When fall rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin desserts to bring comfort and joy. One treat that truly stands out is the Moist Pumpkin Roll with Sweet Cream Cheese Center. This dessert combines the spongy texture of a pumpkin-flavored cake with the creamy richness of a sweet cream cheese filling, making it a must-have for any autumn gathering or family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Moist Pumpkin Roll
This pumpkin roll isn’t just delicious; it’s also visually stunning. With its swirls of orange sponge and white cream cheese filling, it’s a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. Let’s dive into the details so you can create this masterpiece at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | ¾ cup |
Baking soda | ½ tsp |
Baking powder | ½ tsp |
Salt | ¼ tsp |
Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
Ground cloves | ½ tsp |
Large eggs | 3 |
Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
Pumpkin purée | ⅔ cup |
Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
Unsalted butter (softened) | 6 tbsp |
Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Toasted pecans (finely chopped) | ⅓ cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll tray with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are well covered.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fully combined and slightly fluffy. Add the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Fold Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
2. Bake the Cake
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared jelly roll tray.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
3. Roll the Cake
- Dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar.
- While the cake is still warm, carefully lift it out of the tray using the parchment paper.
- Place the cake onto the towel, parchment side up. Gently peel off the parchment.
- Starting at a short end, roll the cake up tightly in the towel. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until well incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
5. Assemble the Pumpkin Roll
- Once the cake is fully cooled, carefully unroll it.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Gently re-roll the cake, this time without the towel, ensuring it is tight but not squishing out the filling.
- Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the chilled pumpkin roll from the refrigerator.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
- Slice into 1-inch pieces and serve.
Tips for a Perfect Pumpkin Roll
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth batter and filling.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make the cake dry and difficult to roll.
- Be Gentle When Rolling: Roll the cake slowly to avoid cracks.
- Chill for Clean Slices: Refrigerating the roll helps it firm up, making it easier to slice neatly.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Total Fat | 12g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Cholesterol | 60mg |
Sodium | 120mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 22g |
Sugars | 15g |
Protein | 3g |
FAQs About Moist Pumpkin Roll
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pumpkin roll up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
2. Can I freeze the pumpkin roll?
Absolutely. Wrap the assembled roll in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
3. What if my cake cracks?
Small cracks can be hidden with powdered sugar or extra filling. Rolling the cake while warm minimizes cracking.
4. Can I substitute the pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes, or you can leave out the nuts entirely.
5. How do I toast pecans?
Spread pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool before using.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: The warm spices complement a hot beverage perfectly.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- Serve as a Holiday Dessert: This roll is a show-stopper for Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations.
Conclusion: A Festive Dessert Worth Rolling For
The Moist Pumpkin Roll with Sweet Cream Cheese Center is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall flavors and traditions. Whether you’re serving it to guests or treating yourself, this roll is guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating this delectable treat. Don’t forget to share the joy—and maybe a slice or two!
PrintMoist Pumpkin Roll with Sweet Cream Cheese Center
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 slices
Description
Bring the flavors of fall to your table with this Moist Pumpkin Roll featuring a Sweet Cream Cheese Center. This dessert combines the soft, spiced pumpkin cake with a rich and creamy filling, creating a treat that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, this pumpkin roll is sure to be a show-stopper.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are well covered.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fully combined and slightly fluffy. Add the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Bake the Cake:
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared jelly roll pan.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Roll the Cake:
- Dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar.
- While the cake is still warm, carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place the cake onto the towel, parchment side up.
- Gently peel off the parchment and, starting at a short end, roll the cake up tightly in the towel. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until well incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and toasted pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Assemble the Pumpkin Roll:
- Once the cake is fully cooled, carefully unroll it.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Gently re-roll the cake, this time without the towel, ensuring it is tight but not squishing out the filling.
- Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the chilled pumpkin roll from the refrigerator.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
- Slice into 1-inch pieces and serve.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and filling.
- Don’t overbake the cake to keep it moist and easy to roll.
- Refrigerating the roll helps it firm up for clean slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American