This Pumpkin Roll Twist is a beautiful combination of soft, spiced dough filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, twisted into a gorgeous spiral and topped with a decadent chai-flavored cream cheese frosting. Perfectly fluffy and full of fall flavors, this dessert brings together the warmth of pumpkin spice with the rich creaminess of chai spices. Serve it as the centerpiece of your next gathering or enjoy it with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: The dough is soft and tender with a light pumpkin flavor, perfectly spiced with a blend of pumpkin spice. The sweet cinnamon butter filling melts into the dough, creating an irresistible swirl of flavors. The chai cream cheese frosting adds a rich and creamy topping, infused with fragrant spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, which elevates the whole dessert to a new level of indulgence. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s both impressive and easy to make!
Perfect Occasion: This Pumpkin Roll Twist is perfect for fall celebrations, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or just a weekend treat to enjoy with family. It’s also great for brunch or a cozy breakfast alongside a cup of chai tea or coffee. With its beautiful twist shape and flavorful frosting, it makes a stunning presentation for any occasion.
Decoration Tips: For a professional touch, drizzle the chai cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the pumpkin twist, allowing it to cascade down the sides. You can also sprinkle a little extra pumpkin spice or cinnamon on top for added flavor and a beautiful look. If you’re feeling festive, add a few crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for texture.
Recipe:
Ingredients for the Dough:
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp softened butter
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp softened butter
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Ingredients for the Chai Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 tbsp vanilla paste
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp pumpkin spice
- ⅛ tsp ground cardamom
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
Method:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and activated.
2. Mix the Dough:
Once the yeast is activated, add the flour, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, egg, and softened butter. Knead the dough on medium speed (or by hand) for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft but not sticky.
3. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl to create a cinnamon butter spread.
5. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon butter mixture evenly over the surface of the dough. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side, then slice the roll in half lengthwise.
6. Twist and Shape:
With the cut sides facing up, twist the two strands of dough together. Form the twisted dough into a circular shape and place it into a greased cake or pie dish. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
7. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Before baking, drizzle a splash of heavy cream into the dish to keep the dough moist and soft. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the roll is golden and cooked through.
8. Make the Frosting:
While the roll bakes, prepare the chai cream cheese frosting by mixing the cream cheese, vanilla paste, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and spices together until smooth and creamy.
9. Frost and Serve:
Allow the pumpkin roll twist to cool for about 10 minutes, then generously spread or drizzle the chai cream cheese frosting over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Enjoy your cozy and indulgent Pumpkin Roll Twist with Chai Cream Cheese Frosting!