Pumpkin Rolls: Best Fall Dessert Recipe (Easy & Delicious)

Pumpkin rolls are a quintessential fall treat, capturing the warm, spiced flavors of autumn in a delectable dessert. With a soft pumpkin cake rolled around a creamy, smooth cream cheese filling, these rolls are the perfect dessert for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any cozy gathering. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood memories in the kitchen or looking for a unique yet easy-to-make fall dessert, this pumpkin roll recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Rolls

Pumpkin rolls are not only delicious, but they also bring a touch of nostalgia with each bite. The combination of spiced pumpkin and cream cheese creates a rich, decadent dessert that feels both comforting and indulgent. They’re perfect for family gatherings, making them a favorite during the fall and holiday seasons. What makes these rolls even better is that they are surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and a bit of patience while they cool.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Rolls

• Large Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cake rise.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the recipe, delivering flavor, moisture, and that signature orange hue.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake its structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds a warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream Cheese: The creamy base for the filling, providing smoothness and tang.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and a slight salty contrast to the sweet filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and provides smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely flavor depth to the cream cheese filling.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, consider using a plant-based cream cheese alternative and vegan butter in the cream cheese filling. You can also substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture or an egg replacer to suit dietary restrictions, making these pumpkin rolls accessible to more people.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pumpkin Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly spray with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs for about 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix until smooth.
4. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
5. Roll the Cake: Carefully, and with the parchment paper attached, roll up the hot cake starting from one short end. Let it cool completely on the counter.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Once the cake has cooled, make the filling by beating the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
7. Assemble the Roll: Gently unroll the cake, remove the parchment paper, and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the inside. Carefully roll the cake back up, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled.
8. Serve: Slice the chilled pumpkin roll into pieces and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pumpkin Rolls

• Avoid Cracking: To prevent the cake from cracking when rolling, ensure it’s completely cool before unrolling. Take your time when removing the parchment paper to prevent tearing.
• Storage: Store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze pumpkin rolls for up to two months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight.
• Texture Tips: If you prefer a slightly denser cake, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes, keeping an eye on the texture to ensure it’s not too dry.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Pumpkin rolls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or coffee. For a festive touch, sprinkle the top with cinnamon-sugar before serving. If you want to switch up the flavor profile, try adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cream cheese filling. For a healthier twist, you can substitute the powdered sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips

Pumpkin rolls make an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings. You can prepare them the night before and refrigerate until it’s time to serve. They also freeze beautifully—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy, ready-to-serve dessert.

Why Pumpkin Rolls Are a Must-Make Fall Treat

Pumpkin rolls bring the best of fall into one delightful bite. With their warm spiced cake and creamy filling, they are perfect for any celebration. The recipe is simple to follow, and the results are a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying the autumn season, these pumpkin rolls are sure to make your gathering extra special.

Conclusion

Pumpkin rolls are the perfect dessert to embrace the warmth and coziness of fall. With their tender pumpkin cake and creamy, smooth filling, these rolls bring together the best flavors of the season. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself, this pumpkin roll recipe is sure to become a tradition. Easy to make, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying, pumpkin rolls will be a hit every time. So, put on your apron and enjoy baking these delightful rolls — they are bound to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

FAQs About Pumpkin Rolls

More Relevant Recipes

• Cinnamon Rolls: These classic cinnamon rolls feature a soft, doughy texture wrapped around a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with creamy icing. A perfect companion to pumpkin rolls for your autumn breakfast or dessert table.
• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake: This no-bake cheesecake is a refreshing alternative with its smooth, creamy texture and vibrant strawberry flavor. It complements the richness of pumpkin rolls while offering a fruity twist to your dessert lineup.
• The Best Easy Banana Bread: For a comforting, homey option, this banana bread offers a moist, tender crumb with the sweetness of ripe bananas, making it an ideal addition to a fall-themed dessert spread alongside pumpkin rolls.

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