Libby's Pumpkin Roll Recipe: A Delicious Fall Treat
The arrival of autumn brings with it a plethora of cozy delights, and among them, the undisputed champion is the pumpkin roll. This classic dessert, with its tender, spiced cake and creamy, luscious filling, is a perfect centerpiece for any fall gathering or a delightful treat to enjoy on a crisp autumn evening. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfectly moist and flavorful pumpkin roll, reminiscent of Libby’s iconic canned pumpkin. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe focuses on easily accessible ingredients, making it perfect for even novice bakers.
For the Cake:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (Libby’s is recommended!)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Perfection
Follow these steps for a pumpkin roll that's both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Preparing the Pumpkin Cake Batter:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Blend in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Rolling and Cooling: The Key to Success
- Prepare for Rolling: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, sprinkle the surface generously with powdered sugar. This prevents sticking.
- Gentle Rolling: Carefully invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper (if used). Starting from the shorter side, tightly roll the cake and the towel together. Let it cool completely while still rolled. This helps the cake maintain its shape.
Making the Creamy Filling: A Dreamy Combination
- Creamy Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Sweetness and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Assembling Your Masterpiece
- Unroll and Spread: Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface.
- Reroll and Chill: Gently reroll the cake without the towel. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
Serving and Storage: The Final Touches
Once chilled, slice the pumpkin roll into 1-inch thick pieces and serve. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Pumpkin Roll Success
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing will result in a tough cake.
- Use a jelly-roll pan: This pan size is essential for achieving the proper thickness.
- Cool completely before filling: This prevents the filling from melting.
- Get creative with toppings: Consider adding a dusting of cinnamon, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This Libby's pumpkin roll recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the deliciousness of this autumnal classic! Remember to share your baking creations on social media using #LibbysPumpkinRoll and #AutumnBaking. Happy baking!
