Thanksgiving is the time when family and friends gather around the table, sharing laughter and love while indulging in seasonal delights. One dish that always steals the show is the Thanksgiving Pumpkin Roll Cake, a delightful blend of spiced pumpkin cake and creamy filling that dances on your taste buds like a sugar plum fairy at a holiday party. Creamy buttermilk pie recipe.
Picture this: you take your first bite, and your senses are enveloped in warm spices, sweet cream cheese, and a hint of nostalgia. It’s not just dessert; it’s an experience—one that evokes memories of cozy gatherings and festive cheer. Peach cobbler for dessert This cake is perfect for Thanksgiving but also works wonderfully for any autumn gathering or just because you need something sweet in your life.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Thanksgiving Pumpkin Roll Cake combines ease of preparation with a complex flavor profile that will impress everyone. Its beautiful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve at various occasions beyond Thanksgiving. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made this cake; my family devoured it in minutes! The look on their faces was priceless—a mix of shock and delight at how delicious it was.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or roast your own pumpkins if you’re feeling adventurous.
All-Purpose Flour: A staple in baking; make sure to measure accurately for best results.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but feel free to experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a fluffier texture—trust me, it makes a difference!
Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh so your cake rolls rise perfectly.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth to the cake and evoke feelings of autumn with every bite.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for that luscious filling—don’t skimp on this part!
Powdered Sugar: It sweetens the cream cheese frosting without adding grittiness; be sure to sift for smoothness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates flavors—always use pure extract for the best taste.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Add these for crunch if you love texture in your desserts!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Cranberry BBQ turkey sliders.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper to ensure easy release later.
Create Your Batter Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla until well blended. The mixture should be smooth and vibrant orange.
Add Dry Ingredients Sensibly: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix!
Bake That Cake!: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma will be heavenly!
Roll It Up Properly!: Once baked, immediately invert onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment paper gently and roll up the cake tightly in the towel while it’s still warm.
Make The Creamy Filling!: While the cake cools rolled up like a burrito of joy, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. This creamy filling is where the magic happens.
Fill and Finish!: Unroll your cooled pumpkin cake carefully. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over it before rolling it back up without the towel this time. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill before slicing into beautiful pieces.
Enjoy sharing this delightful Thanksgiving Pumpkin Roll Cake that’s sure to become a family favorite! Savory spinach artichoke dip.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Thanksgiving Pumpkin Roll Cake will surely impress your guests. The rich flavors and creamy filling create a delightful experience that’s perfect for the holiday season. Plus, the roll shape adds an elegant touch to your dessert table. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the pumpkin cake until golden brown, then cool it before rolling with the filling. This ensures a moist, flavorful cake that holds its shape beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pumpkin puree for sweet potato, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top can also enhance presentation and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Thanksgiving Pumpkin Roll Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To serve, enjoy it chilled or let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup recipe.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Be gentle when rolling to avoid cracks, and chill thoroughly to set flavors. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finish and sweetness. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made this Thanksgiving Pumpkin Roll Cake; my family couldn’t stop raving about it! They even requested it for every gathering since then.
FAQ
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
You can substitute sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree for delicious alternatives.
How do I prevent cracking while rolling?
Make sure to cool the cake completely before attempting to roll it up gently.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and store it in the fridge up to two days prior to serving.

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Roll Cake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Roll Cake is a festive dessert that brings warmth to your holiday gatherings. This delightful cake features a spiced pumpkin base rolled with a creamy filling, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any autumn celebration. Its captivating flavors and beautiful presentation will impress your guests and create lasting memories. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any occasion, this cake is simple to make and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold into the pumpkin mixture.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Invert the cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar and roll it up while warm.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, then roll it back up and chill before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg