Thursday, November 19, 2009

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll

Pumpkin RollI feel a little bit older every time I find myself saying "Can you believe its already {insert current month}?" I surely don't remember muttering things like that in college. Perhaps my more youthful self had more exciting things to talk about, but I now find myself saying this phrase every month and even every holiday. Seriously though -- Can you believe its already Thanksgiving?

For the 3rd year in a row, I'm hosting Thanksgiving in San Diego for my family. This year, I think I need to shake things up a bit. Any ideas? I've been glued to the Food Network looking for some inspiration, but I just end up wondering how did all these people get their own TV show?

In the meantime, if you're looking for a fantastic Thanksgiving dessert try this pumpkin roll. Not only is it pretty, but its orange. Classic Fall if you ask me.

Classic Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll
courtesy of Libby's Pumpkin

1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup canned pumpkin

Cream Filling
1 package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar for sprinkling on cake

1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Spray a 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan with cooking spray or butter pan; line with wax or parchment paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle a thin, cotton kitchen towel liberally with powdered sugar.

2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Slowly stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan.

3. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.

4. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla until smooth. Slowly & carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Re-roll cake tightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, and slice.

20 comments:

Kim in the Kitchen said...

I made this last year! It was delicious! I love Libby's pumpkin recipes!

grace said...

this is indeed a classic, and you've done a really nice job with it! while the pumpkin part doesn't thrill me, i love the orange-white contrast and hypnotic swirl!

Esi said...

I have been dreaming of pumpkin and cream cheese lately. This sounds fantastic!

vanillasugarblog said...

I have yet to make this. I mean I really want to, but never do. that photo is stunning!

Snooky doodle said...

this roll looks simply delicious! I say that every year too

Melissa @BakingfortheBoys said...

So beautiful! Good luck on your Thanksgiving dinner! Hope you have a fun day!

Anonymous said...

Yum, I'm going to make this next week!

Laura said...

I am totally intimidated by rolls of any kind, even though they are so fabulous and my desire to eat them ought to inspire me to try making one.

This is my first time hosting and I am doing prime rib. :) I've been waiting my whole life to play Thanksgiving dictator and throw out the turkey!

Bunny said...

I LOVE this pumpkin roll! I almost forgot about it Sharon , thanks for posting it!

Katrina said...

I have never made one of these, but tasted a number of them and it's delicious! Looks beautiful.

Katie said...

Oh that looks so good!

The Blonde Duck said...

I've always wanted to make this. It looks so good!

kat said...

cream cheese & pumpkin together so good!

Kerstin said...

Haha, I'm the same way each time a new month rolls around! I've never made a pumpkin roll but totally should because yours looks SO yummy!

Emily said...

I'm not sure if I have much advice to give you, since I've never hosted a Thanksgiving. Have fun... don't hold back at all. Be creative and spontaneous.

I've always wanted to bake a pumpkin roll. Looks great!

Stephanie said...

I definitely feel old. Time has become so present lately and I am so aware of how quickly it's passing by.

Maria said...

I make these every year. They freeze nicely and everyone loves them!

La Bella Cooks said...

What a gorgeous photo! I've always wanted to try making one of these and I may have just found my inspiration. A very Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Chef Fresco said...

I was thinking the same thing today - and how it makes me feel old :) I can't believe it's already december now! Tasty looking rolls!

Unknown said...

oh my my, i need a slice of that!! delicious :)