Spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Dream Frosting

Spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake Easy Autumn Baking

By Chef BakerSeptember 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Ready for Autumn Baking Recipes? Let's Make a Spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake!

Ever get that craving for something totally autumn, like a crackling bonfire and a cosy jumper? Me too! And this Pumpkin Sheet Cake is just the ticket.

Honestly, it's the perfect fall foods treat. Think warming spices meets a mega moist cake all topped with a dreamy cake with cream cheese frosting .

Sounds good, eh?

What's the story?

This Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe is a classic American bake, perfect for halloween cake ideas . It's dead simple to make and dead tasty.

It's a single layer cake, baked in a sheet pan, making it ideal for parties. It originated from the US, where pumpkin is the star in many pumpkin desserts during the fall.

Ready in under an hour, it serves a hungry crowd.

Why This Recipe Rocks

Besides the fact it tastes like pure autumnal bliss, this Spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake has a little pumpkin desserts secret.

It's packed with Vitamin A, thanks to the pumpkin! Great for your eyes, you know? This is great for bake sales, autumn gatherings or even just a Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting treat after a tough week.

What's not to love?

Time to check we've got everything we need!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk ingredients, yeah? It's what makes or breaks a good bake! For this Pumpkin Sheet Cake , we're going proper traditional.

This isn't just any cake, it's Fall Foods at their finest. It's Autumn Baking Recipes heaven. Get ready for some Pumpkin Desserts .

I mean, who doesn't love a good Pumpkin Spice Cake ?

Main Ingredients

Alright, listen up! Here's what you'll need for this gorgeous Spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake .

All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups ( 192g )
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
Ground ginger: ¼ teaspoon
Ground cloves: ¼ teaspoon (optional, adds a nice kick!)
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Granulated sugar: 1 ½ cups ( 300g )
Vegetable oil: ½ cup ( 120ml )
Large eggs: 2
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Pumpkin puree: 1 cup ( 240ml ) (Not pie filling, mind you!)
Buttermilk: ½ cup ( 120ml )

For the Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting , you'll need:

Cream cheese: 8 ounces ( 225g ), softened
Unsalted butter: ½ cup ( 115g ), softened
Powdered sugar: 3-4 cups ( 360-480g ), sifted
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Milk: 2-4 tablespoons (for adjusting consistency)

Quality pumpkin puree makes ALL the difference. Aim for a brand known for its smooth texture and rich flavor. Trust me, your Pumpkin Sheet Cake will thank you.

Seasoning Notes

Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and maybe a touch of cloves... it's the spice blend that screams Autumn Baking Recipes ! These warm spices are ESSENTIAL!

For a little extra, try a tiny pinch of allspice! You know? Like when you're feeling daring! If you're out of one, double up on another - it's all good.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah? Don't need fancy gadgets for this Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe .

9x13 inch baking pan . It's a sheet cake, after all!
Mixing bowls. Obvs.
Electric mixer. A hand mixer works fine.
Whisk. For the dry bits.
Rubber spatula. For scraping every last bit of batter.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Parchment paper (optional). Makes cleanup a breeze.

If you don't have a proper baking pan, a sturdy roasting tin will do in a pinch. Get those Halloween Cake Ideas flowing! Let's bake!

Alright, let's get this show on the road! Pumpkin Sheet Cake , eh? Sounds like a right treat for a proper autumn gathering.

Think Bonfire Night fireworks but in cake form! Alright, stand back, Mary Berry, I'm taking over!

Spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Dream Frosting

This moist and fragrant Spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake is an autumn showstopper. It's perfect for potlucks or a cosy night in.

Warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, oh my gosh, what's not to love?! Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, you'll be scraping the bowl clean.

It's like a hug in Fall Foods form! I'm calling it 'Easy' because it's a sheet cake! No fussy layering!

Prep Steps for Pumpkin Desserts Success

Spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Dream Frosting presentation

Essential Mise en Place

Before we get started, let's gather our bits and bobs. Get your flour, sugar, pumpkin puree, and spices ready. Don't forget the cream cheese and butter for that amazing Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting .

It is best to use softened butter and cream cheese. You know? Because nothing is worse than lumpy frosting.

Time Saving Organization Tips

Honestly, I like to measure out all my dry ingredients into one bowl. Then I do the same with the wet ingredients.

It really speeds things up. This is especially helpful if you're baking with kids running around! It is better to use Autumn Baking Recipes to celebrate the autumn season.

Safety Reminders

Make sure that you preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . This ensures a perfect bake. Also, don't forget to use oven mitts when taking the cake out.

Safety first, always.

step-by-step Process for the Perfect Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe

Prep and Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour your 9x13 inch baking pan.
Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
Wet Ingredients: Combine sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat well.
Combine Wet & Dry: Add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with pumpkin and buttermilk. Don't overmix!
Bake: Pour batter into the pan. Bake for 25- 30 minutes . A toothpick should come out clean.

Pro Tips for a Show Stopping Pumpkin Spice Cake

Expert Techniques

Don't overmix the batter! Overmixing can make the cake tough. Also, use room temperature ingredients. It makes a world of difference.

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a recipe everyone should follow for best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For Halloween Cake Ideas , make sure that the cake is cool before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt. This happened to me once, and it wasn't pretty!

make-ahead Options

You can bake the cake a day ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in cling film. Then frost it the next day.

It saves time, which is always a win. Honestly, this cake is divine. Make it, and tell me what you think!

Recipe Notes for Your Pumpkin Sheet Cake Masterpiece

Right then, let’s talk shop about this gorgeous Pumpkin Sheet Cake . Honestly, it’s easier than putting on your wellies. I've baked this Pumpkin Spice Cake more times than I've had cups of tea, and I've learned a few tricks.

Here’s the lowdown to ensure yours is a total triumph.

How to Serve Up Your Slice of Autumn Bliss

Presentation matters, you know? For plating, think rustic charm. A dusting of icing sugar? Yes, please! A few Fall Foods like candied pecans? Absolutely!

Why not offer a slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream? Or even a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream? It’s Autumn Baking Recipes perfection.

A steaming mug of spiced cider on the side will transport you straight to autumn! For a bit of fancy, you could drizzle some caramel sauce.

Storage Secrets Keepin' it Fresh!

Want to enjoy this Easy Pumpkin Cake Recipe for days? No worries! Store your Pumpkin Sheet Cake covered in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days.

Fancy freezing it? You can! Cut the cooled cake into squares, wrap them individually in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag.

It will last for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature before tucking in. Reheating isn't usually needed, unless you prefer it slightly warm.

Mixing it Up Variations on a Theme

Fancy a twist? Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. It gives a lovely nutty crunch. Or, if you're feeling particularly decadent, chuck in some chocolate chips.

Dark, milk, or white all work brilliantly!

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. A dairy-free version is possible too. Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives. It's that simple!

Nutrition Nuggets: A Little Info

Okay, so this Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting is a treat, not a health food, lol! But it's comforting! It does contain vitamins from the pumpkin.

Roughly, a slice will give you 350-450 calories. Remember, this is just an estimate and depends on your slice size and frosting amount!

I made this Spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake for a Halloween party once. It was a hit! This Pumpkin Sheet Cake recipe is a sure way to create a lasting memory among friends and family with the Halloween Cake Ideas .

Honestly, this Pumpkin Sheet Cake is a winner. Now go on, get baking! You will feel proud of yourself!.

Stunning Pumpkin Sheet Cake Bake Falls Ultimate Dessert

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Pumpkin Sheet Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the cake a day ahead can actually improve its flavour, as the spices have more time to meld. Just bake the cake, let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it at room temperature.

Frost it the day you plan to serve it for the best results nobody wants a soggy bottom!

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Sheet Cake?

To keep your Pumpkin Sheet Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. The cream cheese frosting needs to be kept cold.

Before serving, you might want to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften the frosting slightly nobody likes rock hard frosting!

I'm not a fan of cream cheese frosting. What other frosting options work well with Pumpkin Sheet Cake?

No worries, mate! Cream cheese frosting isn't everyone's cup of tea. A simple vanilla buttercream, a maple buttercream (to really amp up the autumn vibes!), or even a dusting of powdered sugar would be lovely. For something a bit different, try a brown butter frosting.

Just make sure whatever you choose complements the spices in the cake.

Can I freeze this Pumpkin Sheet Cake?

Yes, you can! For best results, freeze the cake unfrosted. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then frost as usual.

Freezing frosted cake can sometimes affect the frosting's texture, so it's best to frost after thawing.

My Pumpkin Sheet Cake came out a bit dry. What could I have done wrong?

A dry cake is a bit of a bummer, isn't it? Overbaking is the usual culprit. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Also, be sure you measured your flour correctly - spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping.

Adding a tablespoon or two of applesauce to the batter in future could help boost moisture too!

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree in this Pumpkin Sheet Cake recipe?

Hold your horses! Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling are not the same thing. Pumpkin pie filling has added spices and sugar, which will throw off the balance of the recipe and could make your cake too sweet and oddly spiced. Make sure you use 100% pumpkin puree just plain, unadulterated pumpkin.

You'll thank me later, I promise!