A super moist, fluffy and light Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pumpkin Roll – perfect for Thanksgiving and the holidays! Soft, warmly spiced pumpkin cake is rolled up with a luscious dairy-free cream cheese filling for a dessert that’s vegan, AIP and Paleo.
As the creator of an online dairy-free and gluten-free baking school, I know how challenging it can be to find delicious gluten-free baked treats that taste just as good as the conventional versions. And it’s particularly disheartening during special celebrations and gatherings! So I’m really excited to share my Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pumpkin Roll recipe – it makes the perfect AIP and Paleo pumpkin dessert for Thanksgiving and the holidays!
Pumpkin rolls are a beautiful and popular Fall treat. With my new recipe, you can indulge in this holiday favorite while honoring your dietary requirements too! I guarantee the same sweet, pumpkin spice flavor in my tender pumpkin cake with its velvety dairy-free cream cheese frosting as traditional pumpkin rolls, but without eggs, grains, dairy, or gluten! Just like my pumpkin scones, my gluten-free pumpkin muffins, my pumpkin spice cookies, my pumpkin banana muffins, and my paleo pumpkin pie, my pumpkin roll is a delicious pumpkin treat that ALL eaters will love!
Gluten-Free Dairy-free Pumpkin Roll
If you enjoy my pumpkin spice cake donuts, you’ll love this pumpkin roll! I used the same dough to create the soft and spongy pumpkin cake as the base of this beautiful dessert. The primary flour used is cassava flour. I love that this flour is both grain-free and nut-free. Its high starch content makes the dough stretchy and pliable, so it’s easy to roll the cake without cracking. Coconut flour absorbs excess moisture and creates structure so the cake isn’t too dense or chewy. Baking soda with cream of tartar reacts with the apple cider vinegar to leaven the cake and make it have a light texture.
Pumpkin purée provides the cake’s main moisture and flavor base. A homemade pumpkin spice blend enhances the naturally sweet, mildly earthy pumpkin and infuses the cake roll with its cozy and comforting Fall flavor. Warm, sweet, slightly woody cinnamon, with ginger for some gentle spice and zest, and a hint of cloves comprise the warm aromatic spice mix, complemented by the sweetness of the unrefined coconut sugar and maple syrup. Vanilla and sea salt enhance and balance the overall flavor profile. Creamy coconut milk, coconut oil, and maple syrup contribute moisture and richness to create a tender and moist cake with a soft, delicate crumb.
Slightly tangy dairy-free cream cheese and sweet maple syrup, balanced with sea salt and vanilla and thickened to your preference with tapioca starch, create a rich and creamy dairy-free frosting. Slather the silky dairy-free cream cheese filling evenly on the cake, then roll it up! With its impressive swirls, this gorgeous pumpkin roll will be a showstopper on your holiday table!
Ingredients
Pumpkin Roll Cake Dough
- Cassava flour
- Coconut flour
- Baking soda
- Cream of tartar
- Coconut sugar
- Sea salt
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Cloves
- Maple syrup
- Coconut milk
- Pumpkin purée – If using canned pumpkin purée, ensure the only ingredient is pumpkin like this one here. Many canned products are actually pumpkin pie filling which is already sweetened and spiced. Or, you can make your own purée by roasting or steaming pumpkins. Learn how to make pumpkin purée here.
- Coconut oil
- Vanilla extract
- Apple cider vinegar
Cream Cheese Filling
- Dairy-free cream cheese – I like the Kite Hill brand which has a slight tang reminiscent of regular cream cheese. If you’re following the autoimmune paleo protocol (AIP diet), use palm shortening instead.
- Tapioca starch
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- You can substitute the coconut sugar with maple sugar in the cake.
- I don’t recommend substituting the coconut sugar with more maple syrup or vice versa in the cake. I’ve tested this dough with only coconut sugar and only maple syrup, and it doesn’t work well. The liquid and granulated unrefined sweeteners are both necessary to create the optimal texture.
- You can substitute the dairy-free cream cheese with palm shortening to make my Vegan Vanilla “Buttercream” Frosting for a sweeter filling or to make this recipe AIP compliant.
- I don’t recommend any other ingredient substitutions and can’t guarantee the results if you make replacements.
How To Make A Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pumpkin Roll
Although pumpkin rolls may look complicated, this recipe is simple once you follow these instructions. Plus, you don’t have to wait for it to set in the fridge for hours, so you’ll be enjoying this in no time!
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350F and line a 10×15 baking sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
To a large bowl, combine cassava flour, coconut flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, coconut sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, powdered ginger, and cloves. Then make a well in the center of the ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together maple syrup, coconut milk, pumpkin purée, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
Step 4: Complete the Pumpkin Roll Dough
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir to combine and create the soft cake dough.
Step 5: Spread the Dough
You’ll see that this pumpkin roll dough is a soft and moist dough rather than a pourable, spreadable liquid batter. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Smooth and spread the dough with your fingers in an even layer, then roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick between two sheets of parchment paper with a rolling pin. You may need to remove it from the baking tray to roll it out properly. You can use a knife or bench scraper to trim or straighten the edges.
Step 6: Bake the Pumpkin Cake
Bake the cake in the middle rack of the oven for 14 to 15 minutes.
Step 7: Cool
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and leave uncovered in the baking sheet to cool for about 5 minutes. Then cover the cake with parchment paper and allow to cool fully, at least 30 minutes.
Step 8: Make the Filling
Whisk together the dairy-free cream cheese or palm shortening, tapioca starch, maple syrup, vanilla, and sea salt with a handheld mixer, or in a stand mixer or a food processor. Whisk or pulse until fully combined. The dairy-free cream cheese filling should be silky, smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Spread the Filling
Once the cake is cooled, remove the top sheet of parchment paper and place the cake and the bottom sheet of parchment paper on a counter or table. Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to scoop dollops of the filling onto the cake. Next, use an offset spatula to spread the filling evenly and smoothly over the cake, almost to the edges.
Step 10: Roll the Pumpkin Roll
Turn the cake so one of the short ends is nearest to you. Using the parchment paper and both hands, gently and carefully lift that short edge and tuck the cake over to start the roll. Gently peel the parchment paper off the cake and continue rolling the cake gently but firmly over itself to create a log shape.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!
This pumpkin roll is best served fresh! Place the pumpkin roll seam-side down on a serving platter, slice and serve!
Pumpkin Roll Tips
- Ensure all of the wet ingredients are at room temperature before using. The pumpkin purée, coconut milk, dairy-free cream cheese or palm shortening and maple syrup should be at room temperature rather than cold from the fridge for best result. Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother mixing and an evenly incorporated dough and a filling that is smooth rather than curdled. If necessary, slightly warm cold liquid ingredients first to remove the chill.
- Adjust the thickness of the dairy-free cream cheese filling or vegan vanilla frosting by adding more or less tapioca starch versus the amount of cream cheese or palm shortening you use.
- Lightly sift arrowroot starch on the cake to mimic the classic pumpkin roll look with dusted powdered sugar.
How to Prevent Cracks in your Pumpkin Roll
You shouldn’t get any cracks when rolling this dairy-free and gluten-free pumpkin roll because the cake is so moist and soft. Here are some additional tips:
- The cake should be soft and pliable to the touch when you remove it from the oven. Let the cake cool uncovered for a few minutes first, then cover it with a sheet of parchment paper while it cools fully. It won’t make your cake soggy! Covering the cake will trap moisture and prevent it from drying out while it cools. This trapped moisture retains the cake’s softness and elasticity, so it’s less likely to crack when rolled. Although many other recipes recommend you roll the cake warm, unroll it to frost, and then re-roll the pumpkin cake, that method will not work here.
- Use the parchment paper as a guide to help you with that first tuck/roll. Lift the parchment paper using both hands and gently yet firmly tuck the cake over. You want to make that first roll tight without pressing too hard but not too loose so there’s a gaping hole.
- Keep using both hands to gently and carefully roll the cake away from you, bit by bit.
And remember, if your roll cracks, don’t sweat it! I promise the cake will taste just as delicious and you can cover cracks with some frosting as you continue to roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t recommend making any substitutions to this customized flour mix. The cassava flour provides the dough with elasticity while the coconut flour creates some structure and absorbs excess moisture so the cake is not overly chewy or dense. This nut, grain, and gluten free flour blend is crafted to create the desired tastes and textures and is not interchangeable with all-purpose gluten-free flour blends. Moreover, this recipe is free of yeast, xantham gum, and other additives often included in those blends that may affect the end product. Want to learn more about baking with grain-free flours and making your own blends? I teach you how in The Basics.
No. I recommend preparing the dough just before baking to ensure optimal rise and texture.
Yes. You can make the cake and filling separately, then frost and roll it just before serving. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it in plastic wrap until ready to serve.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge – Keep in an airtight container or plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 1 week. Serve chilled or allow to come to room temperature first.
- Freezer – Wrap in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe resealable bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and serve chilled or allow to come to room temperature first.
I hope you love this Gluten Free Dairy Free Pumpkin Roll. If you do, I would appreciate it if you would give the recipe a rating and review. Be sure to snap a picture of the finished product and share it with me on Instagram by tagging @healmedelicious and using the hashtag #healmedelicious.
PrintGluten-Free Dairy-Free Pumpkin Roll Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 8.5 inch long pumpkin roll 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A super moist and pillowy soft Gluten-free Dairy-free Pumpkin Roll! This sweet and warmly spiced, light and fluffy pumpkin cake roll with a velvety dairy-free cream cheese filling is a gorgeous holiday pumpkin dessert that’s also vegan, AIP and Paleo.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Roll Cake Dough
- 1 cup cassava flour
- 2 TBSP coconut flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1.5 tsp cream of tartar
- 2 TBSP coconut sugar
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp powdered ginger
- pinch of cloves
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
- 3/4 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
Filling
- 1 cup dairy-free cream cheese or palm shortening
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- pinch of sea salt
Optional Topping
- arrowroot starch, sifted (for garnish)
Instructions
Pumpkin Roll Cake
- Preheat oven to 350F and line a 10×15 baking sheet with parchment paper.
- To a large bowl, mix cassava flour, coconut flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, coconut sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, powdered ginger, and cloves. Then make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, coconut milk, pumpkin purée, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Then add wet ingredient mixture to the center of the dry ingredients.
- Stir to combine the wet and dry ingredients into a soft dough.
- Scoop dough out onto the center of the parchment lined baking sheet. Use fingers to spread and smooth the dough out in an even layer. Then place another parchment paper sheet on top and roll out the dough into a rectangle shape to about 1/4 inch thick.*
- Bake in middle rack of oven for 14 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool uncovered for 5 minutes. Then cover with a sheet of parchment paper and allow to cool completely, before rolling the cake. Make the filling in the meantime.
Filling
- In a stand mixer or food processor, combine dairy-free cream cheese or palm shortening with tapioca starch, maple syrup, vanilla extract and sea salt. Whisk or pulse until combined. Add more tapioca starch if you desire a thicker frosting.
Assemble Pumpkin Roll
- Once the cake has cooled, use a large spoon or scoop to spoon out dollops of the filling onto the cake.
- Use an offset spatula to smoothly and evenly spread the filling over the cake almost to the edges.
- From the short end of the cake, carefully lift the parchment paper and use both hands to roll the cake away from you in a gentle yet tight tuck. Peel the parchment paper away from the rolled piece of cake. Continue using both hands to gently and carefully roll the cake away from you.**
- Place the pumpkin roll seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Optional for garnish, sift arrowroot starch on top for a classic pumpkin roll look.
- Slice into rounds and serve.
Notes
*To roll out the dough between two pieces of parchment paper you may need to remove it from the baking sheet.
**See the Pumpkin Roll Tips section for more on how to roll the pumpkin roll.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cool Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Kathy
This was delicious! I had to do my own spin on the cream filling cause all I had was coconut cream. I whipped it up with some maple syrup, vanilla and salt and it was soooooo good!
Lizzie
I am obsessed. I made this and it was incredible. It was loved by AIP folks and non-AIP folks. It was such a special treat and the instructions are easy to follow. Heal Me Delicious strikes again with another incredible recipe. I will be making it again for future holiday celebrations!
Hannab
I grew up eating pumpkin roll and I’m so excited to try this! I appreciate the explanation of why we’re using certain ingredients. Definitely interested in your classes!
Ok, so my childhood pumpkin roll had walnuts and a lovely cream cheese. Could I add walnuts to the bottom of the cake? Also, what do you think about coconut yogurt in the icing to add that tang?
Nicole Charles
Hi! The dairy-free cream cheese has a bit of that tang, but if you’re going with the shortening it won’t. I’m not sure the yogurt would blend nicely into the shortening – it’s likely to curdle. Yes to walnuts though!
Colleen Grogan
oh my word! This was amazing! I made it for Thanksgiving and forgot to put it out. I’m glad cuz I can eat the whole thing! It’s moist with a little sweetness but not over powering. A perfect dessert after a meal. It was really easy to make and easy to roll. Definitely a repeat.
Lisa Heath
Can we sub anything for the coconut flour
Nicole Charles
Hi! The coconut flour really helps balance out the gumminess of the cassava flour here so it isn’t advised to sub it.
April
Can tigernut be subbed for the cassava
Nicole Charles
Not in this recipe, unfortunately.
Rianna Cawley
The cake was delicious!!! I started making it and realized I didn’t have the stuff for the frosting, so I had to come up with my own which made my roll look a little sad but it was still delicious!! ❤️