Holiday Pumpkin Roll
A festive pumpkin roll featuring spiced pumpkin cake filled with creamy frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings and autumn celebrations. Light, moist, and irresistibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs for 5 minutes; cream with sugar.
- Add pumpkin and lemon juice.
- Combine dry ingredients; add gradually to creamed mixture.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F in a jelly roll pan (17 1/4 x 11 1/2 x 1 inch).
- Turn the baked cake onto a towel heavily dusted with confectioners sugar.
- Roll the cake with the towel while warm, beginning with the 11 1/2-inch side.
- Allow the rolled cake to cool completely.
- Unroll the cake; spread with cream cheese filling and re-roll.
- Refrigerate before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before beating, which helps aerate them better. You can substitute the self-rising flour with all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder if that’s what you have on hand. If you're out of lemon juice, a splash of vinegar can work in a pinch to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the pumpkin roll into generous pieces and serve chilled or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider dusting with additional confectioners sugar before serving or pairing it with a warm cup of spiced cider.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pumpkin roll in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it moist. It can last up to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it securely and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Pumpkin Roll contains roughly 355 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pumpkin roll ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pumpkin roll a day in advance. After rolling it with the filling, wrap it tightly and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Just remember to slice it right before serving for the best presentation.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can also work, though it will alter the flavor slightly but still provide a creamy texture.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the towel when rolling?
To prevent sticking, be sure to dust your towel generously with confectioners sugar before rolling the cake. It creates a barrier between the cake and the towel. Also, rolling the cake while it's warm helps maintain its shape and prevents cracking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).