Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This delicious Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake is a quick and easy treat perfect for any occasion! With its creamy cream cheese frosting and warm pumpkin spice flavor, it’s a nutritious dessert that you can whip up using common ingredients. Enjoy this comforting cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients Needed:

For the Cake

• 2 sticks salted butter (1 cup)
• 2 cups pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract (optional)

For the Frosting

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened (1 package)
• 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup), softened
• 1 lb. powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
• Dash of salt
• 1 tablespoon half-and-half or whole milk (plus more if needed for thinning)

How To Cook Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a sheet pan (11 x 17 inches) with baking spray and set it aside.
2. Make the Pumpkin Mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until fully combined. Gradually whisk in the boiling water until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk until well mixed, then set aside.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, and maple extract (if using).
5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture and stir until halfway combined. Then pour in the buttermilk mixture and stir until fully combined.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan.
7. Prepare the Frosting: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a dash of salt until smooth. Add the half-and-half (or milk) and mix until spreadable. If too thick, add more milk as needed.
8. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
9. Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, as the frosting may soften.

Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps them mix better and creates a smoother frosting.
• Measure Pumpkin Carefully: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Measure it accurately to avoid altering the cake’s texture and flavor.
• Check for Doneness: Start checking the cake at 18 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Overbaking can make the cake dry.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cake in the fridge in an airtight container. The frosting may soften, but it will still taste great!

How To Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Cover leftover pumpkin sheet cake with plastic wrap or put it in a sealed container. It will stay good in the fridge for about 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap leftover pumpkin sheet cake tightly in plastic wrap and put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, move the cake to the fridge to thaw overnight.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 piece (based on 20 servings)

• Calories: 362
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 283mg
• Potassium: 104mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 43g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 31g
• Protein: 4g

More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars​
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Coffee Cake
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Pie​
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls