Classic Pumpkin Roll

Classic Pumpkin Roll: A Timeless Fall Dessert

As the weather cools and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice to get you in the fall spirit. This Classic Pumpkin Roll is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines a light, spiced pumpkin cake with a rich, creamy filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat at home, this pumpkin roll is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (115g)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar (225g)
• ⅔ cup canned pumpkin (175g)

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (227g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (125g)
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened (84g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13×18-inch half sheet pan, line it with parchment paper, and then grease and flour the paper to ensure easy removal. Sprinkle a thin, cotton kitchen towel with 3-4 tablespoons of powdered sugar. This will prevent the cake from sticking when you roll it.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This blend of spices gives the cake its signature fall flavor.
• In a larger mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until thick and pale yellow. This will take a few minutes and should result in a light and airy mixture. Add the canned pumpkin and mix until fully combined.
• Gradually stir in the flour mixture until everything is well incorporated. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.

3. Bake the Cake:

• Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, making sure it reaches all corners. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the top of the cake springs back when lightly touched. This ensures that the cake is fully baked and ready to roll.

4. Roll the Cake:

• Immediately loosen the edges of the cake and turn it onto the prepared powdered sugar-covered towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper to avoid tearing the cake.
• Starting from the narrow end, gently roll up the cake and towel together. Place the rolled cake on a wire rack to cool completely. Rolling the cake while it’s warm helps prevent cracking.

5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

• In a small mixer bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling is rich and sweet, perfectly complementing the spiced pumpkin cake.

6. Fill and Roll the Cake:

• Once the cake is cool, carefully unroll it and remove the towel. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cake. Reroll the cake gently but tightly to maintain its shape.
• Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.

7. Serve:

• Before serving, you can sprinkle the top with additional powdered sugar for a decorative finish. Slice the pumpkin roll into 10 pieces and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy filling and spiced cake.

Tips for Success

• Work Quickly: Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent it from cracking.
• Cool Completely: Make sure the cake is fully cooled before spreading the filling to avoid melting the cream cheese.
• Chill for Best Results: Chilling the roll before slicing helps it hold its shape and makes for cleaner cuts.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal per slice
• Servings: 10 slices

This Classic Pumpkin Roll is a delightful dessert that combines the warm, spiced flavors of fall with a rich, creamy filling. Perfect for any autumn gathering or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, this dessert is sure to impress. With a little care and attention, you can create a beautiful and delicious pumpkin roll that will become a seasonal favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite of this timeless treat!

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