The Perfect Pumpkin Spice Swiss Roll: A Fall-Inspired Pumpkin Dessert

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There’s something magical about the combination of pumpkin spice and cream cheese frosting, especially when it’s rolled into an elegant swiss roll cake. This Pumpkin Spice Swiss Roll is the perfect dessert to welcome autumn, combining warm spices with a tender pumpkin cake and luxurious cream cheese filling.

Overview

Total Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
Servings: 8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of warm autumn spices
• Impressive presentation for holiday gatherings
• Make-ahead friendly
• Moist, tender cake texture
• Creamy, rich filling
• Classic fall flavors

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Cake:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (95g)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree (150g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 12 oz cream cheese (335g), softened
• 8 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (180g), sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For Garnish:

• Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat and Prep:
   • Heat oven to 375°F (190°C)
   • Line a 10×15-inch (25.5×38 cm) baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together:
     • Flour
     • Baking powder
     • Baking soda
     • Cinnamon
     • Ginger
     • Nutmeg
     • Cloves
     • Salt
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk:
     • Eggs
     • Sugar
     • Then add:
       • Pumpkin puree
       • Vanilla extract
   • Whisk until smooth
4. Combine and Bake:
   • Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients
   • Whisk until smooth
   • Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet
   • Smooth with spatula
   • Bake for 12-13 minutes

The Rolling Process

5. Initial Roll:
   • Place a clean dish towel on a cutting board
   • Remove cake from oven
   • Carefully transfer cake (with parchment) to the towel
   • Roll cake from short end to short end, including the towel
   • Let cool completely

Making the Filling

6. Prepare Filling:
   • Combine in a bowl:
     • Softened cream cheese
     • Softened butter
     • Sifted powdered sugar
     • Vanilla extract
     • Salt
   • Stir until completely smooth

Assembly

7. Fill and Roll:
   • Carefully unroll cooled cake
   • Spread filling evenly across surface
   • Re-roll cake (without towel)
   • Peel back parchment paper while rolling
8. Finish:
   • Refrigerate for 1 hour
   • Dust with powdered sugar before serving
   • Slice and serve

Pro Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients:
   • Ensure eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing
2. Perfect Rolling:
   • Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking
   • Don’t roll too tightly to avoid squeezing out filling
3. Filling Consistency:
   • Beat filling ingredients until completely smooth
   • Ensure filling is spreadable but not too soft
4. Storage:
   • Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days
   • Can be frozen for up to 2 months (wrap well in plastic wrap and foil)

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with extra powdered sugar just before serving
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Pair with hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte

Common Questions

1. Can I make this ahead?
   • Yes! It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days
2. Why did my cake crack?
   • Usually happens if the cake is rolled when too cool or rolled too tightly
3. Can I use canned pumpkin?
   • Yes, just make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
4. How do I prevent the filling from oozing out?
   • Chill the filled roll before slicing
   • Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts

This Pumpkin Dessert is the perfect way to celebrate fall flavors and impress your guests with a beautiful presentation. Whether for Thanksgiving, a fall gathering, or just because, this dessert is sure to become a seasonal favorite!