Name: Homemade Amish Pumpkin Roll
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Amish
Ingredients: 3 large eggs 1 cup granulated sugar ⅔ cup pumpkin puree 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¾ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ¼ teaspoon salt 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 6 tablespoons butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling) Powdered sugar, for dusting

Soft, spiced, and swirled with creamy filling, the Homemade Amish Pumpkin Roll is a dessert that wraps up fall flavor in every single bite. This charming treat is more than just a pretty roll—it’s a showstopper that looks fancy, yet comes together with comforting ease. The texture is moist and tender, the flavor sings of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the cream cheese swirl ties it all together in the most delightful way.

Pumpkin rolls are a fall classic, but this Amish-style version brings a rustic, homemade richness that makes it extra special. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, gifting it to a friend, or just indulging in a slice with coffee, this roll never disappoints. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home with pantry staples!

What Kind of Pumpkin Puree Should I Use?

Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugar and spices, which would throw off the balance of this roll. Homemade pumpkin puree works too, but be sure to strain it well to avoid excess moisture.

Ingredients for the Homemade Amish Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Puree: The star of the recipe. It brings moisture, color, and that unmistakable autumn flavor.

Eggs: Provide structure and help the roll hold together while keeping the texture light.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the sponge cake and balances the tangy cream cheese filling.

All-Purpose Flour: A standard base for the sponge, giving it just the right firmness for rolling.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Work together to help the sponge rise and stay fluffy.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that enhances the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and boosting flavor depth.

Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic warmth to both the cake and the filling.

Cream Cheese: Rich and tangy, this is the creamy swirl that defines every bite.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling while giving that classic dusted finish on top.

Butter: Softened butter helps the filling achieve its silky-smooth texture.

How To Make the Homemade Amish Pumpkin Roll

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper goes slightly up the sides. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Pumpkin Cake

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 13–15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched gently in the center. While it bakes, lay out a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle it generously with powdered sugar.

Step 4: Roll the Cake While Warm

Once the cake is baked, immediately loosen the edges and turn it out onto the prepared towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting at the short end, gently roll the cake up with the towel inside and let it cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If needed, refrigerate the filling slightly to thicken.

Step 6: Assemble the Roll

Once the cake has cooled, unroll it gently. Spread the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border at the edges. Roll it back up (without the towel), wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Step 7: Serve with a Dusting

Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy the beautiful swirls!

How to Serve and Store Your Pumpkin Roll

Slice the chilled pumpkin roll into even rounds and serve on a dessert platter. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce makes it extra indulgent for special occasions.

To store, wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just wrap it in foil over the plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This roll actually tastes better the next day. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to slice and serve.

What if I don’t have a jelly roll pan?

You can use a rimmed baking sheet with similar dimensions (10×15 inches). Just ensure it’s not too deep so the cake bakes evenly.

Can I use fresh pumpkin?

You can, but be sure to strain it through cheesecloth to remove any excess water. The consistency should match that of canned pumpkin puree.

Why did my cake crack when rolling?

That usually happens if the cake has cooled too much before rolling. Rolling it while it’s still warm and pliable is key.

Is it okay to skip the towel method?

The towel trick prevents sticking and helps form the roll’s shape. While some skip it and use parchment paper instead, the towel offers the best results.

How do I get a clean swirl when slicing?

Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and wipe it clean between each slice for neat, bakery-style presentation.

Want More Pumpkin Dessert Ideas?

If you’re a fan of this Homemade Amish Pumpkin Roll, here are more cozy treats to satisfy your fall dessert cravings:

Try these Easy Pumpkin Muffins for a quick, moist breakfast option.
Indulge in a slice of Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie with its silky texture and comforting flavors.
Bake up a batch of Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth holiday treat.
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies mix creamy and chewy textures in one dreamy bite.
Add Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups to your dessert tray for a fruity twist.

For more cozy creations like this, follow me on Pinterest – Life with Jam where I share new recipes every day.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swirl in extra spices? Add a caramel drizzle? Or keep it classic and simple?

I love seeing how each kitchen brings this recipe to life—feel free to ask questions, share tips, or just tell me how fast it disappeared at your dinner table!