Thanksgiving Sheet Cakes: 24 Servings of Cozy Bliss

November 18, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Thanksgiving is such a magical time, isn’t it? I love gathering with family and friends, surrounded by the warmth of the kitchen and the smells of delicious food wafting through the air. One of my absolute favorite traditions is baking Thanksgiving sheet cakes. They’re a breeze to whip up, and they pack all the cozy flavors of fall—especially pumpkin! This cake is not only moist and flavorful, but it also makes serving dessert a cinch for your holiday crowd. Trust me, you’ll want to add this delightful Thanksgiving sheet cake to your holiday lineup. Grab your apron, and let’s get baking—your guests are going to love it!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful Thanksgiving sheet cake. I promise, it’s all pretty straightforward, and you might already have most of these goodies in your pantry!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pumpkin puree

Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results, especially that pumpkin puree—it adds all the moist goodness! Now, let’s get ready to mix it all together!

How to Prepare Thanksgiving Sheet Cakes

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making this scrumptious Thanksgiving sheet cake! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important to ensure your cake bakes evenly!
Next, grease and flour a sheet cake pan. This will help the cake come out easily once it’s baked. Don’t skip this step—nobody likes a stuck cake!
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll love the smell already!
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the batter, making it fluffier.
Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The mixture should be nice and smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your cake tender!
Finally, fold in the pumpkin puree gently. It adds that wonderful autumn flavor and keeps the cake moist.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. You want a nice, level surface for even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help it set up perfectly!

And there you have it! Your Thanksgiving sheet cake is almost ready to be frosted and devoured. Can you smell that deliciousness? I can’t wait for you to taste it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Moist and flavorful, with that irresistible pumpkin spice goodness.
Feeds a crowd—24 generous servings, making it ideal for gatherings.
Simple steps that even beginner bakers can follow with confidence.
Perfectly versatile; you can dress it up with your favorite frosting or enjoy it plain!
Leftovers (if there are any!) keep well—great for snacking in the days after the feast.

Tips for Success

Alright, friends, let’s make sure your Thanksgiving sheet cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you nail it:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together smoothly, giving you that lovely, fluffy texture.
Don’t Overmix: When you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and we definitely don’t want that!
Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if your cake is done. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden! If there’s wet batter, give it a few more minutes.
Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes it easier to frost later.
Frosting Tips: If you’re using cream cheese frosting, make sure it’s also at room temperature for easy spreading. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the cooled cake first as a crumb coat, then add a thicker layer on top for a beautiful finish.
Storage Secrets: If you have leftovers (which I doubt because it’s that good!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for about a week.

With these tips, you’ll be a Thanksgiving baking superstar! Enjoy the process and the delicious results—you deserve it!

Variations of Thanksgiving Sheet Cakes

Now that you’ve got the basic Thanksgiving sheet cake down, let’s have some fun with variations! There are so many ways to personalize this cake and make it your own. Here are a few ideas that I love:

Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger to the batter for an extra kick of warmth. These spices will really enhance that cozy fall vibe!
Nuts for Crunch: Fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter. They add a lovely texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Chocolate Delight: Swirl in some chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking for a delightful chocolate-pumpkin combo. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
Alternative Frostings: While cream cheese frosting is a classic, you could also try a maple frosting or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter touch. A chocolate ganache would also be divine if you’re feeling indulgent!
Fruit Additions: Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for a pop of sweetness and chewiness throughout the cake. They’ll add a nice contrast to the pumpkin flavor!
Layer It Up: For a more festive presentation, make two layers of the cake and add frosting in between. Stack them high and decorate the top with fall-themed sprinkles or even edible flowers for that wow factor!

These variations are just the beginning! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with flavors that you and your loved ones enjoy. That’s what baking is all about—making it personal and delicious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious Thanksgiving sheet cake fresh and tasty! First things first, if you have any leftovers (which I’m sure you’ll want to save for later), make sure to store them properly. Allow the cake to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. You can store it at room temperature for up to three days, or pop it in the fridge for about a week if you want it to last a little longer.

Now, when it comes to reheating, you can do this in a couple of ways. If you’re just warming up a piece, the microwave is your best friend! Just pop a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist, and heat it for about 10-15 seconds. Check it and give it a few more seconds if needed. You want it warm, not hot and dry!

If you’re reheating the whole cake or a larger portion, I recommend using the oven for that lovely, even warmth. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and cover the cake with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too much. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. Just be careful not to leave it in too long, or you might dry it out!

With these storage and reheating tips, your Thanksgiving sheet cake will be just as delightful on day two (or three) as it was when it first came out of the oven. Enjoy every last crumb!

Nutritional Information

Before we dive into the tasty details, I just want to remind you that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while this is a general guideline, your results might differ a little. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information for one piece of this delightful Thanksgiving sheet cake:

Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Enjoy this delicious cake knowing it’s not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a bit of balance for your holiday indulgence!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, just cook it down until soft, then puree it until smooth. It’ll add a lovely freshness to your cake!

How long can I store the Thanksgiving sheet cake?
You can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for about three days or in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before covering it!

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can! Just wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It should keep well in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana. This will help with moisture and binding!

Can I make this cake without gluten?
Yes, you can! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. It should work just fine, and your cake will still be delicious!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.