Pumpkin Rolls : Soft, Creamy & Perfect for Thanksgiving

Name: Pumpkin Rolls : Soft, Creamy & Perfect for Thanksgiving
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the pumpkin sponge:; ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; 3 large eggs; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; ⅔ cup (160g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Powdered sugar, for dusting; For the cream cheese filling:; 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

July 20, 2025

BySophia

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When it comes to show-stopping holiday desserts, nothing beats a beautifully swirled pumpkin roll. With a soft, spiced pumpkin sponge wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling, these rolls are as delicious as they are elegant.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, adding something special to your holiday dessert table, or just craving a cozy, autumn-flavored treat, this recipe is the one to try. If you’ve been looking for an easy pumpkin rolls with cream cheese recipe, a foolproof pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling easy enough for beginners, or even a healthy pumpkin roll recipe, you’re in the right place.

Why you’ll love these pumpkin rolls

Here’s why this recipe is a holiday favorite:

Classic fall flavor — pumpkin and warm spices in every bite
Creamy, tangy cream cheese filling that balances the sweetness
Easy to make with step-by-step instructions
A show-stopping centerpiece for your Thanksgiving cake roll lineup
Can be made ahead and even frozen for convenience

If you’re searching for cream cheese pumpkin rolls, Thanksgiving cake roll ideas, or just the best pumpkin rolls recipe easy enough for anyone, this is the one to bookmark.

Ingredients for pumpkin rolls

For the pumpkin sponge

¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
3 large eggs
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
⅔ cup (160g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting

For the cream cheese filling

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

These pantry staples and fresh ingredients create the perfect balance of light sponge and rich filling.

Kitchen equipment you’ll need

10×15-inch jelly roll pan
Parchment paper
Whisk or electric mixer
Mixing bowls
Rubber spatula
Clean kitchen towel
Sifter
Sharp serrated knife

How to make pumpkin rolls step by step

Step 1: Preheat and prepare the pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Step 3: Beat eggs and sugar

In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar together until thick and pale. Mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla.

Step 4: Combine batter

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.

Step 6: Roll the cake

While the cake is still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Invert the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, and gently roll the cake (with the towel) from short end to short end. Let it cool completely.

Step 7: Make the filling

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.

Step 8: Fill and roll

Unroll the cooled cake, spread cream cheese filling evenly, then carefully re-roll (without the towel). Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Pro tips for the best pumpkin rolls recipe easy & impressive

Roll the cake while warm to avoid cracks.
Use a sharp serrated knife to slice cleanly.
Chill before serving for neater slices.
Sift powdered sugar on top before serving for a classic look.

Common mistakes to avoid when making cream cheese pumpkin roll

Overbaking — makes the cake dry and hard to roll.
Skipping parchment paper — ensures the cake releases easily.
Letting the cake cool before rolling — roll it while it’s warm and pliable.
Using cold filling — makes it harder to spread evenly.

Serving suggestions: thanksgiving cake roll centerpiece

Serve your pumpkin roll on a decorative platter with extra powdered sugar and a few cinnamon sticks or sprigs of rosemary for garnish. Pair with coffee, tea, or warm apple cider for a cozy holiday vibe.

Presentation ideas for pumpkin rolls with cream cheese filling

For a festive look, drizzle lightly with caramel sauce, sprinkle with crushed pecans, or pipe a few whipped cream rosettes on the side. You can even dust with edible gold for an elegant touch.

Delicious variations: healthy pumpkin roll recipe, extra spice & more

Use whole wheat pastry flour and reduced sugar for a healthy pumpkin roll recipe.
Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the batter for extra warmth.
Mix finely chopped toasted pecans into the filling for a crunchy surprise.
Make mini rolls by cutting the sponge in half before filling and rolling.

Why this belongs in your easy pumpkin rolls with cream cheese collection

These pumpkin rolls strike the perfect balance of impressive and approachable. They’re easy enough for beginners but elegant enough to wow your guests — making them a staple in your collection of holiday and fall desserts.

How to store and freeze pumpkin rolls

Cover leftover pumpkin roll tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap the whole roll (or slices) in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw in the fridge before serving.

Pumpkin rolls FAQs

Can I make pumpkin rolls ahead of time?
Yes — they can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept chilled.

Why did my cake crack?
Rolling while warm helps prevent cracks — but a little crack can be covered with powdered sugar!

Can I make it without cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone or a stabilized whipped cream filling instead.

Is pumpkin pie filling okay?
No — use pure pumpkin puree to control the sweetness and spices.

Final thoughts: bake, roll & impress

These pumpkin rolls are soft, creamy, and full of cozy fall flavor — everything you want in a holiday dessert. Whether you serve them at Thanksgiving, a dinner party, or just because, they’re guaranteed to impress.

If you loved this recipe, share it with family and friends who appreciate festive desserts. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more cream cheese pumpkin creations, easy pumpkin roll ideas, and holiday dessert recipes delivered right to your inbox.

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