Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

Update : October 18, 2025

When autumn arrives, many of us feel inspired to embrace the season with warm flavors and cozy treats. One of the most delightful recipes you can try is the Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake. This cake is not only flavorful but also beautifully presented. With its rich hints of pumpkin and warm spices, it’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying at home. The combination of the fluffy cake and creamy filling creates a sweet indulgence everyone will love. So, let’s dive into why you should make this delicious treat and how you can do it at home!

Why Make This Recipe

Making a Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is a fantastic way to showcase your baking skills while providing a delicious dessert to friends and family. There are many reasons to love this recipe:

Seasonal Ingredients: Pumpkin is a star ingredient in many fall recipes. It is not only tasty but also nutritious. Using canned pumpkin puree makes this recipe simple and accessible.
Beautiful Presentation: The rolled cake looks impressive on any dessert table. When sliced, the pinwheel pattern of the cream cheese filling makes it visually stunning, making it a great centerpiece for gatherings.
Versatility: This recipe can be served on various occasions, like Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or fall family gatherings. You can enjoy it as a dessert or an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
Comforting Flavors: The blend of spices, including cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, making this cake a comforting choice as the weather cools down.
Easier Than It Looks: Many people shy away from rolled cakes because they think they are difficult to make. However, this recipe is straightforward and allows bakers of any level to create a beautiful cake without stress.

If you’re looking for a delightful way to indulge in the flavors of fall, this recipe is for you!

How to Make Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

Making this delectable Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake involves a few simple steps. Let’s break it down for clarity.

Ingredients

To create this delightful dessert, here’s what you will need:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting towel
8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup salted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch sea salt
3 cups powdered sugar

Directions

Follow these steps to make your own Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake:

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease the paper lightly. This will prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice blend, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth batter.
Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and granulated sugar together on medium speed. Do this for about 5 minutes. The mixture should become thick and pale.
Add Pumpkin and Vanilla: Once the egg and sugar mixture is ready, add in the pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until just combined but be careful not to overmix.
Spread the Batter: Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly.
Bake: Place the pan into the oven and bake for about 13-15 minutes. The cake is done when it springs back lightly when touched.
Invert onto Towel: Once baked, dust a clean kitchen towel with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Invert the cake onto the towel while it’s still warm. Be careful to remove the pan gently.
Roll and Cool: Roll the cake and towel together, starting from one end, to let it cool completely. This helps maintain its shape.
Prepare the Filling: While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together in a bowl until smooth. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Gradually add the 3 cups of powdered sugar while continuing to mix until well-blended.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it from the towel. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly onto the cake.
Roll It Up: Roll the cake back up without the towel this time. Be gentle to keep it from cracking.
Chill: Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.
Slice and Serve: After chilling, slice the cake into pieces and serve. You can dust it with more powdered sugar if you like.

How to Serve Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

Serving your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake can be as simple or as fancy as you wish. Here are a few suggestions:

At Parties: Slice the cake into thick pieces, and place them on a festive platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or some extra powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
With Beverages: This cake pairs beautifully with warm drinks. Serve it alongside coffee, tea, or a spiced apple cider for a cozy experience.
Add Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the slices with a dollop of whipped cream on top. You might even add a slice of caramel on the side for a decadent twist.

How to Store Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

If you have any leftovers from your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake, don’t worry; you can store them to enjoy later. Here’s how:

Refrigerate: Keep your rolled cake wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
Freeze for Later: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the roll cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips to Make Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

For the best results when making your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake, keep these tips in mind:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smoother batter and filling.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
Use Fresh Spices: If possible, use fresh ground spices for the best flavor. Older spices can lose their potency and affect the taste of your cake.
Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your cake a minute or two before the suggested baking time. It should spring back when touched.
Practice Rolling: If it’s your first time making a rolled cake, don’t worry if it cracks a little. With practice, you will get the hang of it!

Variation

While the classic Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is delicious, you can put your own twist on it. Here are a few variations:

Chocolate Pumpkin Roll: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate version. Adjust the sugar accordingly to keep the sweetness.
Nutty Add-ins: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor in the filling or batter.
Different Spices: Experiment with other seasonal spices like nutmeg or ginger to create a new flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure to bake and puree it until smooth. Drain any excess moisture for the best results.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer.

What should I do if my cake cracks while rolling?

If your cake cracks, don’t panic! Just patch it up with the cream cheese filling when you roll it back up. It will still taste delicious, and nobody will mind the small imperfections.

Enjoy making and sharing your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake! It’s sure to bring joy to your autumn gatherings.