Libby’s Walnut Pumpkin Roll: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert
Introduction
If there’s one-holiday dessert that captures my heart, it’s Libby’s Walnut Pumpkin Roll. This iconic treat has it all; it’s creamy, spiced, and full of the nostalgic flavors of fall that we all love. Each slice reveals a swirl of pumpkin sponge cake and smooth cream cheese filling, making it just as beautiful as it is delicious. Libby’s Walnut Pumpkin Roll is pure fall comfort, bursting with warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves that pair perfectly with the sweet, earthy taste of pumpkin. It’s the kind of dessert that has everyone reaching for “just one more slice.”
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A Brief History of the Pumpkin
Pumpkins date back over 7,500 years to Central America. Native Americans cherished them for their durability, versatility, and nutrition. These pumpkins weren’t the sweet, plump orange ones we know today; they were smaller, tougher, and extremely practical. Native communities used pumpkins for food, storage containers, and even utensils.
When European settlers first arrived in North America, Native Americans introduced them to the art of growing and cooking pumpkins. Before long, pumpkins found their way into the settlers’ recipes, becoming a beloved staple and inspiring holiday classics like pumpkin pie. By the 19th century, Thanksgiving feasts in America wouldn’t feel complete without a pumpkin dish on the table. Today, pumpkins symbolize not only seasonal flavors but also celebrations, from Halloween to fall festivals. Libby’s canned pumpkin, introduced in the early 20th century, popularized recipes like pumpkin pie and pumpkin roll, making pumpkin a beloved American holiday kitchen essential.
Libby’s Walnut Pumpkin Roll Recipe
I first encountered Libby’s Walnut Pumpkin Roll over 35 years ago, while working for a local newspaper. As Thanksgiving approached, I was reading the food section of our newspaper and a recipe for Libby’s Walnut Pumpkin Roll caught my eye. The story went that this dessert recipe was first published in a newspaper around 1940 and it quickly became a holiday hit. While the exact details may be lost to history, Libby’s canned pumpkin and this roll took off in popularity, especially as canned pumpkin simplified baking.
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Libby’s Walnut Pumpkin Roll is known for its soft, spiced sponge cake filled with a sweet nutty cream cheese filling. Rolling the cake while warm gives it that signature swirl, and each slice pairs perfectly with the warm spices of autumn. Over the years, variations have emerged—gluten-free options and maple-infused fillings are just a few. But Its charm lies in its versatility and stunning rustic presentation, along with flavors that bring comfort and delight.
This dessert became a signature recipe of mine among my family and friends. Oddly, it’s one recipe that I reserve for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, adding a little more magic to the holidays. This is one of those special recipes that I’m sure will become a beloved dessert for you, too.
Libby’s Walnut Pumpkin Roll Recipe
Don’t be intimidated by this pumpkin roll; it’s easier than it looks! Once you’ve made it, you’ll be the star of Thanksgiving dinner.
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Libby’s Walnut Pumpkin Roll
Equipment
- 1- mixing bowls
- 1- Hand Mixer
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 large eggs (bring to room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅔ cups Libbys canned pumpkin
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup walnuts (coarsely chopped) Sprinkle on top of the cake batter
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (bring to room temperature)
- 6 tbsp butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- ¾ cup walnuts (finely chopped)
Instructions
Prep
- Line a 15x10x1 baking pan with waxed paper. Grease or spray waxed paper. Preheat over to 375℉. On the counter top spread a kitchen towel out and sprinkle with confectioner sugar. This keeps the hot cake from sticking and adds a little sweetness.
Cake Roll
- In a medium mixing bowl beat 3 large eggs for 3 minutes. Gradually add sugar; beat for 2 minutes more or until the mixture becomes thick and lemoned-colored. Stir in the pumpkin and lemon juice. (Do not beat).
- In a small mixing bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt, mixing thoroughly. Gently fold into the pumpkin mixture. Evenly spread the batter into the prepared 15x10x1 baking pan. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts on top of batter. Bake at 375℉ for 12-14 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched in the center.
- Remove the cake from the oven, loosen the edges and sides, and invert onto the sugar-dusted kitchen towel. Gently peel off the wax paper. While the cake is hot, roll the cake in the towel starting from the 10-inch end. Place the cake seam side down on a cooling rack until completely cooled–about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Frosting
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the confectioners sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla and beat until smooth. Add 3/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts and beat until fluffy. Unroll the cake roll and spread evenly with frosting up to 1/2 inch of edges. Roll the cake up again without the towel, then wrap it tightly in cling wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Tips For How to Roll a Pumpkin Roll Without Cracks
For that flawless swirl, here’s how to roll the pumpkin cake without cracking:
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter. Overmixing can cause excess gluten to develop, which may create a firmer texture that is resistant to rolling, causing a crack..
- Preheat Your Oven to the Specified Temperature. It is best not to open the oven while the cake is baking. Use a timer instead, checking after the recommended bake time.
- Prepare a Towel with Powdered Sugar: Spread a clean kitchen towel on the countertop and generously dust it with powdered sugar. This will keep the cake from sticking and add sweetness. Tip: I use an 18 x 18 cloth napkin instead of a kitchen towel. It’s the right thickness and works well to roll the cake in and they come in multi-packs. I use either white or light-colored ones making sure to wash before using.
- Flip the Cake Carefully: Remove the cake from the oven and loosen the edges. Carefully invert the cake onto the powdered sugar-covered towel. Immediately but gently peel away the parchment paper.
- Roll Tightly While Warm: Starting from the short end, roll the cake with the towel while it’s still warm. This helps the cake hold its shape, preventing cracks when you roll it with the filling.
- Cool Completely: This is a crucial step. Place the rolled cake, seam side down, on a wire rack, allowing it to cool completely—about an hour.
- Unroll and Fill: Once cooled, gently unroll the cake. Spread a layer of cream cheese filling, leaving a border to avoid overfilling.
- Re-roll and Chill: Roll the cake back up, wrap it tightly in cling wrap, and chill for at least an hour. This will help to set the shape and will make for clean slices. Your refrigerated cake is good for about 5 days.
When Your Libby’s Walnut Pumpkin Roll Cracks
Got a crack? Don’t worry and don’t throw it out; this dessert is forgiving. There will be some filling ooze from the crack; simply press some chopped walnuts into the crack and wrap the roll tightly in cling wrap. Chill it, and when ready to serve, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top. Then slice and serve. Your guests won’t even notice—it’s that good!
Storing Your Pumpkin Roll
To keep your pumpkin roll fresh, follow these storage guidelines:
Your pumpkin roll should be placed in the refrigerator and removed about 30 minutes before serving. Then slice and serve. Leftover cake stores well in the refrigerator for about 5 days.
This cake can be made ahead then placed in the freezer for up to 2 months. For the best results, make sure the cake roll has cooled completely, then wrap it in cling wrap a couple of times followed by aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before unwrapping it. The cake may be a little sticky after thawing. Just sprinkle a little powdered sugar on the cake before slicing and serving.
Conclusion
There you have it—Libby’s Walnut Pumpkin Roll, a slice of autumn magic that’s been winning hearts for generations. The rich, spiced pumpkin cake and creamy filling make for the perfect blend of flavors, capturing the warmth of fall in every bite. If you’ve never made a pumpkin roll before, now’s the perfect time to try! It’s simpler than it seems, and the payoff? Completely worth it. So go ahead and give it a whirl. You might just surprise yourself—and wow your guests in the process. One thing’s for sure: you’ll be reaching for another slice.
Happy baking, and may your kitchen smell of warm spices and sweet memories!
For my guide on how to survive holiday cooking go here: https://blissfulfoodsplus.com/survive-holiday-cooking-a-guide-for-mastering-the-madness/
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