Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll with Honey

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll with Honey

To us, nothing says fall quite like a pumpkin roll; comforting and indulgent and a special treat, although we always go back for a second (and third) slice. Something about a pumpkin roll topped with powdered sugar is just so warm and cozy. Maybe it’s how dense the cake is, or maybe it’s the warm spiced goodness of the pumpkin. But who cares about the specifics?

If you have dietary restrictions, don't worry - we created this gluten-free pumpkin roll with honey (and powdered sugar, of course) just for you! Our Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll with Honey will instantly have you hooked! Picture this gluten-free pumpkin roll for your Halloween celebrations; your guests will gobble it up. Carry this recipe with you into the winter months with that snow capped powdered sugar look!

This gluten-free pumpkin roll has a balance of flavors not to overwhelm your taste buds with too much pumpkin spice. The decadent cream cheese filling and light pumpkin cake are a perfect pair. We promise the gluten free version tastes just as good as the original. To make this switch, we use gfJules All Purpose Gluten Free Flour. You might have to make two to make sure you get a piece!

Getting a pumpkin roll or any rolled cake right can be tricky. The biggest issue is ensuring that the cake doesn’t over or underbake or stick to the paper. If the cake isn’t done or is overdone, it won’t roll nicely. To avoid a pumpkin roll crack, make sure to cool the cake properly before rolling. A little spritz of cooking spray will help keep the cake from sticking to the parchment paper, but you’ll get a feel for what you need after you bake one of these up.

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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll is a Fun Cake Recipe

Welcome to our Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll with Honey and Powdered Sugar recipe, a timeless and elegant autumn dessert that never fails to make a lasting impression. This classic treat features a moist and tender pumpkin cake, perfectly complemented by a sweet cream cheese, all rolled into its signature spiral shape topped with powdered sugar. With our easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to create a stunning and delicious gluten-free pumpkin roll that’s perfect for any holiday table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this gluten-free pumpkin roll recipe will become a favorite in your collection of gluten-free pumpkin recipes.

Ingredients and Equipment

To make our Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll with Honey and Powdered Sugar, you'll need the following ingredients and equipment.

Ingredients

For the gluten-free pumpkin roll cake:

For the gluten-free pumpkin roll cream cheese filling:

  • powdered sugar
  • cream cheese
  • vanilla extract
  • ground cinnamon

And of course some powdered sugar (and anything else you enjoy on your cake roll) for the final topping.

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Equipment

In order to perfect making this gluten-free pumpkin cake roll with cream cheese filling, you'll need the following pieces of equipment:

  • 10x15 jelly roll pan
  • parchment paper
  • cooking spray
  • multiple bowls and mixing utensils
  • oven
  • cooling rack
  • wax paper

How to Make a Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll with Honey

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 10x15 jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, clove, and salt. Mix the ingredients together well. If you like more pumpkin pie spice flavor, feel free to swap out the cinnamon and clove for pre-made pumpkin pie spice.

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Our Pumpkin Muffins are also gluten-free!

Step 3: Mix the Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix together the eggs, honey, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Be sure it is mixed well. If you have liquid pumpkin pie spice you are using instead of cinnamon and clove, add it to this step.

Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry mixture until completely combined. This will form the pumpkin cake base of your gluten-free pumpkin roll.

Step 5: Bake

Pour your mixed gluten-free pumpkin cake batter in an even layer on the parchment lined baking sheet. Bake the bake the pumpkin cake for 10-15 minutes, checking frequently to be sure it doesn't burn.

Step 6: Remove the Pumpkin Cake and Roll

When the cake is done, remove it from the oven. Gently pull the parchment paper to remove the cake from the pan. DO NOT remove the parchment paper from the actual pumpkin cake. Starting at a short end, roll the pumpkin cake (paper side down, on your counter) all the way to the other end. Place the rolled cake on a cooling rack and allow to cool.

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Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to combine the cream cheese filling ingredients.

Step 8: Assemble the Gluten Free Pumpkin Cake Roll

Once you have a cooled cake, unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the pumpkin cake. Roll up the pumpkin cake around the cream cheese, folding back and removing the parchment paper as you go. Carefully roll it to avoid any cracks.

Step 9: Refrigerate and Serve Your Cake Roll

Wrap the pumpkin cake roll filled with cream cheese in plastic wrap or wax paper, and refrigerate it for about an hour. Make sure your wrap the cake tightly. Once set, remove the plastic wrap or wax paper. Lightly sprinkle with powdered sugar on your serving platter before slicing. Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll

There are a few things to consider when making your gluten free pumpkin roll that can play a big part in how it turns out. Using a jelly roll pan for this recipe is essential. A jelly roll pan is very different from a regular baking sheet, and is specifically designed to make thin sponge cakes that can be rolled. Using a jelly roll pan instead of a baking sheet is essential for making sure you are able to create a cake roll.

As mentioned earlier, pumpkin pie filling is not the same thing as pumpkin puree, and they are not interchangeable in recipes. Pumpkin pie filling is made with additional ingredients and has a thick, custard-like texture. Pumpkin puree is made solely from pure pumpkin, giving it a more earthy taste. While you can make your own pumpkin puree out of baked pumpkins, it is totally fine to use canned pumpkin puree instead. Canned pumpkin puree is a lot less work and mess!

This recipe is designed not to overwhelm you with too much of a pumpkin flavor. If you enjoy more pumpkin flavor, you can achieve this by swapping out the ground cinnamon and clove for pumpkin pie spice. You could also add it to your homemade cream cheese frosting if you want! Pumpkin pie filling could be added to your cream cheese frosting for a lot of pumpkin flavor instead of spices.

When mixing the dry and wet ingredients of your pumpkin cake roll batter, it is a good idea to use a stand mixer or a hand mixer. You want to make sure your baking powder, baking soda, flour blend, and spices are all dispersed evenly throughout the cake roll, and mixing manually can be tough work! Using a stand mixer or hand mixer will help you ensure proper distribution of your ingredients with ease.

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We're Literally on a Roll with this Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll Recipe

We encourage you to play with our recipes and make them your own. Pumpkin rolls are a versatile dessert that can be adapted to different tastes and dietary needs, making them a perfect choice for fall baking with honey. Add in a few ingredients for an even better autumn treat:

  • Toss walnuts or almonds over the batter before baking.
  • Add vanilla chips to the cake.
  • Mix in a swirl of honey to the cream cheese filling.
  • Use Cashew Cream Icing instead of cream cheese for a dairy-free option. You can also find dairy-free cream cheese.
  • Want more pumpkin taste? Add pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese frosting.
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Gluten-Free Baking is Easy!

Making a gluten-free pumpkin roll with honey might seem daunting at first, but it's actually incredibly simple and yields delicious results. Plus, this recipe is perfect for those with dietary restrictions, making it a great option for fall gatherings and parties. The combination of the warm and comforting flavors of pumpkin and honey creates a truly irresistible dessert that everyone can enjoy. And with the ability to adapt the recipe to your liking, you can truly make it your own. So why not give this recipe a try and wow your friends and family with a homemade gluten-free pumpkin roll with honey? It will be sure to become a fall staple in your household. Don't forget to share this post with all your loved ones so they can enjoy this tasty treat as well. Let's spread the joy of this amazing recipe and make it a part of all our upcoming fall celebrations!

If you bake up this Honey Pumpkin Roll, post a picture and use the hashtag #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!


Kara holding a hive frame in doorway of cabin

About the Author

Kara waxes about the bees, creates and tests recipes with her friend Joyce, and does her best to share what she’s learning about the bees, honey, ingredients we use and more. Read more about Kara