The Ultimate Thanksgiving Cake Sheet Recipe

Picture this: golden, moist cake infused with warm autumn spices, topped with silky cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of pecans. This thanksgiving cake sheet is everything you need for a stress-free holiday dessert that feeds a crowd without the fuss of layer cakes.

It’s incredibly easy to make, requires just one pan, and delivers that homey, comforting flavor everyone craves during the holidays. Plus, it’s way simpler than my popular pumpkin layer cake but just as delicious!

What is a Thanksgiving Cake Sheet?

Ever wonder why we call it a “sheet” cake? It’s baked in a large, flat sheet pan – simple as that! This thanksgiving cake sheet is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that brings all the cozy fall flavors to your table. Think cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice dancing together in perfect harmony.

As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this cake definitely proves that theory right! Ready to become the holiday hero?

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Cake Sheet

It’s Ridiculously Easy and Budget-Friendly

This thanksgiving cake sheet is a total game-changer for holiday entertaining. Unlike fussy layer cakes that require precision and patience, this beauty comes together in one bowl and bakes in a single pan. No complicated assembly, no frosting disasters, just straightforward deliciousness.

Making this at home saves you serious money compared to bakery prices. You’ll spend under $15 for ingredients that serve 24 people – that’s less than a dollar per serving! Plus, you probably already have most ingredients in your pantry.

Flavor That Steals the Show

The cake itself is incredibly moist with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. But what really makes this special is the cream cheese frosting swirled with maple syrup and topped with toasted pecans. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors.

If you loved my apple spice cake, you’ll absolutely adore this thanksgiving cake sheet. It has that same cozy, autumn vibe but with even more crowd appeal. The sheet pan format means everyone gets an equal share of that gorgeous frosting – no fighting over corner pieces!

Perfect for Make-Ahead Magic

You can bake this cake a day ahead and frost it the morning of Thanksgiving. It actually tastes better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld together. This means less stress on the big day and more time with your loved ones.

Go ahead and try making this thanksgiving cake sheet at home – your guests will be begging for the recipe!

How to Make Thanksgiving Cake Sheet

Quick Overview

This thanksgiving cake sheet is incredibly simple to prepare. You’ll love how the batter comes together in minutes with just a whisk and a bowl. The cake bakes to golden perfection with a tender, moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that balances the warm spices beautifully.

Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 45 minutes
• Frosting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Key Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cake Sheet

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• Ground cinnamon for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×18-inch sheet pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes removing the cake super easy later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed with no clumps. This ensures your spices are perfectly incorporated throughout the cake.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be silky and uniform in color.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing creates a tough, dense cake instead of a tender one.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly with an offset spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes. This step is crucial – frosting a warm cake will result in melted, runny frosting. Be patient!

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare your frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula. Work from the center outward for the smoothest finish. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the frosting and dust lightly with ground cinnamon.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Cut the thanksgiving cake sheet into 24 squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, wipe your knife with a damp cloth between slices. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

What to Serve Thanksgiving Cake Sheet With

This thanksgiving cake sheet is delicious on its own, but here are some pairing ideas to elevate your dessert experience:

Hot Beverages: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee, spiced chai tea, or hot apple cider. The warm drinks complement the autumn spices in the cake beautifully.

Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side. The cool, creamy contrast makes each bite even more indulgent.

Fruit Compote: Try serving with a warm cranberry compote or apple butter on the side. The tart fruit cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

After-Dinner Drinks: Pair with dessert wine, bourbon, or Irish coffee for the adults at your Thanksgiving table.

Fresh Berries: Even though it’s fall, some fresh raspberries or a few thin apple slices add a nice visual and textural element to each plate.

Top Tips for Perfecting Thanksgiving Cake Sheet

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. Cold eggs can cause the batter to seize up and create a dense texture. Simply place them in warm water for 5 minutes if you forgot to take them out ahead.

Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is your best friend here. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, you can lift the entire cake out of the pan for easier frosting and cutting.

Toast Your Pecans

Toasting the pecans for 5-7 minutes at 350°F brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor. This small step makes a huge difference in the final taste.

Measure Flour Correctly

Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t scoop directly from the bag, as this packs too much flour and creates a dry cake.

Check for Doneness Early

Every oven is different. Start checking your cake at 28 minutes. The top should spring back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Soften Cream Cheese Properly

Leave cream cheese and butter at room temperature for at least an hour before making frosting. Softened ingredients blend smoothly and create a silky frosting without lumps.

Add Extra Flavor Variations

Try adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter, or swirl some caramel sauce into the frosting. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if that’s what you prefer.

Adjust Sweetness to Taste

If you prefer less sweet desserts, reduce the sugar in the cake to 1 3/4 cups or use half the frosting recipe. The cake is flavorful enough to stand on its own.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature Storage

If you plan to eat the thanksgiving cake sheet within 2 days, you can store it covered at room temperature. Place it in an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The cream cheese frosting contains dairy, so don’t leave it out longer than 48 hours.

Refrigerator Storage

For longer storage, refrigerate the frosted cake. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days when properly covered. Bring individual slices to room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. Cold cake is still delicious but slightly firmer.

Freezer Storage

This thanksgiving cake sheet freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the cake unfrosted, then make fresh frosting when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating Instructions

If you prefer warm cake, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds. Don’t overheat or the frosting will melt completely. Alternatively, let frozen slices thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Bake the cake up to 2 days ahead and store it unfrosted at room temperature, wrapped well. Make the frosting and frost the cake the morning of serving. This keeps everything fresh and reduces last-minute stress.

My Personal Testing Story

Last week, I decided to test this thanksgiving cake sheet recipe for the third time because my first two attempts taught me some valuable lessons. The first time, I frosted the cake while it was still slightly warm – big mistake! The frosting melted and slid right off the sides, creating a beautiful mess.

The second attempt was better, but I forgot to toast the pecans. The flavor was good, but it was missing that deep, nutty richness.

This third time was absolute perfection. I set a timer to remember to cool the cake completely, toasted those pecans until they were fragrant and golden, and even let the frosted cake sit for an hour before serving. My neighbor came over and said it was the best sheet cake she’d ever tasted. My kids devoured three pieces each and asked when I’d make it again.

The best part? My kitchen stayed clean because everything fit in one bowl and one pan. No tower of dirty dishes to tackle after baking. This is definitely becoming my new Thanksgiving tradition!

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter

Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you can’t see any dry flour. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes the cake tough and chewy instead of tender and fluffy. A few lumps are perfectly fine.

Opening the Oven Door Too Early

Resist the urge to peek! Opening the oven door in the first 25 minutes causes temperature fluctuations that can make your cake sink in the middle. Trust the process and wait until the minimum baking time.

Using Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pure Pumpkin

This is a common mistake! Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which throws off the recipe’s balance. Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree.

Frosting a Warm Cake

I learned this the hard way! Even slightly warm cake will melt cream cheese frosting. Wait until the cake reaches room temperature, or better yet, chill it for 15 minutes in the fridge before frosting.

Not Greasing the Pan Properly

Even with parchment paper, grease the pan first. This prevents the paper from sliding around and ensures the cake releases perfectly. Don’t skip this step!

Using Old Spices

Ground spices lose their potency after 6 months to a year. If your cinnamon and nutmeg have been sitting in the cabinet for years, they won’t deliver the warm, aromatic flavor this cake deserves. Invest in fresh spices for the holidays.

Cutting Before Completely Cool

It’s tempting to dig in right away, but cutting warm cake creates messy, crumbly pieces. Wait until it’s fully cooled and frosted for clean, bakery-worthy slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this thanksgiving cake sheet ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake up to 2 days ahead and store it unfrosted at room temperature, wrapped tightly. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

What’s the difference between a sheet cake and a regular cake?

A sheet cake is baked in a large, flat pan (usually 13×18 inches) and typically has a single layer. It’s easier to make than layer cakes since there’s no stacking or complicated assembly. Perfect for feeding crowds!

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust baking time. A 9×13-inch pan will make a thicker cake that needs about 40-45 minutes. Two 9-inch round pans will need about 25-30 minutes. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?

You can use sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree for a similar texture and flavor. Each creates a slightly different taste but works beautifully in this recipe.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The top should spring back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. The edges will also start pulling away from the pan slightly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

For the cake, yes – it’s already dairy-free! For the frosting, use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?

Common causes include opening the oven door too early, overmixing the batter, or your oven temperature being too high. Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s accuracy.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the cake to 1 3/4 cups without major changes to texture. For the frosting, use half the recipe if you prefer less sweetness.

What can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts all work beautifully. You can also skip nuts entirely and add dried cranberries or white chocolate chips instead.

How do I get smooth frosting?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to room temperature. Beat them for a full 3 minutes until fluffy before adding powdered sugar. Sift the powdered sugar if it has lumps.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 piece)
Calories	285
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	28g
Protein	3g
Vitamin A	45% DV
Calcium	3% DV
Iron	6% DV

Based on 24 servings. Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

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This thanksgiving cake sheet is truly the ultimate holiday dessert. It combines everything we love about autumn flavors into one simple, stunning cake that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum wow factor. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or bringing dessert to a potluck, this recipe will make you look like a baking superstar without the stress.

The beauty of sheet cakes is their forgiving nature – they’re nearly impossible to mess up, yet they always look impressive. And let’s be honest, after spending hours preparing turkey and sides, the last thing you want is a complicated dessert. This thanksgiving cake sheet lets you focus on what matters most: enjoying time with your loved ones.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t forget to save a piece for yourself before it disappears! Happy baking, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with delicious food and cherished memories.

Pin this recipe for later, and share it with friends who need an easy Thanksgiving dessert idea!