Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a stunning dessert that tastes as amazing as it looks? This Food Network-inspired pumpkin roll recipe is the perfect fall treat, combining the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with a delicate, moist cake. It's surprisingly easier to make than you think, making it ideal for both experienced bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade pumpkin roll – a delicious dish perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Pumpkin Cake
- 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.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a light and airy cake.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Rolling the Cake
- Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar. This prevents it from cracking.
- Carefully invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper (if used).
- Starting from the short side, tightly roll the cake and the kitchen towel together. Let it cool completely while still rolled. This helps maintain the shape.
Step 3: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Frosting and Serving
- Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake.
- Re-roll the cake gently and place it seam-down on a serving platter.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the frosting to set.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Roll:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures that the ingredients blend together smoothly.
- Cool the cake completely before frosting: Frosting a warm cake will melt the frosting.
- Use a light hand when rolling: Be gentle to avoid cracking the cake.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Use different frosting: Try a maple buttercream frosting or a whipped cream frosting.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 15-20g Saturated Fat: 10-15g Cholesterol: 50-70mg Sodium: 150-200mg Carbohydrates: 40-50g Sugar: 25-35g Protein: 4-6g
This delicious pumpkin roll is a perfect example of a healthy balance between taste and satisfaction. Enjoy this easy recipe and make your fall gatherings extra special! This quick dinner dessert is a delightful addition to your easy recipes collection. You’ll want to add this to your best recipes list!