If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall, a Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is the way to go. This easy-to-make cake is a crowd-pleaser, with its warm, cozy flavors and beautiful presentation. Light and fluffy, this cake features pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and a creamy cream cheese filling, rolled up into a delicate swirl that’s as delicious as it is impressive.
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Why You’ll Love This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake
This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake offers the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and style. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Quick & Easy: It’s ready in under 45 minutes, making it a perfect dessert for those last-minute cravings or gatherings. Despite its elegant look, this cake comes together effortlessly.
- Seasonal Flavor: The warm spices of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice create an irresistible fall flavor, making it the ideal dessert for autumn occasions.
- Impressive Presentation: The stunning spiral design looks like it came from a professional baker, but it’s surprisingly simple to make once you get the rolling technique down.
- Delicious Cream Cheese Filling: The sweet and tangy cream cheese filling provides the perfect balance to the spiced pumpkin cake, making every bite a delight.
Ingredients for Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need for the cake and its creamy filling:
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and softness to the cake.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become light.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Pumpkin pie spice blend: Brings all the quintessential fall spices together.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it brown.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Gives the cake its pumpkin flavor and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Used for dusting the towel and preventing sticking.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese: The base of the filling, providing a rich and smooth texture.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and a creamy consistency to the filling.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cream cheese filling with a hint of sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: A pinch for flavor that complements the pumpkin in the cake.
- Sea salt: A small amount to enhance the overall taste.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps it hold together.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing any of the ingredients or prefer different options, here are some substitutions:
- Pumpkin puree: You can substitute with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree for a similar texture and flavor.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, or use just cinnamon if needed.
- Cream cheese: For a different flavor, try mascarpone cheese or thick Greek yogurt mixed with butter.
- Flour: Cake flour can replace all-purpose flour for a more delicate, tender cake.
- Granulated sugar: Brown sugar works well and adds a touch of molasses flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Towel
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 13×17-inch jellyroll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Dust a clean tea towel generously with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, setting it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and thick, about 2 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gently, being careful not to overmix. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 14-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched lightly.
Step 4: Roll the Cake
Immediately turn the cake out onto the powdered sugar-dusted towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one short side, roll the cake and the towel up together. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat the softened butter until fluffy, then add the cream cheese and continue mixing until smooth. Add the vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
Step 6: Fill, Roll, and Chill
Unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top. Re-roll the cake tightly without the towel. Place the roll seam-side down on a plate and chill for at least an hour to set the filling.
Step 7: Serve the Pumpkin Roll
Once chilled, slice the roll with a sharp serrated knife. If desired, dust with additional powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t skip dusting the towel: It’s essential to prevent the cake from sticking while rolling.
- Roll while warm: Make sure the cake is still warm when rolling it up to avoid cracking.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Avoid overmixing: Mix the dry and wet ingredients gently to keep the cake light and airy.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is a stand-alone treat, but pairing it with a hot beverage can elevate the experience:
- Coffee or Spiced Chai Tea: Perfect for sipping alongside a slice.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Adds a creamy touch, especially when the cake is warm.
- Hot Apple Cider: For an extra cozy touch during fall gatherings.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Storage: Keep your cake in the fridge, wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Why This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is Perfect for the Season
There’s no better way to embrace the flavors of fall than with this pumpkin spice roll cake. The blend of warm spices, creamy filling, and tender cake makes it the ultimate fall dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a Thanksgiving gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, this cake will undoubtedly become a seasonal favorite.
Conclusion
This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of autumn in a delicious and visually stunning dessert. Its fluffy texture, rich pumpkin flavor, and creamy filling come together to create a memorable treat that will impress family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon, this cake will quickly become a seasonal favorite. So, grab your ingredients and give this simple yet elegant dessert a try — you’ll be glad you did!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of pumpkin puree for the Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake?
Yes, you can! While canned pumpkin puree is the most convenient option, you can also use homemade pumpkin puree or even substitute with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree. These alternatives will provide a similar texture and flavor, but always opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree to keep the flavors balanced.
2. How can I prevent the pumpkin cake from cracking when rolling?
To avoid cracks, it’s essential to roll the cake while it’s still warm. If you wait too long, the cake may become too stiff and crack. Additionally, dusting your tea towel with powdered sugar before rolling the cake and rolling it gently but firmly will help maintain the cake’s integrity.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pumpkin spice roll cake actually tastes better after a few hours as the spices have time to meld together. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
More Relevant Recipes
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodles – Fall Cookie Recipe: These soft, chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are a delicious take on the classic cookie, with the added warmth of pumpkin and cinnamon. A perfect fall treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Pumpkin Pie Dip – Easy Recipe: This creamy, spiced pumpkin pie dip is the perfect no-bake dessert for autumn gatherings. It’s rich and sweet, with all the flavors of pumpkin pie, served as a fun dip with cookies, crackers, or apple slices.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Recipe: These pumpkin cheesecake bars combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the spiced warmth of pumpkin. They’re a great option for fall celebrations, offering a deliciously indulgent yet portable dessert.
Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is the perfect autumn dessert. It’s a light and fluffy cake filled with a rich, creamy cream cheese filling, all spiced with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. The spiral design makes it an impressive dessert for fall gatherings, and it’s easy to make in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting the towel)
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 13×17-inch jellyroll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper and dust a large tea towel with powdered sugar.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until pale and thick. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared pan, leaving a small border around the edges. Bake for 14-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately turn it out onto the powdered sugar-dusted towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting from the short side, roll the cake and the towel together. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make the cream cheese filling, beat the softened butter until fluffy, then add the room-temperature cream cheese and mix until smooth. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface.
- Re-roll the cake tightly without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving plate. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to set the filling.
- Slice and serve. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is rolled while still warm to prevent cracking.
- Room temperature cream cheese and butter are crucial for a smooth filling.
- Dust the towel generously with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking.
- This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing is an option: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320-360
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg