Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Delicious Pumpkin Cream Roll?
It is a moist pumpkin-flavored cake rolled with a tangy and sweet cream cheese filling, perfect for autumn gatherings.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) before baking the cake.
What size pan is required for this recipe?
You will need a 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan to ensure the cake has the correct thickness for rolling.
How should I prepare the jelly-roll pan?
Grease the pan, line it with wax paper, grease and flour the paper itself, and prepare a powdered sugar-dusted towel for later.
Which spices are used in the pumpkin cake batter?
The recipe calls for ground cinnamon and ground cloves to provide traditional fall flavors.
How long should I beat the eggs and granulated sugar?
Beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is thick and pale in color.
What type of pumpkin is recommended for this roll?
The recipe specifically recommends using 2/3 cup of LIBBY'Sยฎ 100% Pure Pumpkin.
How should I mix the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually stir the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture until the batter is just blended; do not overmix.
Can I add nuts to the pumpkin roll?
Yes, you can sprinkle 1 cup of chopped walnuts over the batter in the pan before baking if desired.
What is the baking time for the pumpkin cake?
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes. If using a dark-colored pan, check for doneness at 11 minutes.
How do I know if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when the top springs back immediately when touched.
What should I do immediately after the cake comes out of the oven?
Immediately loosen the edges of the cake and turn it onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
Why do I need to roll the cake in a towel?
Rolling the cake in a towel while hot helps it keep its shape and prevents it from cracking once the filling is added.
When should I remove the wax paper?
Carefully peel away the wax paper as soon as you turn the cake onto the powdered sugar-dusted towel.
Which end of the cake should I start rolling from?
Start rolling from the narrow end of the cake to create a spiral.
How long does the cake need to cool?
The rolled cake should be allowed to cool completely on a wire rack before you attempt to fill it.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese filling?
The filling consists of softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, softened butter or margarine, and vanilla extract.
Does the cream cheese need to be at room temperature?
Yes, using room temperature cream cheese ensures the filling is smooth and free of lumps.
How do I prepare the filling?
Beat the filling ingredients together in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
How do I assemble the final roll?
Unroll the cooled cake, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, and then reroll the cake without the towel.
Should the finished roll be refrigerated?
Yes, wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What is the best way to serve the pumpkin roll?
Sprinkle the top with additional powdered sugar for a decorative finish before slicing and serving.
Why is powdered sugar used on the kitchen towel?
The powdered sugar acts as a barrier to prevent the moist cake from sticking to the towel fibers.
Can I use margarine instead of butter in the filling?
Yes, the recipe allows for either softened butter or margarine in the cream cheese filling.
What is the role of baking soda and baking powder in this recipe?
These act as leavening agents to help the cake rise and remain light despite the dense pumpkin puree.
Is this a good dessert for the holidays?
Absolutely, the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cloves make it an ideal choice for fall and winter holiday celebrations.
What is the texture of the pumpkin cake?
The cake is moist and flexible enough to be rolled without breaking, provided it is handled while warm.
Can I omit the cloves?
While cloves provide a signature spice profile, they can be omitted, though the flavor will be less complex.
Why should I sift the powdered sugar for the filling?
Sifting the powdered sugar removes lumps, ensuring the final cream cheese filling is perfectly smooth.