Pumpkin Spice Roll – Cozy Fall Dessert Filled With Creamy Spice & Holiday Magic

There’s something about autumn that instantly makes me crave cinnamon, nutmeg, and the cozy aroma of baked pumpkin. Every year, as the leaves start to turn golden and the mornings grow crisp, I return to one of my favorite seasonal recipes — the Pumpkin Spice Roll.

Soft, moist, and bursting with warm spices, this fall cake roll is everything you love about pumpkin pie — but in a light, creamy dessert that slices beautifully. Filled with smooth cream cheese frosting and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s a dessert that’s as stunning as it is comforting.

I first learned to make this pumpkin cake recipe while visiting my aunt in Vermont one chilly Thanksgiving morning. The scent of pumpkin and clove filled the kitchen while we chatted over steaming mugs of coffee. It wasn’t just dessert — it was the essence of the season wrapped in a roll.

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dessert table or looking for something festive to bring to a fall gathering, this Pumpkin Spice Roll will deliver both comfort and elegance.

Before we get baking, check out our full collection of Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try — where you’ll also find inspiration from desserts like our Red Velvet Cake Roll and Lemon Cream Roll for a seasonal twist.

🍂 Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Roll

• 🍁 Full of Fall Flavor: Pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg come together for the ultimate fall cake roll experience.
• 🎂 Soft and Creamy: Moist sponge cake paired with rich cream cheese frosting — a texture match made in heaven.
• 🕰️ Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better the next day, perfect for Thanksgiving prep.
• ❄️ Freezer-Ready: Slice and freeze for a stress-free dessert option all season long.
• 🥧 Classic Made Easy: This pumpkin cake recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward method.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy pumpkin spice — coffee, pie, or cake rolls like this one?

If you love comforting chocolate flavors too, try our Chocolate Cake Roll — a perfect balance of richness and sweetness.

🥧 Ingredients Needed

For the Pumpkin Sponge:

• 3 large eggs – for lift and structure.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps create that signature golden crust.
• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree – the heart of the cake; use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – keeps the sponge light.
• 1 tsp baking powder – ensures fluffiness.
• ½ tsp salt – balances sweetness.
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice – a cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – for that classic tangy filling.
• 4 tbsp butter (softened) – adds richness and stability.
• 1 cup powdered sugar – for a smooth sweetness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor.

Optional Garnish:

• Powdered sugar
• Crushed pecans or walnuts
• Maple glaze drizzle

🛒 Chef James Tip:
If you’re shopping at Trader Joe’s or Aldi, look for their seasonal pumpkin puree — it has just the right natural sweetness.

For more coconut-inspired ideas, try our Coconut Snow Roll — it’s tropical and perfect for year-round baking.

🧁 How to Make Pumpkin Spice Roll (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Make the Pumpkin Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree and mix until combined. In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until smooth.

Step 2 — Bake the Sponge

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Step 3 — Roll It Up

While still warm, turn the cake out onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and gently roll it up with the towel. Let cool completely.

Step 4 — Prepare the Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.

Step 5 — Assemble

Unroll the cooled sponge, spread the filling evenly, and re-roll tightly. Wrap in parchment and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

✨ Chef James Tip:
Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to your batter — it subtly enhances the cinnamon flavor and makes the cake unforgettable.

For more festive baking inspiration, explore our Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try collection.

🍁 Recipe Tips & Variations

• Maple Cream Cheese Filling: Replace 2 tbsp of powdered sugar with maple syrup for a fall twist.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll: Use almond or oat flour instead of all-purpose.
• Vegan Option: Substitute with coconut cream and plant-based butter.
• Holiday Version: Add chopped pecans or drizzle with caramel sauce.
• Festive Frosting: Dust with cinnamon sugar before serving for a café-style look.

Chef James Suggestion:
Serve this Pumpkin Spice Roll slightly chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s like Thanksgiving in every bite.

And if you love creamy, indulgent desserts, try our Tiramisu Cake Roll next — it’s rich, elegant, and perfect for entertaining.

❄️ Storage & Reheating

The Pumpkin Spice Roll is as convenient as it is delicious — it stores beautifully:

• In the Fridge: Wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 4 days.
• In the Freezer: Freeze (without sugar dusting) for up to 2 months.
• To Thaw: Place in the fridge overnight and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
• Serving Tip: Slice while cold for clean edges, then let sit for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly.

⚠️ Always follow USDA Food Safety Guidelines when storing cream cheese-based desserts.

This recipe is also featured in our Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try — perfect for every season, from pumpkin spice to strawberry shortcake.

Part 7 — FAQs (People Also Ask Style)

For other seasonal inspirations, check out our Strawberry Shortcake Roll — a springtime favorite that’s just as elegant.

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🍽️ What to Serve With This Recipe

A Pumpkin Spice Roll pairs beautifully with fall beverages and cozy sides :

• ☕ Spiced Chai Latte — echoes the cinnamon and ginger in the roll.
• 🍎 Hot Apple Cider — a warm, festive drink for crisp evenings.
• 🍫 Chocolate Cake Roll — add a touch of decadence to your dessert table.
• 🍋 Lemon Cream Roll — bright and tangy alongside rich pumpkin spice.
• 🍦 Vanilla ice cream or maple whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Explore more pairings inside our Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try collection.

🎂 More Recipes You’ll Love

If this cozy Pumpkin Spice Roll stole your heart, try these other Tiramisucake.com favorites :

• Red Velvet Cake Roll — romantic and rich for holidays.
• Coconut Snow Roll — a tropical spin on a snowy treat.
• Matcha Swiss Roll Cake — green tea elegance meets soft sponge.
• Ube Cake Roll — a Filipino purple yam wonder.
• And of course, our evergreen Cake Roll Recipes guide for every occasion !

Conclusion

As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, this Pumpkin Spice Roll brings the cozy essence of autumn straight to your table. Every bite blends soft pumpkin sponge, warm spice, and creamy frosting — like wrapping yourself in a sweet, edible blanket.

Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving dinner or baking it on a quiet weekend, this cake roll is pure comfort and nostalgia.

Chef James leaves you with this note :

“Pumpkin spice isn’t just a flavor — it’s a season of warmth, family, and simple joy.”

If you enjoyed this recipe, explore more festive sweets in our Cake Roll Recipes – 10 Delicious & Creative Swiss Roll Ideas to Try collection.
And for food safety and storage tips, visit USDA Food Safety or explore holiday ideas from Food Network Thanksgiving Desserts.