Welcome to the ultimate autumn indulgence: a moist, flavorful Pumpkin Sheet Cake generously topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. This delightful dessert embodies all the warmth and spice of the fall season, promising to be a show-stopping centerpiece at any gathering, especially your Thanksgiving feast. Forget the stress of elaborate desserts; this easy-to-make sheet cake is designed for serving a crowd with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment!

The Ultimate Pumpkin Sheet Cake: Your Go-To Thanksgiving Dessert for a Crowd

As November arrives and the air grows crisp, our thoughts inevitably turn to cozy evenings, holiday preparations, and, of course, delicious food. This year, simplify your dessert planning with our incredible Pumpkin Sheet Cake. It’s infused with the irresistible blend of pumpkin and warm spices, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and exhilarating. Every bite is a celebration of autumn, making it the perfect sweet treat for family dinners, potlucks, and particularly, your Thanksgiving table.

Embrace the Flavors of Fall: Why Pumpkin Sheet Cake Reigns Supreme

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of pumpkin pie spice wafting from the kitchen. It instantly signals the arrival of the holiday season and brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. This Pumpkin Sheet Cake captures that essence perfectly. We’re talking about a perfectly balanced blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other secret spices that complement the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience, a sensory journey that transports you to a crackling fireplace on a chilly autumn day.

While many desserts compete for attention during the holidays, this pumpkin sheet cake stands out for its undeniable charm and universal appeal. It’s a classic flavor, reimagined in a format that’s incredibly easy to prepare and share. From the first slice to the last crumb, it promises to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth, making it a beloved tradition in countless homes.

Effortless Elegance: The Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert for Large Gatherings

The holiday season, while joyful, can often bring with it a significant amount of stress, especially when it comes to preparing a large feast. My goal each year is to find simple, yet utterly scrumptious dishes and desserts that allow me to enjoy the festivities rather than being overwhelmed by them. This Pumpkin Sheet Cake fits that bill perfectly, offering both incredible flavor and remarkable convenience.

Designed specifically to feed a large gathering, this sheet cake is your secret weapon for holiday entertaining. Its generous size means you won’t have to worry about anyone missing out on a slice of pure pumpkin perfection. The process itself is wonderfully straightforward: simply mix the batter, bake the cake in a single pan, and then lavish it with a creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting. It’s an assembly-line dessert that tastes like it took hours of painstaking effort, allowing you more time to spend with loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

Understanding Sheet Cakes: A Southern Staple for Every Occasion

For those unfamiliar, a sheet cake is simply another name for a slab cake – a large, rectangular cake baked in a shallow pan, typically measuring around 18×13 inches with a depth of 2-3 inches. These dimensions make it exceptionally easy to transport, cut into neat squares, and serve to a crowd without fuss. While sheet cakes are popular everywhere, rumor has it they originated in Texas, quickly becoming a cherished Southern staple on dessert tables across the region. Their practicality and ability to feed many people with ease have made them a go-to for potlucks, family reunions, and holiday celebrations.

Beyond their practical benefits, sheet cakes are renowned for their incredible versatility. They can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for casual gatherings or more formal events. The expansive surface area also provides a generous canvas for creative frosting designs and garnishes, allowing you to personalize your dessert effortlessly. From classic chocolate to vibrant citrus, the possibilities are endless. Once you discover the ease and deliciousness of sheet cakes, you’ll find yourself reaching for that large baking pan again and again.

More Crowd-Pleasing Sheet Cake Recipes to Explore

If you love the concept of an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, be sure to explore these other fantastic sheet cake recipes:

• Chocolate Sheet Cake: A super moist chocolate sheet cake covered in a rich chocolate pecan icing that’s out-of-this-world delicious!
• Carrot Cake Sheet Cake: This moist and flavorful Carrot Sheet Cake screams special with every scrumptious bite!
• Chocolate Chocolate Chip Sheet Cake: For all my fellow chocolate lovers out there! This incredibly moist Chocolate Chocolate Chip Sheet Cake is so amazing it will knock your socks off!
• Coconut Cream Sheet Cake: Coconut oil, coconut milk and sweetened coconut flakes to make it extra moist, coconut-ty and out-of-this world delicious!
• Key Lime Sheet Cake: It’s refreshing and moist with lots of tangy lime flavor in both the cake and the icing. Lime lovers will love it!

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need for the Best Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Creating this fall-tastic Pumpkin Sheet Cake is surprisingly simple, yet yields incredibly delicious results. The cake itself is wonderfully moist and bursting with flavor, perfectly complemented by a sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting. You’ll want to bake this ASAP to enjoy the true essence of autumn! Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients and supplies you’ll need:

Essential Cake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure and texture.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness, balancing the pumpkin and spices.
• Baking powder & Baking soda: These leavening agents ensure a light and airy crumb, giving the cake its delightful rise.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, making them pop.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The stars of our spice blend, offering that classic warm, inviting autumn aroma and taste. You can also add a touch of ginger or cloves for a more complex profile.
• Pure vanilla extract: A key flavor enhancer, bringing depth and warmth to the batter.
• Canola Oil: This is our fat source, contributing significantly to the cake’s exceptional moisture and tender texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Pumpkin Puree: The heart of our pumpkin cake! I always reach for Libby’s, just like my mom did, but any good quality pure pumpkin purée will work perfectly. It’s crucial to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced and will alter the flavor and texture of your cake.

Creamy Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting Essentials

• Cream Cheese: The base of our signature frosting. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this provides sweetness and structure to the frosting. Sift it for the smoothest results.
• Butter: Softened unsalted butter creates a rich, creamy texture for the frosting.
• Pure vanilla extract: To enhance the flavor of the cream cheese and butter, adding a lovely aroma.

Recommended Baking Tools

• 18×13 Sheet Pan: The ideal size for this recipe, ensuring a perfect slab cake.
• Parchment Paper: Essential for easy release and cleanup.
• Medium mixing bowl: For combining dry ingredients.
• Large mixing bowl: For the wet ingredients and combining the batter.
• Whisk: For thoroughly mixing ingredients.
• Electric mixer (stand or hand-held): Crucial for achieving smooth cake batter and perfectly whipped frosting.
• Toothpicks: For checking cake doneness.

Baking Perfection: Step-by-Step Guide to Your Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get baking! This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly moist and flavorful Pumpkin Sheet Cake.

Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 18×13-inch sheet pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper. Then, lightly spray the parchment paper and the sides of the pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cake releases easily. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until they are thoroughly combined and no lumps remain. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout the cake.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the wet ingredients: granulated sugar, canola oil, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Gently stir in the pumpkin puree into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Next, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.

Baking and Cooling Your Sheet Cake

5. Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the lined 18×13-inch sheet pan. Spread it gently with a spatula to ensure an even layer for consistent baking.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. It’s essential for the cake to be entirely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Crafting the Cream Cheese Frosting

7. While the cake is cooling, prepare your decadent cream cheese frosting. In a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
8. Beat in the pure vanilla extract until just combined. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until each addition is just incorporated. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the frosting for another 2-3 minutes until it’s thick, creamy, and wonderfully spreadable.
9. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface of the cake using an offset spatula or knife. For the best presentation and flavor, allow the frosting to set for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature before cutting and serving the cake. This allows the frosting to firm up slightly, making for cleaner slices.

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Once your Pumpkin Sheet Cake is frosted and ready, you’re mere moments away from enjoying this delightful treat. Optimal serving and storage practices will ensure every slice is as perfect as the first.

Optimal Serving Tips

After you’ve frosted the cake, let the frosting set for about 15 to 20 minutes. This slight resting period allows the frosting to firm up just enough for clean, beautiful slices. Serve the cake at room temperature for the best texture and flavor experience; the spices and cream cheese frosting truly shine when not too cold. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, consider garnishing your cake. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or a few candied ginger pieces can elevate its presentation and taste. This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, apple cider, or a festive chai latte.

Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

One of the many advantages of this Pumpkin Sheet Cake is its versatility in terms of preparation and storage, making it an excellent choice for holiday meal planning.

• Making it in advance? If you plan to bake the cake a day or two before serving, ensure it is completely cooled. Then, cover it snugly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out, and refrigerate. Before serving, allow it to sit at room temperature for an hour or so. This brings the cake to an ideal temperature, enhancing its moist texture and rich flavors.
• To store leftovers: Simply cover any remaining cake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
• To freeze leftover cake: For longer storage, first ensure the cake is completely cooled. You can freeze individual slices or the entire cake (if space allows). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator, loosely covered. This gradual thawing helps maintain its moisture and texture.

Complete Your Feast: Essential Thanksgiving Recipes

Get ready for the biggest feast of the year with a collection of festive, delicious, and easy Thanksgiving recipes that everyone is sure to be thankful for! From savory sides to succulent main courses, we’ve got everything you need to create a memorable holiday meal.

If you decide to bake this delightful Pumpkin Sheet Cake, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Please snap a picture and share it with me, or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama. It truly brightens my day to see how inspired and creative you all get with the recipes I share. Your culinary adventures are always a joy to witness!

Happy baking, and enjoy every flavorful bite!

xoxo,