamy, and festive. Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast, a fall party, or just to treat yourself, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more easy pumpkin rolls with cream cheese, healthy pumpkin roll recipes, and other seasonal favorites!

Print