There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin wafting through the kitchen on a cool autumn afternoon. This Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling instantly takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen on the island of Crete, where baking wasn’t just about dessert it was an act of love. She taught me that food connects people, just like stories do. Every swirl of this pumpkin roll feels like a hug from home, warm and full of flavor.
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is! Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cook, this pumpkin roll recipe will fill your home with the cozy aroma of fall and leave everyone asking for seconds.
The Story & Intro
Pumpkin desserts are the essence of fall, and this Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling is one of those timeless treats that brings smiles to every table. I remember the first time I tried to roll a cake it cracked! But my grandmother just laughed and told me, “Cracks mean you baked it with love.” Over time, I learned that the secret isn’t perfection it’s patience, a soft sponge, and the perfect creamy filling.
This recipe blends my Greek love for handmade desserts with a classic American touch. The pumpkin roll is tender, lightly spiced, and balanced by a rich, tangy cream cheese layer that melts perfectly with every bite. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or simply craving something special with your coffee, this dessert fits any occasion.
Pumpkin rolls are wonderful because they look impressive but are surprisingly simple once you know a few tricks. And the best part? You can make it ahead, wrap it up, and keep it chilled for days—ready to slice and serve whenever guests arrive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy tools or ingredients to make a perfect pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling just some basic pantry staples and a little love.
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting the towel and rolling
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This ensures your pumpkin roll comes out easily and doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. In another large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until fully combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out with a spatula. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly touched. Don’t overbake—it should stay soft and flexible for rolling.
Step 4: Roll the Cake
While the cake is still warm, sprinkle a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. Carefully flip the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and roll the cake up tightly (starting from the short end) with the towel inside. Let it cool completely for about 1 hour.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy. Chill for 10–15 minutes to firm slightly.
Step 6: Fill and Roll
Unroll the cooled cake gently. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface, leaving about ½ inch at the edges. Carefully re-roll the cake (without the towel) and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the pumpkin roll for at least 1 hour before slicing. Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful snowy finish.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Roll 🎃
- Don’t skip rolling the cake while warm—it helps set the shape.
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the right texture.
- If cracks appear, dust with extra powdered sugar—they’ll look intentional and pretty!
- To make ahead, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
This pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy afternoon treat.
You can garnish it with crushed nuts, a drizzle of caramel, or even a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a more festive look.
Recipe Card
🕒 Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
🧂 Ingredients:
- Listed above in detail
🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven and prepare the pan.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.
- Bake, roll, and cool.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling.
- Unroll, fill, and reroll the cake.
- Chill, slice, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
📝 Notes:
- Always roll the cake while warm.
- Chill before slicing for clean, even rolls.
- Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Slice):
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 26g
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling isn’t just a dessert it’s a piece of tradition wrapped in sweetness. From my grandmother’s cozy Crete kitchen to yours, it’s a recipe that reminds us food is about connection, joy, and the stories we share at the table.
So preheat your oven, grab your whisk, and roll up something beautiful today. 🍁
Short 100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from Crete, Greece. Cooking has been my passion since childhood, learning from my grandmother how to make dishes full of love and flavor. This Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling reminds me of baking together warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and the joy of sharing dessert with family. My kitchen might get messy, but that’s the beauty of it! I believe food connects people and brings happiness to any home. This recipe is soft, spiced, and creamy just like the ones that made me fall in love with baking. Let’s make sweet memories together!