Libby's Pumpkin Roll Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fall Baking Perfection

The aroma of warm spices and pumpkin is synonymous with autumn, and few desserts capture that essence quite like a perfectly rolled pumpkin roll. This recipe, inspired by the classic Libby's pumpkin puree, offers a delicious and easy-to-follow guide to baking this seasonal favorite. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to achieving that flawless, elegant roll. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable treat!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses standard baking ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Let's gather everything before we begin:

• For the Cake:

  • 1 (15 ounce) can Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 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

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking the Perfect Pumpkin Roll

Follow these steps meticulously for a beautifully rolled and delicious pumpkin cake:

1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:

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. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and release from the pan without sticking.

2. Combining Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the Libby's pumpkin, eggs, evaporated milk, oil, and sugar until well combined. This creates the base of your pumpkin batter. Make sure there are no lumps.

3. Adding Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so be gentle.

4. Baking the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it towards the end of the baking time, as ovens can vary.

5. Cooling and Rolling:

Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Starting from the narrow end, gently roll the cake up with the towel. Let it cool completely while still rolled.

Making the Creamy Filling:

While the cake is cooling, prepare the delicious cream cheese filling:

1. Creaming Butter and Cream Cheese:

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Adding Sugar and Vanilla:

Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. This creates a light and airy filling that complements the pumpkin cake beautifully.

Assembling the Pumpkin Roll:

Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cake, leaving about a ½-inch border at the edge. Then, using the kitchen towel as a guide, carefully roll the cake back up.

Serving and Storage:

Dust the finished pumpkin roll with powdered sugar and slice into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve and enjoy! Store leftover pumpkin roll in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for Pumpkin Roll Success:

• Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will provide a more vibrant flavor.
• Let the cake cool completely before filling and rolling: This prevents the filling from melting and the cake from breaking.
• Get creative with the filling: Experiment with different fillings, such as whipped cream or chocolate ganache.

This Libby's pumpkin roll recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Its rich flavor and beautiful presentation make it perfect for any autumn gathering or special occasion. Happy baking!