There’s something about the scent of freshly baked Pumpkin Sheet Cake wafting through the house that can instantly transport you to a cozy autumn afternoon. Imagine golden-brown edges, soft and fluffy insides, and an aroma that combines spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. soft baked maple donuts delicious baked oats That first bite? Pure bliss—warm, comforting, and just the right amount of sweetness.
This delightful treat is not just for Halloween or Thanksgiving; it’s perfect for any day you need a little pick-me-up. Picture gathering friends around a table, everyone reaching for that last piece while your heart swells with the joy of sharing something homemade. mini pineapple cheesecakes Trust me; this Pumpkin Sheet Cake will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this Pumpkin Sheet Cake a go-to dessert for any occasion
- Its rich flavor profile balances sweetness and spice perfectly, creating a mouthwatering experience
- The visual appeal, with its warm orange hue topped with cream cheese frosting, makes it a showstopper at gatherings
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve during holidays or as an everyday treat!
I remember the first time I made this cake; my family devoured it in record time. Everyone was raving about how it tasted just like fall on a plate!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Choose 100% pure pumpkin for the best flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling.
Granulated Sugar: A must for that sweet kick that balances the spices beautifully.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture; light or dark works well here.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender; don’t skimp on this!
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your cake; sift before measuring for best results.
Baking Powder: Ensures your cake rises nicely into fluffy perfection.
Baking Soda: Works with acids in the recipe to create that lovely rise. For more inspiration, check out this Buttermilk Bread Recipe recipe.
Cinnamon: Essential for that warm spice flavor we all love about fall treats.
Nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth and complexity to your cake’s flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors; don’t skip it!
Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and structure.
Vanilla Extract: For an extra layer of warmth and sweetness in every bite.
Cream Cheese Frosting (optional): Whip up some cream cheese frosting for a decadent finish! healthy cottage cheese wraps.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or butter to ensure easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined. Set aside while you mix wet ingredients.
Blend Wet Ingredients : In another bowl, combine canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add Dry Mixture to Wet Mixture : Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cake light and airy.
Pour into Pan : Pour batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly so it bakes uniformly—a level batter is key for even cooking!
Bake It Up!: Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be heavenly!
Let it cool completely before frosting if using cream cheese frosting—this prevents any melty disasters!
Now you’ve mastered this delightful Pumpkin Sheet Cake! Enjoy every bite as you bask in compliments from friends and family who can’t get enough of its cozy flavors! For more inspiration, check out this Cranberry Orange Cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- Pumpkin Sheet Cake is an absolute treat that combines the warm spices of fall with a moist, fluffy texture
- The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen, making it feel cozy and inviting
- This cake is perfect for gatherings or as a sweet pick-me-up during the week
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan by greasing it well, then mix dry ingredients separately before combining them with wet ingredients for a smooth batter. This order ensures even mixing and perfect baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pumpkin puree for applesauce or add chocolate chips for an extra treat. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or dried cranberries into the batter for added texture and flavor, tailoring the cake to your preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, bringing back that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a moister cake, do not overmix the batter; just combine until no dry spots remain
- Use fresh spices when possible; they elevate flavor significantly
- Adjust sweetness based on your pumpkin puree’s natural sugar content for a balanced taste
Every time I bake this Pumpkin Sheet Cake, I’m reminded of my aunt’s annual fall gathering where this cake quickly disappeared. Everyone asked for seconds, proving once again that pumpkin makes everything better!
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooked and pureed to match the consistency needed.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
What frosting pairs best with Pumpkin Sheet Cake?
Cream cheese frosting complements the flavors beautifully and adds a delightful tanginess.
Pumpkin Sheet Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Pumpkin Sheet Cake is a delightful autumn treat that fills your home with the warm scents of cinnamon and nutmeg. This easy-to-make dessert boasts a moist, fluffy texture and a rich flavor profile that balances sweetness with spice. Perfect for any occasion, this cake will impress your friends and family, leaving them wanting more. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a cozy night in, this Pumpkin Sheet Cake is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cream cheese frosting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before adding frosting if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
