Libby’s Pumpkin Roll

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Libby’s Pumpkin Roll stands out as a timeless dessert that graces many fall tables. You get a tender pumpkin sponge cake, rich with cinnamon and cloves, wrapped around a smooth cream cheese filling. Its iconic swirl adds visual appeal, while each slice offers balanced flavors—sweet, spiced, and creamy.

Below, you’ll find a detailed guide to mastering this dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to cake rolls, this recipe walks you through every step, shares helpful tips, and answers common questions on storage and serving.

Why Libby’s Pumpkin Roll?

When people crave pumpkin rolls, Libby’s remains the gold standard. The secret rests in using Libby’s pure pumpkin, known for its consistent texture and subtle sweetness. This choice guarantees a cake that’s never watery or bland. Plus, the classic combination of pumpkin and cream cheese feels like autumn in every bite.

Ingredients for Libby’s Pumpkin Roll

These pantry staples come together in just the right ratio. Gather everything before you start baking.

For the Sponge Cake:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, full-fat, at room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting and serving)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting the towel)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for topping)

Equipment Checklist

You’ll need a few baking basics:

• 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan
• Parchment or wax paper
• Kitchen towel (thin, clean, and lint-free)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking

Begin by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a jelly roll pan, then line it with parchment or wax paper. Grease and lightly flour the paper as well—this prevents sticking and helps lift out the cake later.

On your countertop, spread a kitchen towel. Generously dust it with 1/4 cup powdered sugar. This will stop the cake from sticking when you roll it up after baking.

2. Make the Pumpkin Sponge

In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale, about two to three minutes. Add the pumpkin and mix to combine.

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until smooth—over-mixing could make the cake tough.

3. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly to all corners with an offset spatula. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top if using.

Bake for 13-15 minutes. The cake should be springy and pull slightly from the edges. Check doneness by gently pressing a finger into the center—the cake should bounce back.

4. Roll the Cake While Warm

Immediately loosen the cake edges with a knife. Turn it out onto the prepared towel, then peel away the paper gently.

From the short end, roll the cake up with the towel inside. Leave the seam side down, and allow it to cool fully on a wire rack. This step sets the spiral shape without cracking.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until the filling is smooth and spreadable. If it seems too thick, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes.

6. Assemble and Fill

Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Don’t worry if the edges curl slightly or develop small cracks—the filling disguises minor flaws.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake. Avoid going all the way to the edges to minimize overflow when rolling.

Gently re-roll the cake (without the towel). Wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour—overnight is even better, as the cake sets and flavors blend.

7. Serve and Enjoy

When ready to serve, dust the top with additional powdered sugar. Use a sharp, serrated knife to slice.

Arrange the slices on a platter and serve chilled. Each round displays the beautiful swirl and offers a balanced bite of cake and filling.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Pumpkin Roll

Smooth cake rolls impress guests and make serving easier. These tips help you achieve picture-perfect results:

• Use parchment or wax paper: Greasing and lining your pan is essential for a clean release.
• Roll while hot: If the cake cools flat, it may crack during rolling.
• Let cool completely: Warm cake can melt the filling. Give it time on the wire rack before adding the filling.
• Room-temperature ingredients: Softened cream cheese and butter ensure a silky filling.
• Trim ragged edges: Once filled and rolled, slice off any uneven ends for a neater look.
• Slice chilled: Refrigerate before cutting. Slices stay cleaner, and the swirl holds its shape.

If your roll cracks, don’t stress—powdered sugar covers imperfections, and it always tastes great.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Making a pumpkin roll isn’t tricky, but a few snags can throw off results:

Variations and Creative Twists

You can tweak this pumpkin roll recipe without losing its fall essence:

• Nut-free: Skip the walnuts or use toasted pumpkin seeds.
• Spice blend: Try a dash of ginger or nutmeg for new notes.
• Filling options: Swap cream cheese filling for whipped mascarpone, vanilla buttercream, or chocolate ganache.
• Decorative touch: Lay strips of parchment on the cake before dusting with powdered sugar for eye-catching designs.

Storing Your Pumpkin Roll

Proper storage preserves texture and flavor.

• Refrigerate: Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, the pumpkin roll keeps for up to 4 days. Store on a plate in the fridge.
• Freeze for later: For longer storage, wrap the roll (whole or sliced) in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months.
• Thawing: Move to the refrigerator overnight before serving.

You can even make it in advance one or two days before an event. The flavor seems to deepen with a little rest.

Serving Suggestions

Libby’s Pumpkin Roll stands alone as a show-stopping dessert, but you can dress it up:

• Sprinkle with candied nuts
• Serve with freshly whipped cream
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce
• Top with thinly sliced apples or pears for color and crunch

Pair with coffee, chai, or spiced cider for a cozy experience.

Libby’s Pumpkin Roll embodies the best of fall baking—moist cake, rich filling, and warm spices. Follow these steps, use quality pumpkin, and pay attention to the cake’s temperature. You’ll have a gorgeous dessert that feels both festive and comforting, one that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.