Are you ready for a fall dessert that's both stunning and surprisingly simple to make? Forget complicated baking techniques and lengthy chilling times. This eggless pumpkin roll recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a moist, spiced cake rolled up with a creamy, dreamy filling. It's the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or a cozy autumn evening treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this healthy and delicious homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preparing the Pumpkin Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Add Milk: Gently stir in the milk until the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Rolling the Cake:
- Prepare the Towel: While the cake is still warm, sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. This prevents sticking.
- Invert & Peel: Carefully invert the cake onto the powdered sugar-covered towel. Gently peel off the parchment paper (if used).
- Roll it Up: Starting from the short side, tightly roll the cake and the towel together. Let it cool completely while still rolled. This helps it retain its shape.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Beat it Up: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Sweeten it: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Flavor Boost: Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling the Pumpkin Roll:
- Unroll & Spread: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface.
- Roll Again: Reroll the cake tightly and place it seam-side down on a serving plate.
Serving & Storage:
Refrigerate the pumpkin roll for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld. Store leftover pumpkin roll in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Best Eggless Pumpkin Roll:
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy filling.
- If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, you can use a baking sheet, but adjust the baking time accordingly. The cake will be thinner.
- For a richer flavor, use pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the cake batter for an extra layer of warmth.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a swirl of melted chocolate to the batter before baking for a decadent twist.
- Different Filling: Experiment with other fillings, such as whipped cream or a chocolate ganache.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 (This will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion size.)
This easy eggless pumpkin roll is a delightful and healthy meal option, perfect for those seeking delicious dishes without compromising on taste or dietary needs. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking! This recipe is among the best recipes you'll find for a delicious fall dessert.