Ultimate Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Perfect Fall Dessert
There’s something truly magical about a classic sheet cake, and when that sheet cake celebrates the cozy flavors of autumn, it becomes an absolute showstopper. This Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t just a dessert; it’s a culinary hug in cake form, designed to bring comfort and joy with every bite. The beauty of a sheet cake lies in its simplicity – incredibly easy to prepare, bakes evenly, and perhaps best of all, a dream to frost! You’ll find this pumpkin cake wonderfully moist, light, and fluffy, perfectly complemented by the rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s an unbeatable combination that makes it ideal for any fall gathering, from casual family dinners to festive holiday celebrations.
Forget fussy layered cakes; this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The warm spices infuse the pumpkin cake with an irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen, making it feel like autumn has truly arrived. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed for success. Let’s dive into making this delightful fall treat together!
Why This Pumpkin Sheet Cake is a Fall Essential
In my humble opinion, sheet cakes are among the very best desserts. Their inherent simplicity and generous yield make them a go-to choice for feeding a crowd without the stress often associated with more elaborate bakes. This particular Pumpkin Sheet Cake exemplifies everything wonderful about them. It bakes up beautifully and evenly in a standard sheet pan, ensuring every slice is as perfect as the last. Plus, the convenience of a sheet cake means less time fussing and more time enjoying!
The Star Ingredient: Pumpkin Perfection
The pumpkin in this cake not only imparts its signature earthy-sweet flavor but also gives it a stunning, vibrant orange hue – perfect for embracing the autumnal season. Pumpkin is naturally moist, which contributes to the incredible tenderness of this cake, preventing it from drying out. It’s also packed with vitamins and adds a lovely depth that sets it apart from other fall desserts.
A Crucial Tip for Shopping: When you’re at the grocery store, make sure you pick up a can of *pure pumpkin puree*, not pumpkin pie filling. This distinction is incredibly important! Pumpkin pie filling comes pre-spiced and sweetened, which would throw off the flavor balance of this recipe. Pure pumpkin puree, on the other hand, is just cooked and mashed pumpkin, allowing you to control the exact amount of spices and sugar, resulting in a perfectly balanced and delicious cake.
The Indispensable Companion: Cream Cheese Frosting
If I had to pick one frosting to have for the rest of my life, it would undoubtedly be cream cheese frosting. It’s simply a timeless classic, and for good reason! Its perfect balance of sweetness and tangy creaminess makes it incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with almost any dessert. From moist cakes and chewy cookies to fluffy cupcakes, cream cheese frosting elevates everything it touches. It truly is the ultimate complement to the rich, spiced notes of our pumpkin cake, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is absolutely addictive.
Crafting the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
This recipe features my absolute favorite, go-to basic cream cheese frosting. It’s deceptively simple to make yet yields results that are smooth, airy, and utterly delicious. The key to a fantastic cream cheese frosting lies in using softened butter and cream cheese, ensuring a lump-free, silky texture. Be careful not to overbeat it once the powdered sugar is added, as this can make the frosting too thin. This classic frosting offers a delightful tang that cuts through the sweetness of the cake, creating a balanced and irresistible dessert. You’ll find the full, detailed instructions for this dreamy frosting included right in the recipe card below, so keep scrolling!
Join the Pumpkin Palooza!
Exciting news for all fellow pumpkin enthusiasts! This incredible Pumpkin Sheet Cake recipe is a proud participant in my annual Pumpkin Palooza series, featured exclusively on Instagram. Starting every year around October 20th, I embark on a delightful week-long journey, sharing a brand-new pumpkin recipe every single day for seven consecutive days. It’s a fun, flavorful, and incredibly full week dedicated to celebrating all things pumpkin!
This series is a fantastic opportunity to discover new ways to enjoy the iconic fall ingredient, from sweet treats to savory delights. Each recipe is crafted to be approachable, delicious, and perfect for the season. Be sure to check back here after October 27th (or whenever the series concludes) for direct links to all the mouth-watering recipes included in that year’s Pumpkin Palooza lineup. You won’t want to miss a single one!
Explore more Pumpkin Palooza recipes and delights here!
Don’t Miss Out! Save This Recipe for Later!
Loved what you’ve seen so far? This Pumpkin Sheet Cake is definitely a recipe you’ll want to revisit year after year. To make sure you can easily find it whenever that pumpkin craving strikes, be sure to Pin it to Pinterest here! It’s the perfect way to bookmark your favorite recipes and build a collection of reliable, delicious treats.
Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This is truly the most delicious and easy-to-make Pumpkin Sheet Cake, perfectly paired with a luscious, tangy Cream Cheese Frosting! An ideal fall dessert for entertaining a crowd.
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or other neutral oil)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
- 2 teaspoons heavy whipping cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for an extra tangy kick)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line a standard cookie sheet (approx. 10×15 inches or 9×13 inches for a thicker cake) with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer (or large bowl with hand mixer), add the eggs, canola oil, applesauce, and pure pumpkin puree. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Mix on a low speed until just incorporated and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely in the pan. This is essential before frosting to prevent melting.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Prepare Frosting Base: In a clean stand mixer bowl (or large bowl), beat together the softened butter and softened cream cheese on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add Remaining Frosting Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice. Start on low speed, then increase to medium.
- Whip to Perfection: Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes, or until the frosting is smooth, light, and airy. Avoid overbeating.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and enjoy your ultimate Pumpkin Sheet Cake!
Tips for Success & Variations
Ensuring a Perfectly Moist Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For both the cake and the frosting, using room temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese is crucial. This helps them emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a creamier frosting.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense, tough cake.
- Pure Pumpkin Puree: As mentioned, always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugar and spices that will alter the recipe’s intended flavor.
Achieving Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
- Softened, Not Melted: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened (indented easily when pressed) but not melted or greasy. This gives the frosting its perfect consistency.
- Sift Your Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth frosting.
- Avoid Overbeating: Once the powdered sugar is in, beat the frosting only until it’s light and fluffy. Overbeating can incorporate too much air, making it less stable and potentially too thin.
- Lemon Juice is Key (Optional): The tablespoon of lemon juice in the frosting isn’t just for flavor; it adds a subtle tang that beautifully balances the sweetness and cuts through the richness, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This Pumpkin Sheet Cake is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it further! A light dusting of extra cinnamon, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage: Due to the cream cheese frosting, this cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices (without frosting, or with very firm frosting) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Why This Pumpkin Sheet Cake is the Best for Any Occasion
Beyond its incredible flavor, this Pumpkin Sheet Cake truly shines as a practical and crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s an ideal choice for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas, potlucks, fall festivals, or simply as a comforting treat on a crisp autumn evening. Its generous yield ensures there’s enough for everyone, and its simple presentation means less stress for the host. The balance of warm spices with the rich pumpkin and the bright, tangy frosting makes it universally appealing. It’s a recipe that embodies the spirit of fall – cozy, inviting, and utterly delicious. So go ahead, whip up this amazing cake and let the delicious aromas and flavors transport you to a perfect autumn day!