Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice added)
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour (or line with parchment paper) your 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the pumpkin puree and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in the vanilla.
- Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost generously with the cream cheese frosting.
- Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your Pumpkin Sheet Cake!