Spiced Pumpkin Praline Roll

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the main ingredients in the Spiced Pumpkin Praline Roll recipe, each plays an important role.

Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and moisture to the cake. They bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's texture.

Canned Pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix): Adds moisture, flavor, and the signature pumpkin taste to the roll. It also contributes to the cake's soft texture.

Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the base structure for the pumpkin roll.

Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: These spices provide the warm, spiced flavor characteristic of pumpkin desserts. They enhance the overall taste profile of the roll.

Powdered Sugar: Is used to prevent the cake from sticking to the towel when rolling and adds a touch of sweetness to the outside of the roll.

Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the filling, providing a tangy and creamy element that complements the pumpkin flavor.

Packed Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and adds a molasses-like flavor that pairs well with the spices and pumpkin.

Whipping Cream: Adds lightness and volume to the cream cheese filling, making it smooth and spreadable.

Chopped Pecans, Toasted: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients. They are used both in the filling and as a topping.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Praline Roll

Here are some helpful tips for making Spiced Pumpkin Praline Roll recipe. Full details are below.

1. Prepare your Pan

Line a 15x10x1-inch pan with foil or parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides. This makes lifting the cake out of the pan easy and clean up a breeze.  Remember to grease with cooking spray.

2. Mix the Cake

Beat the eggs on high speed until thick and light yellow (about 2 minutes). Beating the eggs first creates a better cake texture. Add the pumpkin and mix until combined. Gradually add the cake mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves on low speed. Mixing dry ingredients on low prevents overmixing.

3. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10-14 minutes. The cake is done when it springs back lightly when you touch the center. Don't overbake!

4. Roll While Warm

Immediately loosen the cake from the pan edges. Invert it onto a clean kitchen towel generously dusted with powdered sugar (to help the cake from sticking). Remove foil or parchment paper. Starting from a narrow end, roll the cake up tightly with the towel. Rolling while warm prevents cracking.  Place it on a cooling rack to cool completely (about 1 hour).

5. Make the Filling

While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Gradually add the whipping cream and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in most of the toasted pecans, reserving some for topping.

6. Assemble with Care

Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake. Gently reroll without the towel. Spread the remaining filling over the outside of the roll. Sprinkle with the reserved toasted pecans.

Storage

A spiced pumpkin roll needs a little care so it stays moist and fresh without getting soggy. Here’s how to store it.

Refrigerator

Place pumpkin roll in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Store in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Freezer

For best results, freeze cake roll on a baking sheet or plate until firm. Wrap frozen cake roll in plastic wrap, then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable food storage bag. To thaw, remove plastic wrap and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight.