Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper, allowing a 1-inch overhang on the long sides of the pan. Spray the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, and vanilla vigorously until thick and pale, about 2 minutes. Gently whisk in the pumpkin puree to combine.
Using a rubber spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until no streaks of flour remain. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
Bake until the top of the cake springs back when lightly pressed, 13 to 15 minutes.
Very carefully lift the edges of the parchment paper to lift the cake out of the pan and place on a flat, heatproof surface. Starting on a short end, roll the cake up with the parchment paper until completely rolled, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat on medium-low speed until combined, then scrape down the bowl, increase the speed to medium, and beat for 1 more minute.
Assemble Pumpkin Roll: Once the cake is completely cool, very slowly unroll it. Spread the cream cheese filling in an even layer, leaving a ½-inch border around all of the edges.
Gently roll the cake back up without the parchment paper (it can now be discarded), then wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap, place the pumpkin roll on a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar. Slice and serve. Leftover pumpkin roll can be wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Notes
If you do not have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can make homemade pumpkin pie spice using cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
This recipe only calls for ⅔ cup pumpkin puree; one 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree will yield three pumpkin rolls, so you may as well bake them up and freeze a couple for holiday festivities.
If you do not have a jelly roll pan and don’t want to buy one, you can use a half sheet pan; just trace a 10x15-inch rectangle on parchment paper and spread the cake batter in that area only.
For a super pretty presentation, slice off the ends of the pumpkin roll before serving to showcase the swirl!
A large serrated knife makes for a nice, clean cut and keeps the pumpkin roll from getting smooshed when sliced.
Make-Ahead: Once the pumpkin roll is assembled, wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated, it can be stored for up to 2 days before serving.
To Freeze: Wrap the pumpkin roll tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe zip-top resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Recipe slightly adapted from Libby's.Nutritional values are based on one serving