Our kitchen is where the delicious magic unfolds. I’m all about simple recipes and sharing them with our online pals

Pecan Pumpkin Roll

This pecan pumpkin roll is a delicious and easy winter dessert. Today, I’ll show you how to make it with a tasty cinnamon cream cheese fillin.

pumpkin cake roll

The first step in making a pecan pumpkin roll is to add the eggs to a large bowl and beat them for about 5 minutes until they’re pale and frothy. Then, add the pumpkin puree and mix until combined and it right on into our egg mixture and then just beat that until it is well combined. Next add the white sugar and brown sugar, and beat everything together. Go ahead and just mix that sugar in until it is well combined just like that we don’t want any sugar left.

pumpkin cake roll

I’ll take a big bowl of all-purpose flour and add some cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a little baking soda. Mix it all together. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, using a spatula or mixer to stir until combined. You can taste it and add more cinnamon if you like, but be careful since it has raw egg.

I have my jelly roll pan ready, greased and lined with parchment paper. Now, I’ll grease the parchment really well to prevent the cake from sticking. Then, I’ll pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.

pumpkin cake roll

We’re going to bake the cake at 375°F for about 30 minutes, but it might need a little longer. After baking I’ll use a knife to loosen the edges. Then, I’ll dust a towel with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking to it.Next I’ll place the towel on a cutting board and flip the cake onto it.Now the cake should be resting.

Prepare the cream cheese for pecan pumpkin roll

cream cheese

We move on, let’s prepare the cream cheese filling for The pecan pumpkin roll. I’ll add cream cheese and butter to a bowl and beat them together until smooth and creamy. Then, I’ll add powdered sugar, a little cinnamon because I love how it tastes with pumpkin, and a bit of vanilla extract. Finally, I’ll mix everything together.

What is Pecan Pumpkin Roll?

The pecan pumpkin roll is a delicious : This dessert is perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a special treat for your family at the end of a long day. If you love pumpkin pie or pecan pie, this is a fun way to combine those tastes into one decadent treat!

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Roll Cake:

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

  • 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowls
  • Kitchen towel
  • Cooling rack

Overview: How to Make the pecan pumpkin roll:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit hanging over the edges for easy removal.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
  3. Beat the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until smooth.
  4. Combine the mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Fold in the pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  6. Pour and spread the batter: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula.
  7. Bake the cake: Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back when gently touched.
  8. Roll the cake: While the cake is still hot, carefully flip it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper, then gently roll the cake up in the towel, starting at one of the short ends. Let it cool completely.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pecan Pumpkin Roll

  • Use a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to roll the cake while it’s warm. This prevents it from sticking and cracking.
  • Let the cake cool completely before adding the filling to avoid melting the cream cheese.
  • Refrigerate the roll for at least an hour before serving. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.

What to Eat with This Pecan Pumpkin Roll

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. It also goes great with a dollop of whipped cream on the side, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to make it extra indulgent! If you’re serving this as part of a holiday meal, it complements roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce nicely, providing a sweet and festive end to the feast.

FAQs

Can I make the pumpkin roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pumpkin roll a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What if my cake cracks when I unroll it?

Small cracks are normal and will be covered by the filling. Just be gentle when unrolling and rerolling the cake.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, but make sure to puree it until smooth and remove any excess water for the best results.

Can I freeze the pumpkin roll?

Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Can I add other spices to the cake?

You can adjust the spices to your liking. Some people like to add a little allspice or cardamom for extra warmth.

Can I use a different filling?

You can swap the cream cheese filling for whipped cream or even chocolate ganache if you prefer.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use a gluten-free flour blend that is made for baking as a 1:1 substitute for regular flour.

How should I slice the pumpkin roll?

Use a sharp serrated knife to make clean slices without squashing the cake.

Conclusion

The pecan pumpkin roll is a festive, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for fall or any holiday gathering. Its combination of spiced pumpkin cake, rich cream cheese filling, and crunchy pecans makes it a crowd-pleaser. Try making this simple yet impressive dessert, and don’t forget to store any leftovers in the fridge to enjoy for the next few days. If you loved this recipe, make sure to share it with your friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more delicious treats and tips!

Pecan Pumpkin Roll

Recipe by MahaCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

350

kcal
Total time

35

minutes

A spiced pumpkin cake filled with creamy, sweetened cream cheese and topped with crunchy pecans. This festive dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, offering a beautiful spiral of flavors and textures in each bite.

Ingredients

  • For the Pumpkin Roll Cake:

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg

  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans

  • For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

  • Turn on the oven to 375°F (190°C). Put some baking paper in a special pan called a jelly roll pan.
  • In one bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
  • In another bowl, use a mixer to beat the eggs and sugar until they look fluffy. Then add the pumpkin and vanilla, and mix again.
  • Slowly add the dry mix into the wet mix and stir. Don’t mix too much—just until it's combined. Gently stir in the chopped pecans.
  • Pour the batter into the pan and spread it out evenly.
  • Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. It’s ready when you press it and it springs back.
  • When it’s still hot, flip the cake onto a clean towel with powdered sugar on it. Take off the baking paper, then roll the cake up with the towel and let it cool.
  • For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • In another bowl, use the mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter until it’s soft and creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla, then keep mixing until smooth.
  • After the cake cools, gently unroll it from the towel.
  • Spread the cream cheese filling all over the cake.
  • Roll the cake back up without the towel. Wrap it in plastic and put it in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Notes

  • A simple pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling, focusing solely on the pumpkin flavor without the addition of pecans.
  • Add a hint of maple syrup to the cream cheese filling for a rich, autumn flavor.
  • Use a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version of the classic pumpkin roll.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce over the roll for an extra indulgent dessert.

If you Like it, Share it Please!
Maha
Maha

I’m Maha, the chef in our little kitchen, and David, well, he’s the taste-tester extraordinaire. Plus, we’ve got a pint-sized tornado, our two-year-old, keeping things lively...