If you’re looking for the ultimate fall dessert, this Pumpkin Caramel Spice Cake Roll is everything you’ve ever dreamed of! Sweet, spiced, creamy, and drizzled with gooey caramel, this cake roll is as impressive as it is delicious. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, fall celebrations, or simply indulging in the cozy flavors of the season.
Decadent Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll
Pumpkin desserts are a fall staple, but this cake roll takes it to the next level. Imagine a tender and moist pumpkin spice cake swirled with a creamy filling, topped with cinnamon-infused whipped cream, and draped in a luscious caramel sauce. It’s truly a showstopper!
The rich, spiced flavors of the pumpkin cake are balanced perfectly by the light and airy cream filling. Every bite melts in your mouth and feels like fall in dessert form.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just trying your hand at making a cake roll for the first time, this recipe is approachable, foolproof, and worth every moment. Let’s dive into how this masterpiece comes together!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Caramel Spice Cake Roll
To make this luscious Pumpkin Caramel Spice Cake Roll, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and a few extra special touches to bring out those fall flavors. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Pumpkin Puree – The base of this cake, pumpkin puree adds moisture, sweetness, and that signature fall flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
- All-Purpose Flour – The structure of the cake comes from good old all-purpose flour, perfectly balanced to create a soft but sturdy cake that rolls without breaking.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while powdered sugar is used in the filling for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Eggs – These help give the cake its structure and light, spongey texture, so don’t skip them!
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This is what makes the cake taste like autumn in every bite.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These leavening agents ensure the cake bakes up light and fluffy.
- Vanilla Extract – A little vanilla enhances all the other flavors in the cake and filling.
- Cream Cheese – The star of the filling, cream cheese provides that rich, tangy balance to the sweetness.
- Heavy Cream – Used in the filling and the whipped topping for a light and silky texture.
- Cinnamon – To elevate the whipped topping with a warm, spiced kick.
- Caramel Sauce – Store-bought or homemade, it’s drizzled over the top for a sweet, gooey finish.
- Chopped Pecans – For texture and crunch, sprinkle these over the top for a nutty contrast to the soft cake.
How to Make Pumpkin Caramel Spice Cake Roll
Rolling a cake might seem intimidating, but don’t worry—I’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to nail it. Here’s how to make this showstopping dessert:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
Step 3:
Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Step 4:
While the cake bakes, prepare a clean kitchen towel and dust it generously with powdered sugar. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, carefully invert it onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake (with the towel) from the short end into a tight spiral. Let it cool completely.
Step 5:
For the filling, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it gently into the cream cheese mixture.
Step 6:
Once the cake is cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the filling evenly over the surface. Roll it back up tightly (without the towel this time!) and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Step 7:
When ready to serve, top the roll with whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with chopped pecans and a dusting of cinnamon. Slice and enjoy!
How Long To Bake Pumpkin Caramel Spice Cake Roll
Timing is everything when baking a delicate sponge cake for a roll. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to ensure it bakes through without becoming too dry. Here’s a quick guide:
- Bake Time: 12-15 minutes at 375°F.
- The cake is done when it springs back gently when touched in the center. You can also insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Overbaking will make the cake brittle, which can cause cracks when rolling, so aim for a soft and pliable sponge.
How to Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (trust me, it’s hard to stop at one slice!), you’ll want to store your Pumpkin Caramel Spice Cake Roll properly to keep it fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerator: Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The filling and topping stay creamy, and the cake remains moist.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the roll in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips for a Perfect Cake Roll
Mastering a cake roll can feel tricky at first, but these tips will ensure your dessert turns out flawless every time:
- Roll While Warm: Rolling the cake in a towel while it’s still warm helps it hold its shape without cracking. Cooling it completely in this rolled form is key.
- Dust the Towel Generously: Powdered sugar on the towel prevents the cake from sticking and tearing. Don’t skimp here!
- Spread the Filling Evenly: An even layer of filling ensures every bite is perfectly balanced. Don’t overfill, though, as it can squish out when you roll.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating the rolled cake for at least an hour helps it set and makes slicing clean and easy.
Serving Suggestions
This Pumpkin Caramel Spice Cake Roll is stunning on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair with a hot cup of spiced chai or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall experience.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or gingersnaps for extra texture.
Trust me, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds…and the recipe!
PrintPumpkin Caramel Spice Cake Roll with Cinnamon Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
Moist, spiced pumpkin cake rolled with creamy filling, drizzled in caramel sauce, and topped with whipped cream and crunchy pecans—this Pumpkin Caramel Spice Cake Roll is the ultimate fall dessert! Easy to make, impressive to serve, and absolutely delicious, it’s the perfect treat for any autumn occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
- Immediately turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and gently roll the cake (with the towel) from the short side. Let it cool completely.
- For the filling, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake tightly (without the towel) and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Before serving, top the cake roll with whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle with pecans, and dust with cinnamon. Slice and serve!
Notes
- Roll the cake while warm to avoid cracks.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Use a sharp knife to slice cleanly for the best presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill TIme: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes