Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when families gather around the table, sharing laughter, stories, and, of course, delicious food. One of my favorite ways to celebrate this festive occasion is with a mouthwatering Thanksgiving sheet cake. It’s not just any cake; it’s a delightful pumpkin-infused treat that captures the essence of the season. Picture this: a warm, spiced cake topped with creamy frosting, served alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, this cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that sparks joy and creates memories. So, let’s dive into this simple, yet oh-so-satisfying recipe that will surely steal the show at your holiday gathering!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Sheet Cakes
To make this festive cake, you’ll need some simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cake, giving it structure.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that delightful texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture to your cake.
- 4 large eggs: Essential for binding everything together.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This is your leavening agent for that perfect rise.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a warm, inviting flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show, bringing that lovely fall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that screams Thanksgiving.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon and enhances the pumpkin flavor.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Sheet Cakes
Making this Thanksgiving sheet cake is as easy as pie—well, easier actually! Let’s get started, shall we?
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important for getting that perfect rise!
- Next, grab your sheet cake pan and grease it up with a little butter or non-stick spray, then dust it lightly with flour. This will help your cake slide right out later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures your spices are evenly distributed and your cake has a wonderful flavor.
- Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. You want to incorporate a lot of air here!
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want each egg to blend in completely before moving on.
- Then, stir in that luscious pumpkin puree and the vanilla extract until everything is combined. Can you smell that deliciousness?
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix; we want a tender cake!
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. It’s time for it to shine!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Ooh, the smell is divine!
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set perfectly for frosting later.
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Sheet Cakes
To ensure your Thanksgiving sheet cake turns out absolutely delicious, here are a few handy tips. First, make sure your butter is truly softened; it helps create that fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. Also, don’t skip the sifting step for your dry ingredients—it makes a big difference in the cake’s lightness! If you want to add a little extra moisture, consider folding in some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for delightful surprises in every bite. And remember, let your cake cool completely before frosting; this prevents a melty mess. Trust me, these little touches will elevate your cake to new heights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Thanksgiving sheet cake is a true crowd-pleaser! It’s quick to prepare, so you can spend more time with your loved ones instead of in the kitchen. The delightful flavors of pumpkin and warm spices create the perfect autumn treat that everyone will adore. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite frosting or toppings. Trust me, this cake will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. But here’s a rough estimate for each slice of this delicious Thanksgiving sheet cake:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 18g
Enjoy this festive treat guilt-free, knowing it’s packed with fall flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Thanksgiving sheet cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to prolong its life, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply bring it back to room temperature or pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste. Trust me, it’s just as delightful the next day!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Sheet Cakes
Got questions? I’ve got answers! One common query is about baking time. If you’re using a dark-colored pan, reduce the baking time by a few minutes since it tends to cook faster. Don’t worry if you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand; you can substitute it with applesauce for a different but equally delicious flavor. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the texture!
Now, for frosting options—cream cheese frosting is a fantastic choice, adding a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices. If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or whipped cream will do the trick. Lastly, if you want to add nuts, feel free to toss in some walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor. Trust me, these little adjustments can make a big difference!
Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Sheet Cakes
When it comes to serving your Thanksgiving sheet cake, the possibilities are endless! For a cozy touch, pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—so dreamy! You can also serve it alongside a warm spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate for that ultimate fall experience. And if you want to elevate your presentation, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. Everyone will be raving about your delicious cake!
Variations of Thanksgiving Sheet Cakes
If you want to mix things up with your Thanksgiving sheet cake, there are so many fun variations to try! For a nutty twist, fold in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor. You could also swap out the pumpkin for sweet potato puree for a slightly different taste. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a splash of maple syrup for a deeper sweetness or some chocolate chips for a delightful surprise. The options are endless!
Imprimer
Thanksgiving Sheet Cakes: 5 Irresistible Fall Delights
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious and festive cake perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a sheet cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Try adding cream cheese frosting for extra flavor.
- This cake can be made a day in advance.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 18g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 9g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 42g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: thanksgiving sheet cakes, pumpkin cake, holiday desserts
