Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll Ups Recipe
Pumpkin cream cheese roll ups are a delicious fall appetizer made by spreading a sweetened pumpkin cream cheese mixture onto flour tortillas, rolling them tightly, and slicing into pinwheels. These bite-sized treats combine the warm spices of pumpkin pie with tangy cream cheese for an irresistible flavor combination.
They’re perfect for holiday parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or as an easy afternoon snack. The best part? They require no baking and come together in just 15 minutes with minimal ingredients.
These roll ups can be served immediately or chilled for later, making them an ideal make-ahead option for busy hosts. The vibrant orange color and spiral pattern make them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple and requires no cooking or baking, just mixing, rolling, and slicing. It’s perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The combination of pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and fall spices creates a flavor that tastes just like pumpkin pie in portable form. These roll ups are crowd-pleasers that disappear quickly at parties and potlucks.
They’re also highly customizable. You can adjust the sweetness level, add mix-ins like chopped pecans or dried cranberries, or experiment with different tortilla flavors for variety.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short and straightforward, using pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the filling:
For assembly:
Using full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
Related Recipe: Try our Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll for another easy appetizer option.
Kitchen Tools Required
You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe. A simple mixing setup and sharp knife are all that’s required for perfect roll ups.
Essential tools include a medium mixing bowl, electric mixer or sturdy spoon, offset spatula or butter knife for spreading, sharp chef’s knife, and cutting board. Optional but helpful items are plastic wrap for chilling and a serving platter.
Having everything prepped and ready before you start makes the assembly process quick and seamless. This is especially helpful if you’re making multiple batches for a large gathering.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Roll Ups Recipe
Course: Dessert, AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy40
15
minutes1
hour1
hour15
minutesEasy no-bake pumpkin cream cheese roll ups with warm fall spices, perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
4 large flour tortillas (burrito size, 10-inch)
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips
Directions
- Beat softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread 1/4 of the mixture evenly on each tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Add optional mix-ins if using, then roll each tortilla tightly from one edge to the other.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels and serve chilled.
Notes
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead: Prepare rolls up to 24 hours in advance; slice just before serving.
Variations: Try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce, swap pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon, or use whole wheat tortillas for added nutrition.
Serving Tip: Pair these with apple cider or hot chocolate for the ultimate fall snack experience.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Filling
Start by ensuring your cream cheese is at room temperature, which typically takes about 30 minutes out of the refrigerator. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly without lumps and spreads easily on the tortillas.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer on medium speed or beat vigorously by hand until the mixture is completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. The filling should be light orange in color with no visible cream cheese streaks.
Taste the filling and adjust sweetness or spice levels to your preference. The mixture should be spreadable but not runny. If it seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk to loosen it slightly.
Read More: Bourbon Pumpkin Pie
Step 2: Spread the Filling on Tortillas
Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean work surface or large cutting board. Using an offset spatula or butter knife, spread about 1/4 of the pumpkin cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface of the tortilla, leaving a small 1/2-inch border around the edges.
Apply even pressure while spreading to create a uniform layer approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. This ensures every bite has the perfect ratio of filling to tortilla. Be generous with the filling but avoid overfilling, which can cause the roll ups to become messy when sliced.
If you’re adding optional mix-ins like chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips, sprinkle them lightly over the filling now. Press them gently into the cream cheese mixture so they adhere well during rolling.
Step 3: Roll the Tortillas Tightly
Starting from one edge of the tortilla, begin rolling it tightly toward the opposite side, keeping constant tension as you roll. Use your fingers to tuck and compress the filling as you go to prevent air pockets from forming inside the roll.
Continue rolling until you reach the end, creating a tight cylinder. The unfilled border at the edge will help seal the roll closed. Press gently along the seam to secure it. The tighter you roll, the prettier your pinwheel slices will be and the less likely they are to unravel.
Repeat this process with the remaining three tortillas and filling. Place each completed roll seam-side down on a plate or cutting board to help them hold their shape.
Step 4: Chill the Roll Ups
Wrap each rolled tortilla individually in plastic wrap, making sure they’re sealed completely. This prevents them from drying out and helps them maintain their shape during chilling. Place all wrapped rolls on a plate or baking sheet.
Refrigerate the wrapped roll ups for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours if making ahead. The chilling time is crucial as it allows the cream cheese filling to firm up, which makes slicing much cleaner and easier. Cold rolls produce perfect pinwheel slices without the filling squishing out.
If you’re short on time, you can place them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes instead. However, longer refrigeration yields the best slicing results and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Remove the chilled rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Place one roll seam-side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, trim off and discard about 1/2 inch from each end to create clean edges.
Slice the roll crosswise into 1-inch thick pinwheels, wiping your knife clean between cuts for the neatest results. You should get about 8-10 slices per tortilla roll. Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on a serving platter in a single layer to showcase the beautiful spiral pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added sugars, spices, and thickeners that can make your filling too sweet and alter the texture. Pure pumpkin puree gives you better control over sweetness and consistency.
How do I prevent my roll ups from getting soggy?
Make sure your cream cheese filling isn’t too thin or watery. Use pure pumpkin puree that’s been well-drained if it seems watery. Additionally, don’t slice the roll ups more than 2 hours before serving, as the moisture from the filling can soften the tortillas over time.
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese (like Kite Hill or Tofutti brands) and use the same measurements. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. Make sure your tortillas are also vegan-friendly, as some contain lard.
