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Simple and delicious pumpkin roll recipe for fall!

There is something undeniably magical about fall baking, and nothing captures that cozy autumn spirit quite like a homemade pumpkin roll. The moment the weather starts to cool down and the leaves turn those golden, rusty shades, I find myself craving warm spices, soft pumpkin cake, and that dreamy swirl of cream cheese filling. A pumpkin roll is one of those timeless treats that feels special without being complicated. It is nostalgic, comforting, and absolutely perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or even a random Tuesday when you simply need something sweet and seasonal.

Pumpkin rolls have been a staple at fall parties and family celebrations for decades, and there is a reason everybody loves them. They look impressive, slice beautifully, and offer that perfect balance of tender, spiced cake wrapped around a smooth, slightly tangy filling. Every bite is soft, creamy, and heavenly — like fall wrapped in a dessert blanket.

And here is the best part: a pumpkin roll is so much easier to make than it looks. If you have ever been intimidated by the idea of rolling a cake, do not worry! With the right technique and a little confidence, anyone can bake a gorgeous pumpkin roll at home. The trick is in baking the cake thin enough, rolling it while warm, and letting parchment paper and powdered sugar do the heavy lifting. Once you understand that rhythm, pumpkin rolls become one of the simplest show stealing desserts in your fall recipe lineup.

This treat is perfect for gifting too. Wrap a chilled pumpkin roll tightly in parchment and ribbon, and you instantly have a thoughtful homemade present for friends, neighbors, teachers, or Thanksgiving hosts. It is festive, flavorful, and universally loved.

So whether you are planning your Thanksgiving menu, hosting a fall birthday, prepping for a cozy weekend at home, or just craving something sweet, this pumpkin roll recipe is going to be your new seasonal favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this gorgeous dessert — and why it deserves a permanent place on your fall baking tradition list.

Easy Fall Pumpkin Roll Recipe.  Looking for an easy fall dessert recipe that is sure to be a winner and delight your guests?  This Pumpkin Roll Recipe is super delicious and quick and easy to make.  You will love it!! 

Looking for other Pumpkin Recipes?  Also be sure to check out our Pumpkin Bread Recipe, Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe and Pumpkin Pie Recipe!

I love fall baking.  Last week, my 7 year old and I had a marathon mommy-daughter baking day.  Her request?  “Let’s make something Daddy will love!”

So we did…this Pumpkin Roll recipe is my husband’s favorite and easy enough for my 7 year old to do most of the work (I DID need to do the actual rolling of the cake, but she was able to measure and mix most everything else. 

It was a wonderful time of bonding and baking…here is the recipe, I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!!

Step by Step: Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Ingredients:

Cake:

  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cloves
  • 1/4 salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup pumpkin
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Filling: 

  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 6 Tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla

 

Preheat the Oven to 375.  Line a Jelly Roll Pan with wax paper (make sure the paper overhangs the ends of the pan a little.)  Grease and flour the wax paper.

Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and sugar) together in a medium sized bowl.  In a mixer (here is a recommendation for a good one if you don’t have a free standing mixer.)  Combine eggs and pumpkin. Once well mixed, add dry ingredients.

Pour evenly into pan.  Place in the oven and bake for 10-13 mins.  

While the cake is baking, lay a kitchen towel out on the counter.  Powder the towel with powdered sugar.  

Remove the cake from the oven.  Pick up the cake by the wax paper that overhangs the pan and carefully flip it over onto the towel.  Gently, roll the cake and towel into a tube shape.  Allow cake to cool rolled up.

While the cake is cooling, mix filling.  Beat all ingredients together until smooth.  

Unroll the cake.  Spread the filling on the cake evenly.  Re-roll the cake without the towel.  Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.  Chill for at least two hours prior to serving.

Easy + Delicious Fall Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Easy + Delicious Fall Pumpkin Roll Recipe

Easy Fall Pumpkin Roll Recipe.  Looking for an easy fall dessert recipe that is sure to be a winner and delight your guests?  This Pumpkin Roll Recipe is super delicious and quick and easy to make.  You will love it!! 

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Additional Time 15 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes

Ingredients

  • CAKE
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cloves
  • 1/4 salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup pumpkin
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • FILLING
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 6 Tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

    1. Preheat the Oven to 375.
    2. Line a Jelly Roll Pan with wax paper (make sure the paper overhangs the ends of the pan a little.)  Grease and flour the wax paper.
    3. Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and sugar) together in a medium sized bowl.
    4. Combine eggs and pumpkin. Once well mixed, add dry ingredients.
    5. Pour evenly into pan.  Place in the oven and bake for 10-13 mins.
    6. While the cake is baking, lay a kitchen towel out on the counter.  Powder the towel with powdered sugar.
    7. Remove the cake from the oven.  Pick up the cake by the wax paper that overhangs the pan and carefully flip it over onto the towel.
    8. Gently, roll the cake and towel into a tube shape.  Allow cake to cool rolled up.
    9. While the cake is cooling, mix filling.
    10. Beat all ingredients together until smooth.
    11. Unroll the cake.
    12. Spread the filling on the cake evenly.
    13. Re-roll the cake without the towel.
    14. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.  Chill for at least two hours prior to serving.
© Mimi's Dollhouse
Category: desserts
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Conclusion for Pumpkin Roll Recipe

A classic pumpkin roll is one of those desserts that never goes out of style, and once you master the process, you will find yourself making it again and again. There is something uniquely satisfying about unveiling a freshly sliced pumpkin roll — revealing that perfect spiral of cake and frosting — and watching friends and family light up with excitement. It is a moment that captures the heart of fall baking: warm, welcoming, and filled with joy.

The charm of a pumpkin roll lies not only in its appearance but in its flavor. The soft pumpkin cake has just the right amount of spice, balancing cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the natural sweetness of pumpkin. Paired with a silky cream cheese filling, it becomes a dessert that is as comforting as it is beautiful. And because it is not overly sugary, it works wonderfully as an after dinner treat, a Thanksgiving buffet dessert, or even a sweet brunch addition.

Another wonderful thing about pumpkin rolls is their versatility. You can dress them up with sugared cranberries, drizzle caramel over each slice, dust them with powdered sugar, or pair them with fresh whipped cream. Or you can serve them exactly as they are — simple, classic, and completely delicious. They store beautifully in the fridge and freezer, making them perfect for preparing in advance. This means less stress during your holiday hosting and more time enjoying the festivities.

If you are making your pumpkin roll for Thanksgiving, consider doubling the recipe. They disappear quickly, and leftovers are a rare phenomenon. And if you are planning a fall themed party, pumpkin rolls are a wonderful centerpiece dessert. You can cut them into smaller spirals for a dessert board or pair slices with hot cocoa or apple cider for a cozy treat station.

Pumpkin rolls are also a great introduction to baking for those who want to try something beyond cookies and cupcakes. It teaches simple techniques like making a thin sponge cake, rolling while warm to avoid cracking, and layering fillings evenly. Once you grasp these basics, you can experiment with other rolled cakes throughout the year.

Most importantly, baking a pumpkin roll is an act of love. It is the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition, a treat that your kids remember helping with, or a dessert your friends request every fall. It is warm, heartfelt, and wonderfully nostalgic — everything a fall recipe should be.

So go ahead and pull out your mixing bowl, dust your kitchen in a little powdered sugar, and have fun with this delicious fall classic. Whether it is your first pumpkin roll or your fiftieth, this recipe is sure to bring sweetness, comfort, and joy to your table.

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THANKS FOR READING OUR Recipe for a Pumpkin Roll!