Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line an 11-x-15-x-1-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a hand mixer for about 5 minutes until they become light and frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until it’s well incorporated. Then, tip in the pumpkin puree and lemon juice, combining everything until smooth.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. This mix not only adds flavor but also helps ensure an even distribution of dry ingredients in your batter.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until well blended. Be careful not to overmix; you want a light and airy batter that will rise beautifully in the oven.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cake is set in the middle. The edges should just start to pull away from the pan.
While the cake is baking, prep your cooling station. Sprinkle a flour-sack style dish towel generously with powdered sugar. This will prevent sticking when you invert the cake.
Once the cake is done, carefully invert it onto the prepared towel. Remove the pan and peel away the parchment paper. Loosely roll the cake up with the towel from the short side, creating a spiral. This step is key to preventing cracks in your Pumpkin Roll!
Let the cake cool completely in this rolled-up state. While it’s cooling, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary.
Once the cake is cool, unroll it gently and spread the filling evenly, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Roll the cake back up again, this time without the towel, starting from the short side.
Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice.
To serve, unwrap the Pumpkin Roll, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar, and slice into one-inch pieces. Enjoy the beautiful spirals and delightful flavors!
