Spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake

The Ultimate Pumpkin Sheet Cake: Your Go-To Fall Dessert with Cream Cheese Frosting

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin baking in the kitchen. This ultimate Pumpkin Sheet Cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of autumn flavors, perfectly designed for fall gatherings, special occasions, and most notably, your Thanksgiving feast. What truly sets this cake apart is its incredible lightness and the luscious, tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting that crowns every bite. Forget complicated desserts; this sheet cake is simple to prepare yet delivers an unforgettable taste experience.

The beauty of this easy pumpkin cake recipe lies in its straightforward nature. With minimal fuss, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. The cake itself is wonderfully moist, infused with the warm spices of the season, while the frosting adds a rich, decadent layer that perfectly complements the pumpkin flavor. It’s a harmonious blend that ensures everyone will be reaching for a second slice.

If you share our love for everything pumpkin during the Fall season, you’ll find this recipe to be an instant classic. And to explore more autumnal delights, be sure to check out our other favorite pumpkin recipes, including a comforting Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe, a crowd-pleasing Pumpkin Dip Recipe, and the incredibly simple Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe. For a quick and festive snack idea, our Harvest Puppy Chow Recipe is always a hit.

Why This Recipe Works for Every Fall Occasion

This Pumpkin Sheet Cake isn’t just another dessert; it’s a brilliant choice for several reasons, making it an absolute must-try for your fall baking repertoire. Firstly, its “sheet cake” format is inherently practical. Baked in a large, shallow pan, it yields many servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd at Thanksgiving dinners, potlucks, or school events. No need to fuss with individual slices from a round cake; a sheet cake is easy to cut, serve, and transport, reducing stress during busy holiday preparations.

Beyond its practicality, the flavors are simply irresistible. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of warm, earthy pumpkin and aromatic fall spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. This rich flavor profile is then elevated by the signature cream cheese frosting. The slight tang of the cream cheese cuts through the sweetness of the cake, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that’s neither too rich nor too heavy. It’s a delightful combination that appeals to almost every palate.

Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and approachable for bakers of all skill levels. The steps are straightforward, ensuring a beautiful and delicious outcome even for beginners. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization with simple additions like nuts or festive candies, making it adaptable to any taste or occasion. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an invitation to create comforting memories and share the joy of autumn with loved ones.

If you’re looking for other beloved holiday desserts, be sure to try our luscious Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe. And for variety, our Strawberry Sheet Cake is fantastic for other celebrations, alongside classic Thanksgiving Apple Desserts.

Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Creating a truly magnificent pumpkin sheet cake begins with selecting the right ingredients. Fresh, high-quality components ensure the best flavor and texture in your final product. Below, we’ve broken down the essential items you’ll need for both the incredibly moist pumpkin cake and its signature, velvety cream cheese frosting.

Cake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure and tender crumb. To ensure you don’t pack too much flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge.
• Baking Soda: A crucial leavening agent that reacts with the pumpkin puree and other acidic ingredients to help the cake rise, creating a light and airy texture. Learn about baking soda substitutes if needed.
• Baking Powder: Working alongside baking soda, baking powder provides an additional lift, ensuring a beautifully risen and fluffy cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps tenderize it, contributing to its moist texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the cake, contributing to its soft crumb. Unlike butter, oil remains liquid at room temperature, making the cake stay moist longer.
• Large Eggs: Act as binders, adding structure, richness, and moisture. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient! This provides the characteristic pumpkin flavor and a significant amount of moisture. It’s crucial to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains spices and sweeteners that would alter the recipe. A 15-ounce can is ideal.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A pre-blended mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. This spice blend instantly infuses the cake with that quintessential fall flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can easily make your own.
• Cinnamon: Enhances the warmth and spice of the pumpkin, adding depth to the overall flavor.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and highlights all the other flavors in the cake.

Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• Butter: Softened at room temperature. Butter provides richness and structure to the frosting. Make sure it’s truly softened, not melted, for the best consistency.
• Cream Cheese: Softened at room temperature. The tangy flavor of cream cheese is what makes this frosting so iconic and perfectly complements the sweet pumpkin cake. Using softened cream cheese prevents lumps in your frosting. An 8-ounce package is typically sufficient.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a lovely aromatic note that enhances both the cream cheese and the underlying cake flavors. Always opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar. This is what sweetens and thickens the frosting. Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it is a pro tip to ensure a silky-smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Milk: A small amount of milk helps to achieve the perfect, spreadable consistency for your frosting. You’ll add this gradually to control the texture.

The complete list of measurements for these ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Pumpkin Sheet Cake

While this Pumpkin Sheet Cake is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for creative customizations. Here are some delightful variations to make this dessert uniquely yours, whether you’re looking for extra texture, different flavor notes, or a festive presentation:

• Nuts for Crunch: For an added layer of texture and nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts generously over the cream cheese frosting. Toasting the nuts lightly before sprinkling can enhance their flavor profile, adding a warm, toasty note that complements the pumpkin beautifully. This simple addition elevates the cake from delicious to extraordinary.
• Mini Pumpkin Candies & Festive Toppings: Transform your cake into a true autumnal masterpiece by decorating it with mini pumpkin candies or other seasonal confections. Arrange them thoughtfully so that each slice gets a delightful treat. Beyond candies, consider a dusting of extra cinnamon or nutmeg, a swirl of caramel sauce, or a scattering of festive sprinkles to add visual appeal and a touch of extra sweetness.
• Alternate Cake Pan Sizes: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. While designed for a sheet pan, you can easily bake this cake in a 9×13 inch baking pan for a thicker, more traditional cake. Keep in mind that the baking time will need to be adjusted accordingly; a thicker cake will require more time in the oven. Always use the toothpick test to determine doneness. For an even more individual approach, you can turn this recipe into pumpkin cupcakes, adjusting the baking time to around 18-22 minutes.
• Chocolate Chip Swirl: For chocolate lovers, gently fold in a cup of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter just before pouring it into the pan. The chocolate adds a delightful sweetness and texture that pairs surprisingly well with pumpkin.
• Streusel Topping: Instead of, or in addition to, the cream cheese frosting, consider a crunchy streusel topping. A simple mix of flour, brown sugar, cold butter, and a pinch of cinnamon can be sprinkled over the batter before baking for a delightful crumbly layer.
• Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Elevate your frosting by substituting a portion of the vanilla extract with pure maple extract or a tablespoon of real maple syrup. This adds another layer of classic fall flavor that harmonizes wonderfully with the pumpkin.

How to Bake the Best Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Creating this delicious Pumpkin Sheet Cake is a surprisingly simple process, broken down into easy-to-follow steps. Precision and a little patience are key to achieving a perfectly moist cake and a smooth, creamy frosting. Let’s walk through the baking process together.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, take a half baking sheet (typically 18×13 inches) and thoroughly spray it with non-stick cooking spray. For extra assurance against sticking, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. This ensures your beautiful cake releases effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, the foundation of your cake begins to form. This is where you’ll combine the liquid components that bring moisture and flavor. Using a whisk, thoroughly combine the room-temperature eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and pumpkin puree. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated, without any streaks of oil or egg. This ensures a consistent texture throughout your cake.

Step 3: Introduce the Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. This step is crucial for even distribution of the leavening agents and spices. Once combined, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix until just combined. The key here is not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a dense and tough cake. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of dry flour are visible.

Step 4: Bake Your Cake to Perfection. Carefully pour the prepared batter into your greased baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a consistent thickness. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. You’ll know the cake is perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the frosting stage. This prevents the frosting from melting.

Step 5: Prepare the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting. While your cake is cooling, it’s the perfect time to whip up the luxurious cream cheese frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. There should be no lumps of butter or cream cheese. Next, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the pure vanilla extract. If the frosting seems too thick, gradually add the milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a wonderfully smooth and spreadable consistency. Be careful not to add too much milk, as this can make the frosting too runny.

Step 6: Frost Your Cooled Cake. Once the cake is completely cool to the touch – this is very important to prevent the frosting from melting – use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface of the cake. You can create decorative swirls or simply smooth it out for a clean finish. Take your time to achieve an even layer.

Step 7: Slice, Serve, and Savor! Your beautiful Pumpkin Sheet Cake is now ready to be enjoyed. Use a sharp knife to slice it into desired portions. Serve immediately to your eager guests, or cover and chill if preparing in advance. Each bite promises a delightful journey through the flavors of fall, making it a perfect ending to any meal or a wonderful treat for a cozy afternoon.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Your Pumpkin Sheet Cake

One of the many advantages of this Pumpkin Sheet Cake is how well it stores, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead convenience, especially during busy holiday seasons. Proper storage ensures your cake remains fresh, moist, and delicious for days after baking.

Refrigeration: Since the cake is topped with cream cheese frosting, it must be refrigerated. Place any leftovers in an airtight container or cover the entire sheet cake pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored this way, the cake will remain fresh and delightful for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. We recommend letting individual slices come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to achieve the best flavor and frosting texture.

Freezing (Frosted Cake): If you want to extend its life even further, this pumpkin sheet cake freezes beautifully. For a frosted cake, place it uncovered in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the frosting is firm. Once firm, wrap the cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. The frosted cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply unwrap it and let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Freezing (Unfrosted Cake): You can also freeze the unfrosted cake. Once the baked cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then prepare the cream cheese frosting fresh on the day you plan to serve it.

Make-Ahead Strategy: This recipe is fantastic for preparing in advance. You can bake the cake a day or two before your event. Once completely cooled, wrap it well and store it at room temperature (if unfrosted) or in the refrigerator (if frosted). Prepare the frosting on the day of serving for the freshest taste, or frost the cake the day before and keep it chilled. This flexible approach allows you to spread out your baking tasks and enjoy a stress-free dessert presentation.

Pro Tips for Pumpkin Sheet Cake Perfection

Achieving the best results with your Pumpkin Sheet Cake is easier with a few expert insights. These tips will help you create a cake that’s not only delicious but also perfectly textured and beautifully frosted every time.

• Room Temperature Eggs and Dairy: This is a golden rule in baking, especially for cakes and frostings. Ensure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are all at room temperature before you start mixing. Room temperature ingredients emulsify more smoothly, meaning they combine more easily and evenly. This leads to a more uniform cake batter, resulting in a tenderer crumb, and a silkier, lump-free cream cheese frosting. Plan ahead by taking them out of the refrigerator an hour or two before you begin.
• Gradually Add Powdered Sugar to Frosting: When making the cream cheese frosting, resist the urge to dump all the powdered sugar in at once. Gradually adding it allows for better control over the consistency and prevents a cloud of sugar from engulfing your kitchen. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition, until you reach your desired texture. If the frosting is too runny, add a little more powdered sugar; if it’s too stiff, a tiny splash of milk will loosen it.
• Adjust Milk for Frosting Consistency: The perfect cream cheese frosting should be easily spreadable yet hold its shape. The amount of milk required can vary based on factors like the humidity in your kitchen or the exact consistency of your cream cheese. Always add milk in small increments (half a teaspoon at a time) and mix thoroughly before adding more. This cautious approach ensures you don’t accidentally make the frosting too thin, which is harder to correct.
• Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense cake. A few small lumps of flour are better than an overmixed batter.
• Cool Cake Completely Before Frosting: This cannot be emphasized enough! Applying frosting to a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide right off, creating a messy situation. Allow your cake to cool completely on a wire rack – ideally for at least an hour, or even longer – before you even think about reaching for that spatula.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: For an extra light and airy cake, consider sifting your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, salt) together. This breaks up any lumps and ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Sheet Cake

More Irresistible Pumpkin Recipes to Try This Fall

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of this Pumpkin Sheet Cake, then you’re in for a treat! The versatility of pumpkin makes it a star ingredient in a wide array of delicious desserts. Explore these other fantastic pumpkin recipes to keep the spirit of autumn alive in your kitchen all season long:

• Pumpkin No Bake Cookies
• Easy Pumpkin Dip with Cool Whip
• The Best Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
• Pumpkin Lasagna

Each of these recipes offers a unique way to enjoy pumpkin, from quick and easy snacks to impressive showstoppers. We encourage you to try them all and discover your new fall favorites!

Prepare this delightful Pumpkin Sheet Cake for your next holiday gathering or simply to bring the cozy essence of fall into your home. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tastes it. We’d love to hear about your experience – come back and leave a comment once you’ve baked it!