Libby’s Pumpkin Roll Recipe Video: Moist Cake With Cream Cheese Swirls

This pumpkin roll delivers the moist texture everyone craves, with rich spiced cake wrapped around velvety cream cheese filling. I’ve refined this recipe to ensure the cake rolls without cracking.

The Libby’s pumpkin puree provides consistent flavor and moisture, while the perfect bake time guarantees a tender crumb every time. The cream cheese swirl adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness.

After baking, the warm cake is carefully rolled in a towel to set its shape before filling. The result is a show-stopping dessert with flawless presentation and balanced sweetness.

Serve chilled for clean slices that reveal the beautiful spiral. This classic never fails to impress.

Ingredients for Libby’s Pumpkin Roll Recipe Video

Libby’s puree plus pantry staples create this spiced cake with cream cheese swirls.

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The Libby’s pumpkin puree is non-negotiable here—it’s the gold standard for consistent moisture and flavor. King Arthur or Gold Medal flour both work perfectly. For the spices, Penzeys offers superior quality if you have access, but grocery store brands are fine in a pinch. Room temperature eggs make all the difference in achieving that light, airy texture.

Out of pumpkin puree? Homemade roasted pumpkin works, but strain it well to remove excess moisture. No cloves? Allspice at the same amount substitutes nicely. The cream cheese must be full-fat for structure—low-fat versions can make the filling runny. If you’re avoiding dairy, Kite Hill or Miyoko’s vegan cream cheese holds up best, but texture may vary slightly.

Baked cake stays fresh wrapped tightly at room temperature for 2 days. Fill and refrigerate up to 5 days—the flavors meld beautifully. For longer storage, freeze the unfilled cake (wrapped in plastic then foil) for 1 month. Always thaw completely before filling and rolling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Moist Pumpkin Roll With Cream Cheese Swirls

Master the technique and achieve a perfectly tender roll with a velvety cream cheese filling.

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides. In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup Granulated Sugar, 1 cup Libby’s Pumpkin Puree, 3 whole Large Eggs, and 0.33 cup Vegetable Oil until smooth and fully combined.

In a separate bowl, sift together the 0.75 cup All-Purpose Flour, 1 tsp Baking Soda, 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 0.25 tsp Ground Nutmeg, 0.25 tsp Ground Cloves, and 0.5 tsp Salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—over-mixing will make the cake dense rather than light and moist.

Step 2: Bake and Cool the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it into the corners with a spatula. Bake for 13-15 minutes until the edges pull away from the pan and the top springs back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, use the parchment overhang to lift the cake out and onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Starting at the short end, gently roll the cake and towel together into a log. Let it cool completely in this rolled form for 30-45 minutes—this prevents cracking when you unroll it later.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cake cools, beat the 8 oz Cream Cheese, 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter, 1 cup Powdered Sugar, and 1 tsp Vanilla Extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be light and fluffy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing—cold cream cheese or butter will result in a lumpy, uneven filling. If needed, microwave the cream cheese in 10-second bursts to soften it slightly, but avoid over-softening, as it can make the filling too runny.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill the Pumpkin Roll

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and remove the towel. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface, leaving a ½-inch border along one short end. This border prevents the filling from oozing out when you roll it.

Starting at the same short end, gently roll the cake back up, using the parchment paper to help lift and guide it into a tight log. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. This chilling step ensures clean slices and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

When ready to serve, unwrap the roll and trim the ends for a polished look. Slice into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts. The cake should be moist, tender, and swirled with a rich, creamy filling in every bite.

Wine and Beer Pairings for This Recipe

Dessert Wine Pairings

A late-harvest Riesling brings bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese filling. I love a German Auslese with its honeyed notes that complement the spiced cake beautifully. Serve chilled at 45-50°F for best results. 🍷

Port and Sherry

Tawny Port offers caramel and nut flavors that pair wonderfully with the warm spices in the cake. A 10-year Tawny has just the right depth. For something lighter, try a cream sherry with its smooth, nutty finish.

Craft Beer Options

A pumpkin ale like Dogfish Head Punkin Ale mirrors the dessert’s flavors with its own spice blend. The malty sweetness balances the tangy cream cheese. Alternatively, a brown ale with caramel notes works beautifully.

Sparkling Choices

Moscato d’Asti provides a light, fizzy contrast to the dense roll. Its peach and apricot notes complement the pumpkin. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling apple cider from Central Market offers similar effervescence. ✨

Coffee Pairings

Serve with cold brew coffee to cut through the sweetness. I use Cuvee Coffee from Austin—its smooth, chocolatey notes pair perfectly. Add a splash of cream for extra richness.

After-Dinner Liqueurs

A 1 oz pour of bourbon like Maker’s Mark enhances the dessert’s warmth. The vanilla and oak notes in the whiskey complement the spiced cake beautifully. Sip slowly to savor the combination.

Frequently Asked Questions