It finally decided to rain here in Knoxville after a horribly long dry spell in August and September. We usually have rain every few days, but this was nearly two months of no rain, high temps, and high humidity. Basically, it was miserable, and I am sooooooooooooooooooo glad it has cooled down!
So, I decided to celebrate by making one of my favorite fall recipes: A Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling! This is one of my husband’s favorite desserts. If left unattended, he will eat the whole thing!
It can look a bit intimidating, but I assure you, this recipe is easy to make! Just follow these simple instructions:
Ingredients for the Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling
The ingredients for the pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling are fairly simple, and you might even have them all on hand!
Mix the following dry ingredients in a bowl:
- 3/4 cup of flour (I used all-purpose)
- 1/2 teaspoon each of baking powder & baking soda
- 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Now cream these wet ingredients together:
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and slowly mix just until combined.
How to Make a Pumpkin Roll With Cream Cheese Filling
Creating a pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling may seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you’ll master this classic fall dessert in no time. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare Your Cookie Sheet
To prepare your cookie sheet, simply line the entire thing with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray.
And here’s my little secret: cut a few small strips of parchment paper and stick them under the main parchment paper lining. Let some of the parchment stick out the sides (like in the picture above) so that it is easy to lift the bread once it is cooked.
Step 2: Spread & Bake
Use a rubber spatula to spread out the mix evenly over your prepared cookie sheet. Make sure to push the mixture into the corners and get it as level as possible.
Bake the pumpkin roll at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes. The roll should spring back when you touch it.
Step 3: Roll & Cool
After a few minutes of cooling, gently pull up on the parchment strips you left hanging off the sides. Gently roll the pumpkin roll up as tight as possible. Leave it to cool on a wire rack with the lip of the roll on the bottom.
Letting the pumpkin roll cool while rolled up will help ensure it won’t break when you add the cream cheese filling and roll it up a second time.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
The creamy, tangy sweetness of this frosting is what makes a pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling simply irresistible. With just a few ingredients, you can create a smooth and delicious filling that elevates this fall dessert.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
The cream cheese filling inside this pumpkin roll is what makes this fall dessert absolutely irresistible!
Using a stand mixer or electric handheld mixer, cream together the following:
- 1 8oz block of cream cheese at room temperature (full fat works best)
- 1/2 cup softened butter (1 stick)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 heaping cup of powdered sugar
If you notice the cream cheese icing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar. The frosting should hold its shape but be spreadable.
Step 2: Assemble & Serve
Once the pumpkin roll has completely cooled and come to room temperature, unravel the roll and spread the cream cheese frosting over the entire rectangle.
Be careful not to spread the frosting all the way to the edge of the roll. Leave about 1 inch of space around the entire thing so that frosting won’t squirt out the sides!
Now roll everything back up and set the pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling to cool in the fridge until you are ready to serve!
When you are ready to serve it, cut off the ends to reveal that pretty swirl, and then sprinkle the top with powdered sugar!
You should be able to get 8 to 10 healthy slices out of this pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling recipe. But if you’re my husband, it only makes one, LOL!
More Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin Goodness
Maybe you’re not a pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling kind of person, and you’d rather have traditional pumpkin muffins, pumpkin loaf, or Pumpkin cake. Well, I have you covered!
I have great recipes that work for these! They taste great just plain, but if you want to kick it up a notch, I show you how to make easy vanilla frosting in this versatile pumpkin muffin recipe.
I have even taken my pumpkin muffin recipe and made mini pumpkin muffins topped with that delicious cream cheese frosting I described earlier in this post. But if baking is not your thing, and you are ever around in Knoxville, Tennessee, give me a ring. I am always baking in my bakery and would love to make you a delicious treat!
Basically, you can’t go wrong with this stuff. It’s awesome! What is your favorite fall recipe? Drop me a line in the comment section below! Happy cooking, y’all!
