Ginger-Spiced Pumpkin Roll with Pecan Cream Cheese Filling

Fall is in the air, and that means it’s time for pumpkin everything! While pumpkin spice lattes and pies are classic choices, a pumpkin roll offers a delightful twist on traditional autumn flavors. This recipe elevates the standard pumpkin roll with the warmth of ginger and the crunch of pecans, creating a truly unforgettable dessert. This Ginger-Spiced Pumpkin Roll with Pecan Cream Cheese Filling is sure to impress your family and friends.

This recipe combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice with the added zest of ginger and the nutty goodness of pecans. The moist pumpkin cake is infused with a medley of warm spices, while the creamy filling gets a textural and flavorful boost from toasted pecans. The result is a delicious and visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for any autumn occasion, from Thanksgiving dinner to cozy weekend gatherings.

**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep time:** 45 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Cooling time:** 1-2 hours

## Ingredients

### For the Pumpkin Roll:

* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 3 large eggs
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Powdered sugar, for dusting

### For the Pecan Cream Cheese Filling:

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

## Equipment

* 9×13 inch jelly roll pan
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls (large and medium)
* Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
* Rubber spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Serrated knife
* Clean kitchen towel

## Instructions

### Get Started

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Grease the parchment paper as well. This is crucial for preventing the cake from sticking.
2. **Toast the pecans:** Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Let them cool completely before using.

### Prepare the Pumpkin Roll

1. **Whisk dry ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
2. **Beat eggs and sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is important for creating a light and airy cake.
3. **Add pumpkin and vanilla:** Add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and beat until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of pumpkin.
4. **Gradually add dry ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
5. **Pour into prepared pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the batter reaches all corners of the pan.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back lightly when touched.
7. **Prepare to roll:** While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it generously with powdered sugar. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the towel.
8. **Invert and cool:** As soon as the cake is done baking, immediately invert it onto the prepared towel. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Trim the edges of the cake with a serrated knife to create clean, even edges. This will make rolling easier.
9. **Roll the cake:** Starting at one short end, gently roll the cake up in the towel. Be careful not to crack the cake. Let it cool completely in the towel, seam-side down. This is crucial for the cake to hold its shape when you unroll it later.

### Prepare the Pecan Cream Cheese Filling

1. **Beat cream cheese and butter:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to prevent lumps.
2. **Add powdered sugar and vanilla:** Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar too quickly, as it can create a cloud of dust.
3. **Stir in pecans:** Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans. Distribute them evenly throughout the filling.

### Assemble the Pumpkin Roll

1. **Unroll the cake:** Carefully unroll the cooled cake. It may have some cracks, but that’s okay.
2. **Spread the filling:** Spread the pecan cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border at the edge closest to you. Make sure the filling is distributed evenly so that each slice has a good amount of filling.
3. **Reroll the cake:** Starting at the same end you rolled it from before, carefully reroll the cake. Use the towel to help you lift and roll the cake tightly. Be gentle to avoid cracking.
4. **Wrap and chill:** Wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.

### Serve

1. **Dust with powdered sugar:** Before serving, unwrap the pumpkin roll and dust it generously with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
2. **Slice and serve:** Slice the pumpkin roll with a serrated knife and serve. Enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t overbake the cake:** Overbaking will result in a dry and brittle cake that is prone to cracking when rolled. Bake just until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
* **Cool the cake completely:** It’s essential to let the cake cool completely in the towel before unrolling and filling it. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from sticking to the towel.
* **Soften the cream cheese and butter:** Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before making the filling. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
* **Toast the pecans:** Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the filling. Watch them carefully while toasting to prevent burning.
* **Be gentle when rolling:** Roll the cake gently to avoid cracking. Use the towel to help you lift and roll the cake tightly.
* **Chill the roll before serving:** Chilling the pumpkin roll allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive dessert.

## Variations

* **Add spices to the filling:** For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the cream cheese filling.
* **Use different nuts:** Substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
* **Add chocolate chips:** Sprinkle chocolate chips over the filling before rolling the cake for a chocolatey twist.
* **Make a coffee-flavored filling:** Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the cream cheese filling for a mocha flavor.
* **Use maple syrup:** Substitute some of the granulated sugar in the cake with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.

## Storage

Store leftover pumpkin roll in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the pumpkin roll for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

This Ginger-Spiced Pumpkin Roll with Pecan Cream Cheese Filling is a show-stopping dessert that is sure to impress. With its moist and flavorful cake, creamy and nutty filling, and elegant presentation, it’s the perfect treat for any fall celebration. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a delicious and memorable dessert!

Enjoy your baking!