Classic Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

A Pumpkin Roll is a show-stopping dessert perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations. This light and fluffy pumpkin cake is infused with warm spices and rolled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. It’s a delicious treat that looks as impressive as it tastes, yet it’s simple enough to make with a bit of practice.

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Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cake:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 3 large eggs
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 12 ounces cream cheese (1½ packages), softened
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly with baking spray or butter.

2. Make the Pumpkin Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Mix in the walnuts, if using.

3. Bake the Cake:
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Roll the Cake:
While the cake is still warm, place it on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper and gently roll it up (starting from the short side). Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

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For the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice, mixing until creamy and well blended.

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5. Assemble the Pumpkin Roll:
Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Reroll the cake tightly but gently.

6. Finish and Chill:
Dust the pumpkin roll with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

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Tips for a Perfect Pumpkin Roll

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients:
  This ensures a smooth batter and creamy filling.
• Roll While Warm:
  Rolling the cake while it’s warm prevents cracking. Allow it to cool fully in its rolled shape before adding the filling.
• Chill Before Serving:
  Refrigerating the roll helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve cleanly.
• Decorative Touches:
  Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with whipped cream and pecans for an elegant presentation.

With its rich flavor and impressive spiral design, this Pumpkin Roll will become a go-to recipe for special occasions or anytime you crave a sweet seasonal treat!