If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to wow your family and friends this holiday season, look no further than Granny Kat’s Pumpkin Roll. This classic treat is perfect for those crisp fall evenings, winter celebrations, and of course, the festive Christmas season. The tender pumpkin cake wrapped around creamy, sweet filling makes for a picture-perfect dessert that is both delicious and visually impressive.
Why Choose Granny Kat’s Pumpkin Roll for the Holidays?
Pumpkin rolls have long been a holiday favorite because of their warm spice notes, rich pumpkin flavor, and beautiful swirl of cream cheese filling. They’re perfect for Christmas dinner tables or cozy weekend gatherings. If you’re planning your 2025 holiday menu, this traditional pumpkin roll will fit in wonderfully with other festive desserts like our Spiced Cranberry Punch Recipe for a Festive Christmas in 2025 or a Gingerbread Cake Recipe Perfect for Your 2025 Christmas Celebration.
Ingredients (Serves 10)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Helpful Equipment
- 9×13-inch jelly roll pan (or rimmed baking sheet)
- Linen towel
- Electric mixer
Directions
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan or cookie sheet. This step ensures your pumpkin cake layers won’t stick and will roll up smoothly. - Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir in the pumpkin puree, eggs, and lemon juice until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. - Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Watch carefully—the thin cake layer bakes quickly! - Roll and Cool
Lay a damp linen towel on your countertop and sprinkle it with confectioners’ sugar. Once the cake is done, turn it out onto the sugar-dusted towel. Carefully roll the cake and the towel together (lengthwise) to form a spiral. Place the rolled cake on a cooling rack for about 20 minutes. This sets the cake’s shape and prevents cracking later. - Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, blend the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. You can do this by hand or with an electric mixer. - Fill and Re-Roll
Once the cake has cooled, gently unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake’s surface. Immediately re-roll the cake without the towel this time. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For longer storage, you can freeze it (wrapped in aluminum foil) for up to two weeks. - Slice and Serve
Just before serving, slice the pumpkin roll into neat, spiral rounds and arrange on a dessert platter.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Roll
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, opt for freshly ground spices. Consider sourcing them from a reputable spice retailer like Penzeys Spices (external link) for top-quality pumpkin pie spice.
- Don’t Skip the Towel: Rolling the cake with a sugar-dusted towel helps maintain its shape and prevents sticking.
- Chill Time is Key: Allowing the roll to rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Granny Kat’s Pumpkin Roll with a cup of Gingerbread Latte or a soothing mug of Hot Chocolate to complement those warm, spiced flavors. For a complete festive dessert spread, consider serving it alongside other holiday-inspired treats like this Peppermint Bark Cheesecake Recipe for a Festive Christmas in 2025 or a decadent Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Recipe for Christmas 2025.
Explore More Recipes
If you’re feeling inspired, don’t forget to check out our full list of Recipes to find even more holiday desserts and beverages. From a creamy Eggnog Cake Recipe for the Holidays in 2025 to a bright and refreshing Cranberry Mimosa, there’s something for every sweet tooth and festive occasion.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 316
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 44g
- Protein: 5g
Enjoy the perfect blend of pumpkin spice and creamy filling this holiday season with Granny Kat’s Pumpkin Roll. It’s sure to become a new family tradition!
