Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

A woman cooking in a warm, inviting kitchen with rustic charm

By: Lalyta

November 11, 2025

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting

Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for holidays, look no further than this Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine the warm spices of cinnamon and cloves wrapped in a tender, moist pumpkin cake, all swirled with an irresistibly creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. This recipe from lalytarecipes.com transforms the classic pumpkin roll into an effortless masterpiece, solving the common frustration of cracked rolls with our foolproof techniques. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or seeking a simple yet impressive pumpkin dessert, this Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will become your go-to for its unbeatable texture and flavors that evoke autumn’s best moments.

The sensory appeal of this Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is simply irresistible. Picture the first bite: a soft, spongy pumpkin cake that’s lightly spiced with cinnamon and cloves, offering a subtle earthiness from the canned pumpkin that pairs beautifully with the rich, velvety cream cheese frosting. The frosting’s smooth, creamy texture—achieved through perfectly softened ingredients—creates a luxurious contrast, while the faint aroma of vanilla extract lingers, making every slice feel like a warm hug. This pumpkin roll recipe doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth; it delivers a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes that will have your family asking for seconds.

What sets this Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe apart on lalytarecipes.com is our commitment to making it the most reliable and user-friendly version online, straight from Chef Lalyta’s kitchen. We’ve tested it countless times to ensure perfect results every time, including a Chef’s Secret that guarantees an extra creamy frosting without any fuss. In this post, you’ll discover step-by-step guidance, ingredient spotlights, and expert tips that build your confidence in the kitchen. From preventing cracks to creative serving ideas, this is your ultimate resource for mastering this holiday favorite pumpkin roll recipe.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 10

Why This Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret: What truly elevates this Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is our focus on creating an irresistibly creamy frosting that’s smoother and more decadent than traditional versions. By ensuring all frosting ingredients—especially the cream cheese and butter—are fully softened at room temperature before beating, we achieve a silky texture that blends effortlessly, avoiding any lumps for a professional finish. This technique not only enhances the flavor but also makes the filling easier to spread, turning a simple pumpkin roll recipe into a luxurious treat that stands out at any holiday table.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the texture lies in the careful balance of ingredients like baking powder and baking soda, which create a light, airy cake that rolls without cracking. The canned pumpkin adds moisture, while the eggs provide structure, resulting in a flexible sponge that’s resilient when cooled. This ensures your Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has that perfect, spiral presentation every time, thanks to the way these elements interact during baking and cooling.

Foolproof for a Reason: We’ve perfected this pumpkin roll recipe through multiple tests, guaranteeing success even for novice bakers. With clear instructions and tips to avoid common pitfalls, you can confidently whip up this holiday dessert without stress, making it a reliable choice for your pumpkin dessert repertoire.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Starting with all-purpose flour, the base of your Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, this ingredient provides the structure needed for a tender cake. Opt for unbleached flour to avoid any metallic aftertaste; its gluten content ensures the batter holds together without becoming tough. If you’re gluten-sensitive, a reliable substitution is a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, though it may slightly alter the texture—test with a small batch first to maintain that signature rollability.

Ground cinnamon and cloves add the warm, aromatic spice that defines this pumpkin roll recipe. Cinnamon brings a sweet, woody depth, while cloves offer a bold, peppery note; together, they evoke holiday vibes. Always use fresh, high-quality ground spices to preserve potency—stale ones can dull flavors. For a twist, substitute with a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the canned pumpkin’s natural sweetness.

Canned pumpkin is the star, providing moisture and a vibrant orange hue to your Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Choose pure pumpkin puree without added sugars or spices for the best control over flavors. It ensures consistent results year-round; if substituting with fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it first, but note that fresh versions can be more watery, so drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy cake.

Three large eggs act as a binder and leavening agent, contributing to the cake’s rise and elasticity. Fresh, room-temperature eggs whip better, creating volume in the batter for that perfect roll. For an egg-free version, try flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), but this may make the texture denser, so adjust baking time accordingly in your pumpkin roll recipe.

Cream cheese is essential for the irresistibly creamy frosting in this Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, delivering tanginess and richness. Select full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the creamiest results; softening it properly prevents lumps. A dairy-free alternative like vegan cream cheese works well, but add a bit more powdered sugar to mimic the thickness and ensure it holds up when rolled.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan, then line it with wax paper for easy removal. This step ensures the cake doesn’t stick and maintains its shape. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.

Pro Tip: Use a light hand when greasing to avoid excess oil, which can make the cake greasy; a pastry brush works wonders for even coverage.

Step 2: Creating the Batter

In a large bowl, beat the three large eggs and 1 cup granulated sugar until thick and pale yellow, which usually takes about 5 minutes with an electric mixer. Stir in 2/3 cup canned pumpkin until fully incorporated, then gently fold in the dry ingredient mixture from Step 1 until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overbeating the batter can deflate it, leading to a dense cake—stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are blended to keep that light, airy texture.

Step 3: Baking the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for uniform baking. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Pro Tip: Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even heat distribution, ensuring the edges don’t overcook and crack later.

Step 4: Rolling the Cake

Immediately after baking, loosen the cake from the pan and turn it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the wax paper, then roll up the cake in the towel and let it cool for 60 minutes on a wire rack.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Letting the cake cool completely before rolling can cause it to crack—always roll it while warm to maintain flexibility in this pumpkin roll recipe.

Step 5: Preparing the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 6 tablespoons softened butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Pro Tip: For that irresistibly creamy frosting, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature; this allows for a fluffier consistency without grittiness.

Step 6: Assembling and Chilling

Unroll the cooled cake, spread the frosting evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully reroll the cake, then wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overfilling the cake can cause it to burst when rerolled—use only about three-quarters of the frosting for a neat, secure roll.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of your Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, slice it into 1-inch thick rounds and arrange on a festive platter, dusting with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for added visual appeal. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to enhance the autumn colors, making it a centerpiece for holiday gatherings. This pumpkin roll pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot cider, complementing its spiced flavors, and serves as a delightful dessert after a hearty meal like roasted turkey or pumpkin soup.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the cake roll up to 2 days in advance by baking and assembling it, then storing it wrapped in the refrigerator. For components, make the frosting a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, allowing it to soften at room temperature before use.

Storing Leftovers: Wrap any remaining Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the sliced or whole roll in an airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original texture, let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or gently warm in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften the frosting without melting it, preserving that creamy indulgence in your pumpkin roll recipe.

Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I prevent a pumpkin roll from cracking when rolling it?

To prevent cracking in your Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, roll the cake while it’s still warm from the oven, as this keeps it flexible. Dust your towel generously with powdered sugar to reduce sticking, and avoid overbaking the cake—check it at 13 minutes for the perfect doneness. Cooling it rolled in the towel helps it set in the desired shape, ensuring a flawless pumpkin roll every time.

Can I substitute canned pumpkin with fresh pumpkin in a pumpkin roll recipe?

Yes, you can substitute canned pumpkin with fresh in your Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, but it’s important to prepare it properly. Roast fresh pumpkin until soft, puree it, and drain any excess moisture to match the consistency of canned puree; this prevents a soggy cake. Fresh pumpkin may offer a slightly more vibrant flavor, but start with the same measurement and adjust if needed for the best results in your pumpkin roll recipe.

How long does it take to bake and prepare a pumpkin roll with cream cheese frosting?

For this Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, preparation takes about 20 minutes, baking is 13-15 minutes, and total time including cooling and chilling is around 1 hour 35 minutes. This makes it a relatively quick pumpkin roll recipe for holiday baking, allowing you to serve it fresh within a couple of hours.

What are the best ways to serve a pumpkin roll for holidays or gatherings?

The best ways to serve your Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe at holidays include slicing it just before guests arrive for a neat presentation, pairing it with seasonal drinks like spiced apple cider, or adding a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For gatherings, present it on a rustic board with nuts or dried fruits to enhance the festive vibe, making it a versatile centerpiece for your pumpkin dessert spread.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this pumpkin roll recipe?

Absolutely, you can enhance your Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe by folding in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch, but do so sparingly (about 1/2 cup) to avoid affecting the roll’s flexibility. This adds texture and flavor, perfect for holiday variations, but always test a small batch first.

Is this pumpkin roll recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, this Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is beginner-friendly, with straightforward steps and tips to avoid common mistakes like cracking. As long as you follow the instructions closely, including rolling the cake while warm, even novice bakers can achieve great results on their first try.

Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

To make this Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water each) and use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives; for gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. These changes may slightly alter the texture, so adjust baking time and ensure your substitutes are high-quality to maintain that creamy, delicious pumpkin roll experience.

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Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


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  • Author: Chef Lalyta
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

A classic pumpkin roll filled with creamy cheese frosting, perfect for holidays.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line with wax paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick. Stir in pumpkin. Fold in flour mixture.
  4. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes.
  5. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
  6. Carefully peel off wax paper. Roll up cake in the towel and let cool for 60 minutes.
  7. For filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth.
  8. Unroll cake and spread filling evenly. Reroll cake and chill before serving.

Notes

Ensure the cake is rolled while still warm to prevent cracking. Store in refrigerator.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Method: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 207
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Protein: 3g

Conclusion

This Luscious Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Frosting is a perfect blend of warm spices and creamy richness, making it an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Its soft, spongy texture paired with the tangy sweetness of the frosting creates a truly irresistible treat that will leave everyone craving more. For a fun variation, try sprinkling chopped nuts into the filling before rolling, and serve it chilled for the best flavor; if you’re in the mood for more festive sweets, check out the Easy Holiday Crack Cookies Recipe or the Festive Pomegranate Pistachio Macaron Christmas Trees Recipe for additional holiday inspiration.

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