Yield: 12 servings

Pumpkin Roll

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

If you're looking for an impressive pumpkin dessert that looks as good as it tastes, Pumpkin Roll is the answer! Made with real pumpkin and swirls of cream cheese frosting, this cake is pure pumpkin perfection.

Ingredients

For the cake

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the filling:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar plus additional ¼ cup for sprinkling on the towel
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

    1. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs on high speed for 5 minutes with a hand mixer.  Gradually beat in sugar. 
    2. Stir in pumpkin and lemon juice.  Set aside.  Stir together remaining ingredients.  Fold dry mixture into pumpkin mixture.  Spread mixture into jelly roll pan lined with parchment paper. Jelly roll pan should be 15x10x1-inch .
    3. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes. 
    4. Turn the cake out onto a dish towel generously sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Carefully peel the parchment paper off the cake.  Beginning with the short end, roll cake in the towel and cool completely while rolled.  
    5. While the cake is cooling, beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth.  Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling on the cake.  Re-roll the cake, without the towel, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
    6. Chill at least 1 hour before serving. 

Notes

  • For nice, crisp slices, place in the freezer for 30-60 minutes before cutting.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar right before serving for a pretty presentation.
  • Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated 1-2 days before serving.
  • Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.  Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.
  • Make sure to use the correct size of jelly roll pan.  Using one that’s too large will result in a thin cake that cracks very easily.
  • Towel should be a clean towel that has no fibers or patterns, flour sack towels work best.
  • Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar for the towel!  It is what prevents the cake from sticking to the towel when it’s rolled.
  • Tip for flipping cake out of pan: place towel with powdered sugar over jelly roll pan and place a cooling rack on top of the towel.   While holding the cooing rack and towel firmly on top of the jelly roll pan, flip upside down and remove the jelly roll pan.  This is a little less messy than turning the cake out onto the towel (powdered sugar flies everywhere!)  But, you still get powdered sugar all over.
  • There are lots of different reasons for cracking - but to minimize the chances, roll the cake while it’s hot - right out of the oven and let it cool completely before unrolling and filling.
  • See blog post for more recipe tips and tricks.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 254Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 208mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 1gSugar: 27gProtein: 4g

*Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.

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