I’ve been dreaming about this Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Roll for weeks now. There’s something magical about the way rich chocolate cake embraces creamy pumpkin filling, isn’t there? It’s my go-to fall dessert when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The swirled design looks fancy, but between us, it’s surprisingly simple to create. Ready to discover how this showstopper comes together with ingredients you probably already have? The secret to that perfect spiral might surprise you…
Why You’ll Love this Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Roll
While many desserts claim to be showstoppers, this Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Roll truly delivers on both presentation and flavor.
The combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy pumpkin filling creates a perfect fall treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
I love how the swirled pattern looks when you slice it, making it seem way more complicated than it actually is.
Can you imagine serving this at Thanksgiving? Talk about impressing the relatives.
The best part? It’s make-ahead friendly.
Pop it in the fridge, and you’re good to go whenever dessert time rolls around.
What Ingredients are in Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Roll?
This chocolate pumpkin cake roll combines two beloved fall flavors into one impressive dessert that’s easier to make than it looks.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure all your refrigerated ingredients like eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature before starting, which helps everything blend together smoothly and creates that perfect creamy filling we’re after.
How to Make this Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Roll
Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients
Whisk together ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
This mixture creates the perfect chocolate-pumpkin foundation for our cake.
Step 2: Beat Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat 3 large eggs and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale yellow, about 3-4 minutes.
This step is essential for creating that light, airy texture we want in our cake roll.
Step 3: Complete the Batter
Gently fold ⅔ cup pumpkin puree into your egg mixture, then carefully incorporate your dry ingredients.
Mix just until combined—overmixing will deflate all that wonderful air we’ve worked to incorporate.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly onto a parchment-lined jelly roll pan and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
The thin layer bakes quickly, so keep a close eye on it.
Step 5: Roll While Warm
While the cake is still warm, dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar and invert the cake onto it.
Peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake and towel together starting from the short end.
Let cool completely on a wire rack, which “trains” the cake to roll without cracking.
Step 6: Make the Filling
Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 4 tablespoons softened butter until smooth, then mix in ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
The filling should be smooth and spreadable, but firm enough to hold its shape.
A high-end stand mixer will make this step effortless, producing perfectly whipped cream cheese filling without arm fatigue.
Step 7: Fill and Re-roll
Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the surface, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.
Re-roll the cake without the towel this time, using the kitchen towel to help guide it if needed.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Wrap the finished cake roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
For that picture-perfect presentation, dust with additional powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate just before bringing it to the table.
What to Serve with Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Roll
This decadent dessert deserves some thoughtful accompaniments to round out your fall treat experience. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates the perfect temperature contrast with each bite of cake roll.
For a cozy afternoon treat, pair with a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or a rich salted caramel latte that echoes the warm spices in the cake.
Want something lighter? Fresh berries on the side cut through the richness beautifully.
For special occasions, try serving with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream dusted with cinnamon.
This versatile dessert works equally well for an afternoon coffee break or as the grand finale to your holiday meal.
Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Roll Substitutions and Variations
- Seasonal Twists: Fold in ⅓ cup chopped crystallized ginger or top with candied pecans. For winter holidays, add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the filling.
- Topping Ideas: Try a chocolate ganache drizzle, crushed toffee bits, or maple-cinnamon whipped cream for extra wow factor.
Leftovers and Storage for this Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Roll
Your cake roll will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from your fridge.
For longer storage, this dessert freezes beautifully:
- Wrap the whole roll or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving
When ready to enjoy leftovers, let slices sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving—this allows the cream cheese filling to soften slightly, bringing back that perfect creamy texture.
Interestingly, many people find this cake roll tastes even better on day two, when the flavors have had time to meld together!
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this Chocolate Pumpkin Cake Roll lies in its perfect balance of flavors—warm pumpkin spice complemented by rich chocolate, all wrapped around a creamy, tangy filling.
It’s the kind of dessert that bridges the gap between everyday treat and special occasion showstopper. Perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving dinner, or any time you need to bring a bit of seasonal comfort to the table.
The impressive spiral slices reveal your baking prowess, yet the recipe itself remains approachable for home bakers. In a season filled with pumpkin everything, this chocolate-enhanced version stands out as a dessert worth making tradition.