When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a Pumpkin Roll. This dessert combines the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin with a smooth, creamy filling, making it a perfect treat for any autumn gathering. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this Pumpkin Roll will quickly become a favorite in your fall baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 6 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan, line it with parchment paper, and grease the paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Make the Batter:
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale.
- Add the canned pumpkin to the egg mixture and beat until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture until fully incorporated.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. If desired, sprinkle the top with chopped walnuts for added texture.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake the cake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched.
- Roll the Cake:
- Immediately loosen the cake from the edges of the pan and turn it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Starting at the narrow end, roll up the cake and the towel together. This will help the cake maintain its shape as it cools.
- Place the rolled cake on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a small mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Roll:
- Once the cake has cooled, unroll it carefully and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface.
- Reroll the cake without the towel this time, then wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up.
- Serve:
- Before serving, dust the top of the Pumpkin Roll with additional powdered sugar for a festive finish.
- Slice the cake into even pieces and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Time and Nutrition:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Calories: 240 kcal per slice
- Servings: 10 servings
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Roll:
- Roll While Warm: For a smoother roll, ensure you roll the cake while it’s still warm. This helps prevent cracks and keeps the cake pliable.
- Add Nutmeg: For an extra layer of autumn flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter along with the other spices.