Name: Delicious Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake for Cozy Gatherings
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 3 large eggs (crucial for binding and adding moisture); 1 cup granulated sugar (sweetens and balances spices); 2/3 cup plain pumpkin puree (adds rich flavor and moisture); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances flavor); 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (provides structure); 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps the cake rise); 1 teaspoon baking soda (creates lift with acids in pumpkin); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (infuses warmth); 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice blend (deepens seasonal taste); 1/2 teaspoon salt (balances sweetness); 8 oz cream cheese (softened for richness); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (adds creaminess); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds aroma and flavor); 1 pinch sea salt (enhances sweetness); 1 cup powdered sugar (sweetens and smooths texture); powdered sugar (for a light dusting)

As the crisp fall air wraps around me, the aroma of pumpkin spice fills my kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. My latest indulgence, the Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake, is a delightful testament to the season's flavors, combining the warmth of spices and the comfort of homemade goodness. It's surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary journeys. Plus, this cake not only looks stunning on your dessert table but also stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, ensuring you have a sweet treat handy whenever the craving strikes. Why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of seasonal joy? Let's dive in!

What Makes This Pumpkin Spice Cake Special?

Irresistible Flavors: The warm blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spices captures the essence of fall, making every bite a celebration of the season.

Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels, featuring straightforward steps that yield impressive results.

Stunning Presentation: Its elegant roll shape makes it an eye-catching dessert, sure to be the highlight of any gathering.

Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it as a delightful after-breakfast treat or alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Make-Ahead Magic: This cake can be prepared in advance and frozen for future indulgence, ensuring you're always ready for unexpected guests.

Why not enhance your baking experience with some deliciously themed recipes alongside your home-cooked favorites?

Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake Ingredients

For the Cake
• 3 large eggs – crucial for binding and adding moisture to the cake.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the cake while balancing the spices.
• ⅔ cup plain pumpkin puree – adds that rich pumpkin flavor and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – provides the structure and texture for the roll.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – works with the acids in pumpkin to create lift.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – infuses warmth and fall flavor into each slice.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice blend – deepens the seasonal taste that makes fall special.
• ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.

For the Cream Cheese Filling
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – provides a rich and tangy filling that complements the cake.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened – adds creaminess to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a lovely aroma and flavor to the filling.
• Sea salt (a pinch) – enhances sweetness and depth of flavors in the filling.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (additional for filling) – sweetens the cream filling and gives it a smooth texture.

For Dusting
• Powdered sugar – a light dusting adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.

Each ingredient in this Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake plays a vital role in creating a delightful dessert that celebrates the season. So gather your ingredients and let’s bake something special!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, prepare a 13x17” jellyroll pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it with butter or nonstick spray. This will ensure your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Towel
Sprinkle ¼ cup of powdered sugar over a large tea towel and set it aside. This will be used later to help prevent the cake from sticking when it’s rolled, ensuring a beautiful and intact roll for your pumpkin spice cake.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice blend, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of flavors and leavening agents, setting the foundation for your delicious Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake.

Step 4: Beat Eggs and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes pale and thick. This step incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake a light and airy texture once baked.

Step 5: Add Pumpkin and Vanilla
Carefully mix in the plain pumpkin puree and vanilla extract into the egg and sugar mixture until fully combined. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor, while the vanilla enhances the overall taste of your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. You want to combine everything just until there are no visible streaks of flour. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so it’s crucial to maintain that lovely spongey texture.

Step 7: Spread the Batter
Using a spatula, spread the batter evenly onto the prepared pan, ensuring to leave about a ¼” border around the edges. This helps the cake bake uniformly and gives it enough edges to hold together when rolled.

Step 8: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 14-15 minutes. The cake is ready when it puffs up and springs back lightly when touched. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking, which can result in a dry texture for your pumpkin spice roll.

Step 9: Remove and Cool the Cake
Once baked, promptly remove the cake from the oven and turn it out onto the sugar-dusted towel, peeling off the parchment paper gently. This step is essential as it keeps the surface of the cake from becoming too dry while it cools.

Step 10: Roll the Cake
Starting from one short side, carefully roll the cake and towel together into a tight log. Allow it to cool completely while resting in this shape on a wire rack. This will help the cake retain its form when unrolled later for the filling.

Step 11: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese filling. Beat the softened butter in a bowl until it's light and fluffy. This texture ensures a smooth consistency for your filling and creates that creamy contrast to the pumpkin cake.

Step 12: Mix the Filling Ingredients
Blend in the softened cream cheese until smooth, and then add the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Mixing these ingredients well creates a deliciously tangy filling that pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced cake.

Step 13: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually
Slowly add 1 cup of powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition. This process ensures that your cream cheese filling achieves a silky smooth texture that's easy to spread over the cake.

Step 14: Unroll and Fill the Cake
Once the cake has completely cooled, gently unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top, close to the edges to get that delightful filling in every bite of your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake.

Step 15: Re-Roll the Cake
Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, making sure to keep it tight as you go. Place the roll seam side down on a serving plate. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to help it set perfectly for slicing.

Step 16: Slice and Serve
After chilling, use a sharp serrated knife to slice the chilled roll into beautiful pieces. Dust with additional powdered sugar for an elegant finish that adds sweetness—your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is now ready to impress!

Tips for the Best Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

Perfect Baking Time: Check the cake around 14 minutes; it should spring back gently when touched. Underbaking leads to a gummy texture, while overbaking can dry it out.

Gentle Mixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can create a dense cake rather than a light, fluffy Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake.

Rolling Technique: Roll the cake tightly while it’s still warm but handle it gently. This helps prevent cracks, so your beautiful filling stays intact.

Chill for Best Cuts: Chilling the rolled cake for at least an hour before slicing makes it easier to cut cleanly, creating lovely, even slices.

Dusting Delicately: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. This gives your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake a fresh, sweet finish without it absorbing moisture from the air.

Make Ahead Options

These Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cake itself up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe, fully cool the cake, and then roll it in the towel as directed. Once rolled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The cream cheese filling can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; just give it a good stir before spreading. When you're ready to serve, unroll the cake, spread the filling, re-roll, and chill for at least 1 hour. This way, you'll have a stunning dessert ready with minimal last-minute effort!

What to Serve with Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake?

Indulging in a slice of this delightful roll cake creates an inviting atmosphere that begs for the right accompaniments.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery texture balances the spiciness of the cake, making for an interesting yet harmonious meal atmosphere.
Warm Apple Cider: This cozy drink enhances the fall flavors, wrapping you in warmth with each sip and perfectly complementing the spices of the cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold treat contrasts beautifully with the warm spices, creating a delightful experience that’s hard to resist.
Whipped Cream: A dollop adds lightness and creaminess, enhancing the richness of the cream cheese filling while keeping it festive.
Chai Tea: The blend of spices in chai mirrors the flavors in the cake, creating a comforting pairing that's perfect for cozy gatherings.
Toasted Pecans: Their crunch adds a delightful texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft, spiced cake, elevating every bite.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enjoy this seasonal favorite alongside your cake for a double dose of pumpkin spice love that will warm your heart.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: The combination of flavors and textures offers a nostalgic twist that would melt anyone's heart, rounding out a sweet dessert platter.
Cranberry Sauce: Its tartness offsets the sweetness of the cake while providing a pop of color, making your dessert table vibrant and inviting.
Hot Chocolate: This rich beverage envelops the palate in warmth, making it an excellent pairing for the Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake during chilly evenings.

How to Store and Freeze Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

Fridge: Keep the Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This will preserve its moisture and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the rolled cake by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without loss of quality.

Thawing: To thaw, transfer the frozen cake to the fridge for several hours or overnight. You can also leave it at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before serving.

Serving: After thawing, dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finish and added sweetness. Enjoy it fresh alongside your favorite warm beverage!

Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake for a delightful twist everyone will love!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free, ensuring just as much flavor and fun!
Dairy-Free: Swap cream cheese for coconut cream and use dairy-free butter, keeping the richness while accommodating lactose sensitivities.
Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cake, adding a decadent touch that enhances the flavors of pumpkin and spice.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Twist: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of espresso powder into the batter for a coffee-flavored kick, turning your cake into a heavenly treat!
Caramel Layer: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cream cheese filling before re-rolling for a sweet surprise that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Serve slices with freshly whipped cream infused with cinnamon for a light contrast that complements the rich cake.
Spiced Apples: Top with sautéed apples sprinkled with cinnamon for a delicious and fruity addition that screams fall comfort.

Exploring variations can bring new life to this seasonal favorite while allowing you to tailor it to your family’s taste buds. Pair your creations with a cup of spiced chai tea or warm apple cider to heighten the cozy vibe. Enjoy the magic of baking!

Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkin puree, look for a can labeled "100% pumpkin" rather than "pumpkin pie filling," which contains added sugars and spices. If you prefer fresh, opt for a small sugar pumpkin (also called pie pumpkin) that is firm and heavy for its size, with no dark spots or blemishes.

How should I store leftover pumpkin spice roll cake?
Very simple! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days, ensuring it retains its delicious moisture and flavor. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature; it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee.

Can I freeze the pumpkin spice roll cake?
Yes, you can! Wrap the filled and rolled cake securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for extra protection. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before serving.

Why is my pumpkin spice roll cake cracking?
This can happen, and it’s usually due to rolling the cake when it’s too cool or not rolling tightly enough while it’s warm. For a perfect roll, try rolling it soon after it comes out of the oven, and handle it gently to prevent cracks. If it does crack, don’t worry—just slice and serve those pieces as rustic bites!

Is this cake suitable for those with dairy allergies?
Unfortunately, as is, this recipe contains cream cheese and butter, making it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies. However, you can swap the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream, and use a plant-based butter for the filling. Just make sure to choose powdered sugar without additives that might contain dairy.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
The more the merrier! Adding chopped walnuts or chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of your pumpkin spice roll cake. Just fold them in gently before spreading the batter into the pan, ensuring you do not overmix. This adds delightful surprises in each bite!