Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake
This Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake is soft, moist and packed with warm fall flavor in every bite. Made with pumpkin puree, cozy spices and creamy frosting, this easy pumpkin sheet cake is perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables, Halloween parties, fall birthdays and holiday gatherings.
If you love pumpkin desserts and easy sheet cake recipes, this pumpkin spice cake delivers classic fall flavor with simple ingredients and a soft homemade texture everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake
- Soft moist cake texture
- Warm pumpkin spice flavor
- Easy homemade dessert recipe
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Great make ahead fall dessert
- Easy sheet cake for holidays and parties
- Cozy homemade flavor
Pumpkin desserts continue to be some of the most searched fall baking recipes every autumn season because they combine comforting spices with rich pumpkin flavor.
What Makes Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake So Good?
Pumpkin puree naturally creates an incredibly soft moist cake texture while pumpkin pie spice adds warm cinnamon spice flavor throughout every bite.
Sheet cakes are also popular because they are:
- easy to make
- simple to frost
- perfect for parties
- easy to transport
- ideal for potlucks and holidays
Honestly… this is exactly the kind of cozy fall dessert people go back for seconds of at Thanksgiving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake
- flour
- baking powder
- baking soda
- salt
- cinnamon
- pumpkin pie spice
- pumpkin puree
- sugar
- brown sugar
- eggs
- vanilla
- oil
For the Frosting
- cream cheese
- butter
- powdered sugar
- vanilla
- cinnamon
Ingredient Notes
Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree keeps this sheet cake soft moist and full of rich pumpkin flavor. Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin pie spice creates that classic warm fall flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds deeper caramel flavor and extra moisture to the cake.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with pumpkin desserts because the slight tang balances the sweetness perfectly.
Please note: Making changes to any recipe as written can result in a recipe failure.
Any substitutions or variations listed are simple or tried and true changes that we think will work in this recipe.
Results are not guaranteed.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl whisk together the dry ingredients.
In another bowl combine the pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, vanilla and oil.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until fully combined.
Step 2: Pour Into the Pan
Grease a sheet cake pan and spread the batter evenly into the pan.
Step 3: Bake
Bake until the cake is cooked through and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla and cinnamon mixing until fluffy.
Step 5: Frost and Serve
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Slice and serve.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Sheet Cake
- Do not overmix the batter
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother frosting
- Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting
- Use pure pumpkin puree for best texture
- Chill slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts
Pumpkin based cakes tend to stay moist longer because pumpkin naturally adds moisture to baked goods.
Easy Variations
Pumpkin Chocolate Sheet Cake
Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness.
Maple Pumpkin Cake
Add maple extract to the frosting for extra fall flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Walnut Cake
Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Pumpkin Spice Cupcake Version
Turn the batter into pumpkin spice cupcakes instead of sheet cake.
Perfect Occasions for Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake
This pumpkin spice cake is perfect for:
- Thanksgiving dessert tables
- Halloween parties
- fall birthdays
- bake sales
- church dinners
- potlucks
- family gatherings
- holiday dessert trays
Pumpkin spice desserts remain one of the biggest seasonal baking trends every fall.
Storage Tips
Store pumpkin spice sheet cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For best texture:
- allow slices to come to room temperature before serving
- refrigerate because of the cream cheese frosting
- cover tightly to keep the cake moist
This cake also freezes well unfrosted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes. Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for pumpkin spice sheet cake.
What is the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?
Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices while pumpkin puree is plain pumpkin.
Can pumpkin spice sheet cake be frozen?
Yes. Freeze the unfrosted cake tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Why is my pumpkin cake dense?
Overmixing the batter can create a dense cake texture.
Does cream cheese frosting need refrigeration?
Yes. Cakes with cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated when not serving.
PLEASE NOTE:
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Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake
Ingredients
For Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 8 Tablespoons salted butter softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 5 Tablespoons butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ¾ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, beat the sugar, pumpkin, oil and butter. Add in eggs one at a time beating well.
- In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda and pumpkin pie spice.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour into a prepared 9×13 cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 15 minutes.
- Carefully turn out on a cooling rack and cool completely.
- To make frosting, beat all ingredients until smooth. Frost completely cooled cake.
- Sprinkle cake with pumpkin pie spice if desired.
