Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, show-stopping dessert that perfectly captures all the aromas and flavors of the season, your search ends here. This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is a delightful swirl of moist pumpkin-infused cake wrapped around a luscious cinnamon cream cheese filling. Every bite is a celebration of autumn’s best spices, marrying tender texture with rich, creamy sweetness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re welcoming guests or simply indulging yourself, this recipe is sure to become a treasured classic in your fall baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one brings something special to the table—whether it’s the warm spice blend that defines the cake’s flavor, the fluffy texture from eggs and leaveners, or the smooth tanginess of the cream cheese filling.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s delicate crumb, providing structure without heaviness.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure the cake rises just right with a tender texture.
• Ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice blend: The fragrant spices that infuse the cake with quintessential fall flavor.
• Salt: A pinch to balance sweetness and brighten the spices.
• Large eggs: Adding richness and helping the cake hold together as it bakes and rolls.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes slightly in the oven for subtle depth.
• Canned pumpkin puree: The real star that brings moistness, vibrant color, and that unmistakable fall essence.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm spices and adds complexity.
• Powdered sugar: For dusting the towel to prevent sticking and sweetening the cream cheese filling.
• Cream cheese and salted butter: Combined in the filling for a rich, silky contrast to the spiced cake.
• Sea salt and ground cinnamon: Tiny touches in the filling that amplify flavor and balance sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Towel

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Line a large jellyroll pan with parchment or wax paper, then give it a light greasing to make sure your cake slides out with ease. Next, dust a clean tea towel generously with powdered sugar—this cozy sugar blanket is crucial for rolling the cake later without any sticky surprises.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In one bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. In another, beat your eggs and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. This step aerates the batter for a tender crumb. Then, stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla. Combining the wet and dry gently but thoroughly sets the stage for the perfect pumpkin cake texture.

Step 3: Combine and Bake the Cake

Carefully fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients, watching not to overwork the batter. Spread it evenly into your prepared jellyroll pan, leaving a small border. Bake until the cake springs back when touched and looks set; this takes about 14 to 15 minutes—just long enough to develop a soft, tender crust without drying out.

Step 4: Roll the Cake in the Sugared Towel

Once your cake comes out of the oven, the magic moment arrives: flipping it onto your powdered sugar-dusted towel and peeling off the parchment. While still warm, roll the cake and towel together from the short side. This step trains the cake to hold its spiral shape and prevents cracking later. Allow it to cool completely here so it firms up for the filling.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cake cools, whip up the dreamy cream cheese filling. Start by beating butter until fluffy, then add room-temperature cream cheese. Mix in vanilla, sea salt, and a subtle pinch of cinnamon for that extra cozy flavor note. Gradually add the powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable, creating a luscious contrast to the spiced cake.

Step 6: Fill, Roll and Chill the Pumpkin Roll

Time to bring it all together. Unroll your completely cooled cake, spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface but don’t go too close to the edges. Then, gently re-roll the cake—this time without the towel—into a tight spiral. Set it seam-side down on a plate and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling step lets the filling set nicely and makes slicing a breeze.

Step 7: Serve the Pumpkin Roll

After resting in the fridge, slice your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake with a sharp serrated knife to keep those beautiful swirls intact. For that final touch, dust with a little more powdered sugar. Serve it chilled so it holds its shape and showcases the inviting cinnamon cream cheese filling with each bite.

How to Serve Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

Garnishes

Enhance your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake with simple garnishes that elevate its beauty and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar offers a snow-kissed effect, while a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top adds an aromatic invitation. For an elegant finish, consider topping with toasted pecans or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce—the nutty crunch and sweet-salty notes pair beautifully with the cake’s creamy filling.

Side Dishes

This cake is a star on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that extra indulgence. A hot cup of spiced apple cider or your favorite chai tea complements the warm spices and rounds out the flavors for a cozy autumn dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, slice the roll and arrange the pieces on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves and small pumpkins as decor. You can also serve individual portions topped with a fresh sage leaf or a few cranberries for a pop of color. For holiday gatherings, consider layering slices in a trifle dish with whipped cream and cinnamon cookie crumbs for a stunning pumpkin spice parfait twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled and chilled, your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the creamy filling texture and moist cake layers, making it easy to enjoy for several days without sacrificing flavor or appearance.

Freezing

You can freeze the pumpkin roll to save for later by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Frozen this way, it will keep nicely for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain its perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, but if you prefer your slices slightly warmer, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave or oven as the cream cheese filling can melt and lose its luscious firmness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Fresh pumpkin can work but needs to be cooked and pureed first to achieve the right texture and moisture content. Make sure to remove excess water to avoid a soggy cake.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice blend?

You can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice in the right proportions—it’s easy and gives you control over the flavor.

Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge, just give it a quick mix before spreading to keep it smooth.

My cake cracked when rolling, what did I do wrong?

The key is rolling the cake while it’s still warm and moist on the sugared towel. If the cake cools completely before rolling or is too dry, cracks may appear.

How do I slice the roll without squishing it?

Use a sharp serrated knife and cut gently with a sawing motion. Chill the cake well before slicing to help it hold together perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of this Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake sings with cozy autumn flavors and a soft, luscious texture that feels like a celebration of the season. It’s a recipe that’s approachable, rewarding, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. I encourage you to whip this up for your next gathering or simply to savor a moment of happiness with a pumpkin-flavored treat you made from scratch. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite fall desserts too.

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