Nancy'S Pumpkin Roll
Nancy's Pumpkin Roll is a delightful dessert featuring a light pumpkin-flavored sponge rolled with a creamy, sweet filling. The warm spices and crunchy walnuts add richness and texture, making it perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy family occasions. Its elegant presentation makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2/3 cup pumpkin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 3/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped English walnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 8 ounces cream cheese ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream together eggs and sugar until well blended.
- Stir in pumpkin and lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into pumpkin mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased or parchment-lined jelly roll pan and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- While still warm, turn the cake onto a clean towel dusted with confectioners sugar.
- Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake with the towel from short side to form a spiral. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the filling by creaming together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and confectioners sugar until smooth.
- Unroll the cooled cake gently, spread the filling evenly over the surface, then re-roll tightly without the towel.
- Wrap in plastic and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure to beat the eggs and sugar until they are fluffy. If you don’t have English walnuts, pecans can be a great substitute. Ensure the cake is completely cool before adding the filling to prevent it from melting. For added flavor, consider mixing in a pinch of nutmeg to the filling as well. This pumpkin roll pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the pumpkin roll into 1-inch pieces for serving. It can be garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate shavings for a decorative touch. This dessert is delightful on its own but also pairs well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving alongside a warm beverage or as part of a dessert platter with other treats like Foolproof Fudge Cut-Outs.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it wrapped in plastic and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancy'S Pumpkin Roll contains roughly 388 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 500mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
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 use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just ensure you cook the pumpkin until soft and blend it until smooth. Drain excess moisture to avoid a soggy cake. This might enhance the flavor and freshness of your pumpkin roll.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
To prevent cracking, roll the cake while it’s still warm, using a clean kitchen towel dusted with confectioners sugar. This helps it maintain its shape. Additionally, avoid overbaking as a dry cake is more prone to cracks. Keep an eye on it as it bakes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pumpkin roll a day in advance. Simply make, fill, and roll it, then store it in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just ensure it’s well wrapped to maintain its moisture and flavor.
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).