The Ultimate Libby’s Pumpkin Roll Recipe: A Must-Try Fall Dessert with Cream Cheese Filling

As the leaves begin to turn and the air fills with a crisp chill, there’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of autumn than with the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. This delightful Libby’s Pumpkin Roll recipe embodies everything wonderful about the fall season. Imagine a perfectly moist, tender pumpkin cake, generously infused with aromatic spices, elegantly rolled around a thick, tangy, and irresistibly luscious cream cheese filling. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece for your autumn gatherings, holiday tables, or simply a cozy treat for a quiet evening.

To ensure the richest, most authentic pumpkin flavor, make sure to stock your pantry with your favorite Libby’s pumpkin puree. This trusted brand provides the consistent quality needed for all your beloved pumpkin recipes this fall season. Beyond this exquisite pumpkin roll, you can use Libby’s pumpkin puree to create a variety of seasonal delights. Explore other favorites such as a comforting Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake, a simple yet satisfying Crustless Pumpkin Pie, fluffy Pumpkin Pecan Pancakes for a weekend brunch, my all-time favorite Pumpkin Bundt Cake, or a slice of moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread. Each recipe offers a unique way to enjoy the classic taste of pumpkin, making your fall baking repertoire truly spectacular.

Why This Libby’s Pumpkin Roll Recipe Works So Well

This Libby’s Pumpkin Roll recipe isn’t just another dessert; it’s a testament to simple, reliable baking that yields impressive results every time. Here’s why this particular recipe stands out and guarantees a perfect pumpkin roll for your fall festivities:

• Unbelievably Moist Pumpkin Cake: The cornerstone of any great pumpkin roll is its cake. This recipe delivers a beautifully moist pumpkin cake, tender and rich with the authentic flavor of pumpkin and a delightful blend of autumn spices. The precise balance of wet and dry ingredients, combined with the natural moisture from Libby’s pumpkin puree, ensures a cake that remains soft and flavorful, even after being rolled and chilled. Its amazing texture makes every bite a true indulgence.
• The Perfect Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling: What truly elevates this dessert is its heavenly cream cheese filling. This creamy, dreamy frosting strikes an exquisite balance between sweet and tangy, creating a perfect counterpoint to the warm, spiced pumpkin cake. Made with softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla, it whips up into a smooth, luscious spread that holds its shape beautifully when rolled, guaranteeing that iconic spiral. The richness of the filling complements the cake’s flavor without overpowering it, making for a truly harmonious bite.
• Easy-to-Follow, Foolproof Instructions: Don’t let the elegant appearance of a pumpkin roll intimidate you! Our step-by-step instructions are meticulously crafted to guide even novice bakers through the process with confidence. From preparing your pan to the crucial rolling technique, we break down each stage into simple, manageable steps, ensuring you achieve a perfect pumpkin roll with a beautiful spiral and no cracks. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create this impressive dessert, earning you rave reviews from family and friends.
• Convenient Make-Ahead & Freezing Options: This Libby’s pumpkin roll recipe is a dream come true for busy hosts or anyone looking to streamline their holiday preparations. You can easily prepare this delightful dessert a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set beautifully in the refrigerator. Furthermore, it freezes wonderfully, making it an ideal candidate for batch baking or saving slices for an impromptu treat later on. Simply wrap it tightly, freeze, and thaw overnight in the fridge whenever a pumpkin craving strikes. This make-ahead capability truly makes it a stress-free addition to any special occasion.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Libby’s Pumpkin Roll

Using quality ingredients and understanding their roles is key to achieving a flawless and flavorful Libby’s Pumpkin Roll. Here’s what you need to know about each component:

• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This versatile ingredient plays a dual role in our pumpkin roll. First, it forms the base for the silky smooth cream cheese frosting, dissolving easily to create a lump-free filling. Second, and crucially, it’s used to dust the kitchen towel before rolling the warm cake. This fine dusting prevents the delicate cake from sticking to the towel, ensuring a smooth, crack-free roll. As a bonus, it provides a beautiful, sweet exterior finish to the cake once unwrapped and served.
• All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour is precisely what you’ll need for the cake batter. Its balanced protein content provides just enough structure to the pumpkin cake without making it tough, allowing for that desired moist and tender crumb that rolls easily. Sifting it with the other dry ingredients ensures a light, airy cake.
• Spices (Ground Cinnamon and Ground Cloves): The heart of any great fall dessert lies in its spice blend. This recipe features a carefully selected combination of ground cinnamon and ground cloves, which delivers the perfect hint of warm autumn flavor without overpowering the delicate pumpkin. Cinnamon provides a comforting sweetness, while cloves add a deep, slightly peppery warmth that truly enhances the pumpkin, creating that iconic fall taste we all crave.
• Eggs: Large eggs are essential for both structure and moisture in the pumpkin cake. We begin by beating the eggs and granulated sugar together until they are thick and pale. This step is critical as it incorporates air into the mixture, which is then trapped in the batter during baking, leading to a lighter, fluffier cake texture that is pliable enough to roll without cracking. It also helps the wet ingredients emulsify better, creating a smooth batter.
• Libby’s Pumpkin Puree: This is unequivocally my favorite pure pumpkin puree, and for good reason! It consistently delivers a rich, vibrant pumpkin flavor and the ideal thick consistency needed for this classic pumpkin roll recipe. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar that would alter the recipe’s balance. Libby’s ensures that authentic pumpkin taste that makes this dessert truly shine.
• Cream Cheese: For the lusciously smooth cream cheese filling, your cream cheese must be at a full, soft room temperature. This is non-negotiable for achieving a lump-free, easily spreadable frosting. Cold cream cheese will result in a clumpy filling that’s difficult to mix and won’t yield the silky texture you desire. Opt for full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and consistency.
• Unsalted Butter (for filling): Like the cream cheese, your unsalted butter for the filling should also be at room temperature. Softened butter creamed with the cream cheese and powdered sugar creates that perfectly airy and rich frosting texture.
• Vanilla Extract (for filling): A touch of pure vanilla extract in the cream cheese filling enhances all the flavors, adding a comforting warmth and depth that beautifully complements both the sweetness of the sugar and the tang of the cream cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Master Your Libby’s Pumpkin Roll

Creating this impressive Libby’s Pumpkin Roll is simpler than you might think with these detailed steps. Follow along carefully to achieve baking perfection:

1. Prepare the Pan and Towel: Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, meticulously prepare a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan by spraying it thoroughly with a nonstick cooking spray that contains flour (or a regular spray followed by a light dusting of flour). This is crucial for preventing sticking. For an extra layer of nonstick protection, line the bottom of the pan with a piece of parchment paper, pressing it smoothly into place, and then spray the parchment paper again. Finally, lay out a clean, thin kitchen towel and evenly sprinkle about 1/3 cup of powdered sugar over its surface. This sugared towel will be essential for rolling the cake without sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, measure out 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these dry ingredients, ensuring they are well-mixed and evenly distributed. This step helps to aerate the flour and ensures consistent leavening and spice distribution throughout the cake.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add 3 large eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat these together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Continue beating until the mixture is thick, pale yellow, and noticeably increased in volume. This aeration is key to a light and fluffy cake. Next, add 2/3 cup of Libby’s pure pumpkin puree and mix for an additional 30 seconds until just combined. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.

4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the whisked dry mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough cake. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour are visible.
5. Pour and Spread Batter: Gently pour the luscious Libby’s pumpkin roll batter into your prepared jelly roll pan. Using an offset spatula, carefully spread the batter into an even layer, reaching all the way to the edges of the pan. A uniform thickness ensures the cake bakes evenly and creates a consistent roll.
6. Bake the Pumpkin Roll Cake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. The cake is ready when the top springs back lightly when gently touched, and the edges are slightly golden. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake and make it prone to cracking during rolling.

7. Roll the Warm Cake: This step is critical! Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, gently loosen its edges from the pan. Carefully invert the warm cake onto the powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel. Peel off the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake. Starting from one of the narrow ends, carefully roll the cake up with the towel inside. Roll it gently but firmly to create a tight spiral. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely in this rolled-up position on a wire rack. This process trains the cake to hold its rolled shape and prevents cracking once cooled.
8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: While the cake cools, prepare your delightful filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar (sifted for best results), 6 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together with an electric mixer until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and lump-free. The ingredients must be at room temperature for this to happen effectively.

9. Fill, Reroll, and Chill: Once the pumpkin cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it from the towel. The cake should now retain its rolled shape. Evenly spread the prepared cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the cake, leaving a small border (about 1/2 inch) around the edges. Carefully reroll the cake, this time without the towel, starting from the same narrow end. Wrap the finished Libby’s pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap. This helps it hold its shape and prevents it from drying out. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally longer, to allow the cream cheese filling to set firmly and the flavors to meld beautifully. Once chilled, remove, slice with a sharp knife, and serve. Enjoy this magnificent fall dessert!

Expert Tips for a Perfect Libby’s Pumpkin Roll Every Time

Achieving a perfectly rolled, crack-free pumpkin roll with a creamy filling is easy with a few insider tips:

• Room Temperature is Key: For the most harmonious and lump-free cream cheese filling, ensure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at full room temperature. Cold ingredients will resist blending smoothly, leading to a lumpy frosting and potentially a less airy cake batter. Plan ahead and take them out of the refrigerator at least an hour before you begin baking.
• The Powdered Sugar Towel Technique: When it comes to rolling the warm pumpkin cake, the powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel is your best friend. The sugar prevents any sticking, while the towel itself provides the necessary grip and flexibility to guide the cake into a tight, even spiral. Roll it gently but with consistent pressure from the narrow end to prevent any tearing.
• Towel vs. Wax Paper: While some recipes suggest using wax paper sprinkled with powdered sugar, my personal preference, and a method I’ve found more reliable, is a thin, clean kitchen towel. The fabric of the towel provides better grip and absorbency compared to slippery wax paper, making the rolling process more controlled and less prone to slips or cracks.
• Roll While Still Warm: This is perhaps the most crucial tip! You must roll the cake immediately after it comes out of the oven, while it is still warm and pliable. Warm cake is flexible, allowing it to conform to the rolled shape without breaking. If you wait for the cake to cool completely before attempting to roll it, it will stiffen and almost certainly crack.
• Chill for Perfection: After filling and re-rolling, allowing the assembled pumpkin roll to chill in the fridge for at least one hour (or ideally longer) is essential. This crucial step permits the cream cheese filling to set firmly, which not only stabilizes the roll but also makes slicing much easier and cleaner, giving you those beautiful, defined spirals.
• Parchment Paper is Your Ally: Don’t skip lining your jelly roll pan with parchment paper before baking. This simple step creates a non-stick barrier that makes releasing the delicate pumpkin cake from the pan incredibly easy, especially when you need to quickly invert it onto your sugared towel.
• The Ultimate Portable Dessert: This Libby’s pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling is a fantastic dessert to prepare when you’re attending a holiday party or potluck. Its self-contained nature means it’s easy to transport. Simply chill the entire roll, wrap it securely, and bring it to your destination. You can then slice and serve it on-site, offering a fresh, impressive dessert without any fuss.

Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Your Pumpkin Roll

This recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to preparation and storage, making it ideal for holiday planning:

• Make-Ahead Directions: To simplify your baking schedule, you can prepare this delicious Libby’s Pumpkin Roll up to 2-3 days in advance. Once assembled and chilled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then an additional layer of aluminum foil for maximum freshness. Store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. The flavors will actually deepen and meld beautifully as it sits, making it even more delicious on serving day.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover slices or the remainder of your pumpkin roll should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Keep it refrigerated, and it will remain fresh and delightful for 2-3 days. This helps maintain the cake’s moisture and the filling’s creamy texture.
• Freezing Instructions: If you want to enjoy your pumpkin roll beyond a few days, it freezes exceptionally well! To freeze, wrap the entire roll (or individual slices) tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without compromising flavor or texture. When you’re ready to indulge, simply transfer the frozen roll to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, it’s ready to slice and serve, tasting just as fresh as the day it was made.

Common Questions About Making Libby’s Pumpkin Roll

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you perfect your pumpkin roll:

More Irresistible Pumpkin Desserts for Fall

If you’re still craving more of that delightful pumpkin flavor after enjoying this Libby’s Pumpkin Roll, explore these other fantastic pumpkin dessert recipes:

• Biscoff Pumpkin Pie
• Classic Pumpkin Bars
• Crumbl Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake
• Decadent Pumpkin Layer Cake