Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

BY :

Sofia

Posted On :

September 9, 2025

Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice! This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season. Imagine the soft, tender cake, bursting with the warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, delicately swirled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Each bite is a comforting hug, perfect for cozy evenings by the fireplace or a festive gathering with friends and family. This isn’t your average roll cake; it’s a masterpiece of autumnal flavors and textures, carefully crafted to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is designed to be approachable and rewarding, guiding you through every step to create a dessert that will leave everyone craving more. Get ready to embrace the fall season with this exquisite pumpkin spice delight! It’s the perfect way to showcase your baking skills and impress your loved ones with a truly special treat.

Why You’ll Love This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake Recipe

This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, the flavor profile is simply divine. The combination of pumpkin puree and warm pumpkin spice blends perfectly, creating a cozy and comforting taste sensation. It’s a flavor combination that truly captures the essence of autumn. But it’s not just about taste – the texture is equally delightful. The cake is light and fluffy, yet moist enough to melt in your mouth. The cream cheese frosting adds a wonderful creamy counterpoint to the cake’s spice, creating a balanced and satisfying experience. This recipe is perfect for those who want a slightly sophisticated dessert with a beautiful presentation, without requiring advanced baking techniques. The roll cake format is impressive yet surprisingly easy to execute, making it perfect for both experienced bakers and those just starting their baking journey. Moreover, this cake is incredibly versatile. You can customize it to your preferences by adding different nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. This makes it the ideal base for personalized autumnal desserts! Finally, this Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser – guaranteed to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire. It’s a treat everyone will adore.

Why You Should Try This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake Recipe

Beyond the undeniable deliciousness, there are several compelling reasons to try this Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake recipe. It’s a fantastic recipe for using up that seasonal pumpkin puree you might have on hand. It’s also a great way to experiment with fall baking and impress your guests with a visually stunning and delicious dessert. The recipe itself is surprisingly straightforward, making it achievable even for those who aren’t confident in their baking skills. The detailed instructions and tips provided ensure a successful outcome, no matter your experience level. Additionally, this roll cake offers a fun and interactive baking experience. The rolling and frosting process is engaging and visually rewarding. Plus, it’s a dessert that’s perfect for sharing, whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply want to treat your family to something special. Making this cake is a wonderful way to embrace the spirit of the fall season, creating lasting memories and warm feelings through the sharing of delicious food. This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is a true testament to the power of seasonal baking – simple, yet utterly delightful.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

This section outlines the ingredients and utensils required to make a perfect Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake. Ensuring you have everything ready beforehand will streamline the baking process and ensure a flawless result. Careful measurement and preparation are key to baking success.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

4 large eggs, separated – *ensure eggs are at room temperature for optimal volume.*
¾ cup granulated sugar, divided – *using a kitchen scale for precise measurements is highly recommended.*
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – *pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor.*
1 cup pumpkin puree – *use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.*
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – *sifting the flour helps prevent lumps and ensures a light texture.*
1 teaspoon baking powder – *check the expiration date to ensure it’s still active.*
½ teaspoon baking soda – *baking soda reacts with the acidic pumpkin puree, creating a light and airy texture.*
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – *freshly ground cinnamon offers a more intense flavor.*
½ teaspoon ground ginger – *ginger adds warmth and complexity to the spice blend.*
¼ teaspoon ground cloves – *cloves contribute a subtle, warm, and slightly sweet note.*
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – *nutmeg complements the other spices perfectly.*
Pinch of salt – *salt enhances the overall flavor of the cake.*

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened – *softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth and creamy frosting.*
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened – *using unsalted butter allows for better control over the sweetness of the frosting.*
3 cups powdered sugar – *sifting the powdered sugar helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth frosting.*
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – *use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.*
Pinch of salt – *salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the frosting.*

Utensils:

15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan – *this size pan is crucial for achieving the proper cake thickness for rolling.*
Parchment paper – *parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy removal of the cake.*
Large bowls (at least 3) – *one for the yolk mixture, one for the dry ingredients, and one for whipping the egg whites.*
Hand mixer or stand mixer – *a mixer is essential for whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks and creaming the frosting ingredients.*
Whisk – *a whisk is needed for mixing the dry ingredients smoothly.*
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon – *for gently folding ingredients together.*
Clean kitchen towel – *dust the towel with powdered sugar for rolling the cake.*
Toothpick – *to check for doneness.*
Offset spatula (optional) – *for smooth frosting application.*
Sifter (recommended) – *for sifting dry ingredients and powdered sugar.*
Measuring cups and spoons – *for accurate measuring of ingredients.*
Kitchen scale (recommended) – *for precise measurements of ingredients.*

Detailed Recipe Steps for Your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake. Remember, attention to detail and precise measurements will make all the difference.

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, allowing for an overhang on the long sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and allows for easy rolling. Don’t skip this step!
Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with ½ cup of the granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. This process incorporates air into the batter, contributing to a lighter texture. Beat until the mixture is noticeably lighter in color and has increased in volume. Next, beat in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until well combined.
Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Sifting the flour is highly recommended to ensure a smooth batter without lumps.
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until no more dry flour is visible.
Whip Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry for optimal egg white volume. This is a crucial step for achieving a light and airy cake.
Fold: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in three additions, being careful not to deflate the egg whites. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon and fold in a gentle, circular motion from the bottom up. This ensures the egg whites are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.
Cool & Roll: Immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from the short end, gently roll the cake up in the towel, jelly roll style. Let cool completely. Rolling the cake while it’s still warm helps maintain its shape. Allow it to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy frosting. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, and there are no lumps.
Frost & Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the frosting evenly over the cake. Reroll the cake and dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Slice and serve. Use an offset spatula for smooth and even frosting application.

Tips and Variations for Your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

Elevate your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake with these helpful tips and exciting variations:

Ingredient Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use vegan cream cheese and butter.
Spice it Up: Adjust the spices to your preference. Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for extra warmth.
Add-ins: Enhance the cake with chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. A swirl of caramel sauce would also complement the flavors beautifully. Consider adding a layer of pumpkin pie spice before rolling.
Frosting Variations: Experiment with different frostings, such as a maple cream cheese frosting or a pumpkin spice buttercream.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for optimal volume. Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake. Roll the cake while it’s still warm and allow it to cool completely before frosting. Carefully peel off the parchment paper to prevent tearing the cake.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake

While this Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is a delicious indulgence, it also offers some nutritional benefits. Pumpkin puree is a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. The spices used, such as cinnamon and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion. The cream cheese frosting, although higher in fat and sugar, adds a creamy texture and satisfying sweetness.

Note: The exact nutritional values will depend on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For a more precise analysis, it is recommended to use a nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.

This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake, while undeniably rich and decadent, offers a delightful balance of comforting flavors and a touch of nutritional goodness from the pumpkin and spices.

FAQs

How long does this Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake last?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake should last for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months.

Can I make this Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance and frost it just before serving. Store the un-frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature.

What can I substitute for pumpkin puree in this Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake?

While pumpkin puree is ideal for its flavor and texture, you could try using sweet potato puree as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Is it difficult to roll the Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake?

Rolling the cake is easier than it looks! The key is to roll it while it’s still warm and use a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Can I use a different type of frosting for my Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake?

Absolutely! This recipe is adaptable. Try a cream cheese frosting with maple syrup, a pumpkin spice buttercream, or even a chocolate ganache.

Conclusion

This Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake is the perfect culmination of autumnal flavors and textures. Its moist, spiced cake, paired with the creamy cream cheese frosting, creates a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The step-by-step instructions and helpful tips ensure a successful baking experience for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. This recipe is not just a dessert; it’s an experience, a delightful way to celebrate the season and share joy with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and create this unforgettable Fall Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake! Don’t forget to share your baking creations and tag us on social media! And if you have any questions or tips of your own, please leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you! For more delicious fall recipes, check out our recipe collection and this amazing Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe.

For more inspiration, check out our Pinterest board for even more delightful fall recipes!