Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake

The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake is a delightful fall dessert that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a smooth cream cheese frosting. Soft, moist, and baked in a sheet pan, this cake is perfect for sharing during holidays, family gatherings, or cozy fall evenings. It delivers everything you love about pumpkin spice desserts—sweet aroma, rich flavor, and an irresistibly creamy topping.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Pumpkin sheet cake is inspired by Southern baking traditions, where sheet cakes became popular for feeding crowds. The Pioneer Woman’s version adds her signature rustic touch with warm spices and a simple cream cheese frosting. The result is a golden, tender cake with a velvety texture that feels homemade and comforting.

Other Pioneer Woman Popular Pumpkin Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bars
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Chili
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
• Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp
• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Easy to prepare – simple ingredients, no complex steps.
• Perfect for gatherings – baked in a large sheet pan for easy serving.
• Moist and flavorful – thanks to pumpkin puree and warm spices.
• Crowd-pleaser – soft, fluffy, and covered in luscious frosting.
• Customizable – pairs well with nuts, caramel drizzle, or even maple glaze.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

For the pumpkin sheet cake:

• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Baking soda (1 tsp)
• Baking powder (1 tsp)
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp)
• Ground nutmeg (½ tsp)
• Salt (½ tsp)
• Granulated sugar (1¾ cups)
• Vegetable oil (1 cup)
• Pumpkin puree (1 cup)
• Eggs (4 large)
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp)

For the cream cheese frosting:

• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened)
• Powdered sugar (2 cups, sifted)
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
• Optional: chopped pecans for garnish

Useful Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Sheet pan (10×15-inch preferred)
• Spatula
• Oven

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk sugar, oil, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Blend everything together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth. Do not overmix to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Frost and serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with chopped pecans if desired. Slice into squares and serve.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Cake sank in the center – solved by using room-temperature eggs and not overmixing.
• Frosting too thin – corrected by chilling the frosting for 10 minutes before spreading.
• Uneven bake – used a larger sheet pan for even heat distribution.
• Dry texture – added an extra spoon of pumpkin puree to increase moisture.

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Use whole-wheat pastry flour, reduce sugar slightly, and substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce. Greek yogurt can also replace part of the butter in the frosting for a lighter version.

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake

• Replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or olive oil.
• Swap cream cheese frosting with maple glaze for a seasonal twist.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-friendly option.
• Add pumpkin pie spice for a bolder flavor.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake

• As breakfast cake – pair with coffee or tea.
• For holiday dessert – top with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
• As cupcakes – bake the same batter in muffin tins.
• With ice cream – serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream.
• Mini squares for parties – bite-sized portions perfect for gatherings.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake Success

• Use fresh pumpkin puree for a richer flavor.
• Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• Sift powdered sugar for a lump-free frosting.
• Avoid overbaking – check at 25 minutes.
• Refrigerate leftovers to maintain freshness.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake

• Maple cream cheese frosting – add maple syrup to the frosting.
• Spiced pecan topping – sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar nuts.
• Pumpkin chocolate chip cake – mix chocolate chips into the batter.
• Caramel pumpkin cake – drizzle salted caramel before serving.
• Coconut version – add shredded coconut for texture.

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake

• Refrigerate – keeps well up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze – slice and freeze up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
• Room temperature – unfrosted cake lasts 2 days in a covered container.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• Microwave – heat slices for 10–15 seconds for a freshly baked feel.
• Oven – reheat at 300°F for 5 minutes for a warm, soft texture.

Nutritional Breakdown (per slice, 1 of 15)

• Calories: ~310
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: ~200mg

Print

FAQs

Where did pumpkin sheet cake originate?

Pumpkin sheet cake is an American creation that evolved from traditional pumpkin spice cakes. It became popular in the mid-1900s as home bakers sought easy desserts that could feed large gatherings, particularly during fall and Thanksgiving celebrations.

How do you keep pumpkin sheet cake moist?

To keep pumpkin sheet cake moist, use pure pumpkin puree and avoid overmixing the batter. Baking just until a toothpick comes out clean prevents drying out, while oil in the batter helps maintain a soft, tender texture.

Can I make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake a pumpkin sheet cake a day or two ahead. Store it unfrosted, tightly covered at room temperature, then frost before serving. If frosted, refrigerate it and bring it to room temperature before enjoying.

Why did my cream cheese frosting turn runny?

Cream cheese frosting becomes runny when the butter or cream cheese is too warm. To fix it, chill the mixture for 10–15 minutes before spreading, or add a little extra powdered sugar to thicken it.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Sheet Cake Recipe is the ultimate autumn dessert—simple, flavorful, and crowd-approved. Its moist crumb and creamy frosting make it a seasonal classic that’s both easy and elegant.