Beginner-Friendly Thanksgiving Sheet Cake � – Simple & Sweet Dessert 🍪 – 1-Pan Holiday Treat
A moist vanilla sheet cake with tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for Thanksgiving potlucks and beginner bakers
This Thanksgiving sheet cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for novice bakers. With just one pan, simple ingredients, and a festive leaf pattern frosting, you'll create a show-stopping dessert that pairs perfectly with any holiday meal. The moist vanilla cake base is light and buttery, while the tangy cream cheese frosting adds a zesty contrast. No fancy equipment needed - just mix, bake, frost, and serve!
Perfect for family gatherings or potluck contributions, this cake can be cut into generous squares for easy serving. The single-layer design makes it ideal for beginners, while the cream cheese frosting adds a professional touch. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze slices for future holidays.
What makes this recipe special? The one-pan baking method minimizes cleanup, the recipe uses pantry staples like flour and sugar, and the frosting technique creates beautiful leaf patterns with just a knife. Plus, you can customize it with spices or seasonal flavors for extra holiday cheer.
Whether you're new to baking or just looking for an easy dessert, this sheet cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The tangy cream cheese frosting swirled over the moist cake creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart that guests will love. Let's dive into the details!
For best Pinterest visibility, post this dessert pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: share the cake first, followed by complementary sides like roasted turkey or stuffing, finishing with a festive holiday drink. This creates a cohesive Thanksgiving menu board that viewers can follow.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Beginner-Friendly Design
No special equipment needed - mix with a hand mixer or stand mixer. One-pan baking simplifies the process for new bakers.
💰 Cost-Effective
Uses basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter. No specialty ingredients required for the cake or frosting.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Generous 16 servings perfect for family dinners or potlucks. The festive leaf pattern adds visual appeal for holiday tables.
🌟 Customizable
Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for seasonal flavor. Swap frosting colors for different holiday themes.
Thanksgiving Sheet Cake Recipe
A moist vanilla cake with tangy cream cheese frosting for holiday gatherings
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190g)
- - 1 tsp baking powder
- - ½ tsp baking soda
- - ¼ tsp salt
- - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
- - 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
- - ½ cup whole milk (120ml)
- - 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13x9-inch baking pan. Set aside.
💡 Use parchment paper for easier cleanup
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
💡 Measure ingredients accurately for best results
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
💡 Room temperature butter ensures even mixing
Alternate Dry & Wet: Add dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
💡 Don't overmix to prevent dense cake
Bake Cake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
💡 Cool completely before frosting
Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
💡 Chill frosting for 15 minutes for easier spreading
Frost & Decorate: Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Use a knife to create leaf patterns across the surface.
💡 Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour
Provides structure and tenderness to the cake. For gluten-free option, use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Substitutions: Bread flour for extra rise, cake flour for softer texture
Butter
Adds rich flavor and moisture. Use unsalted butter to control sodium.
Substitutions: Margarine (use same amount), coconut oil for dairy-free
Cream Cheese
Creates tangy contrast to the sweet cake. Use full-fat for best flavor and texture.
Substitutions: Greek yogurt for lower fat, vegan cream cheese for dairy-free
Milk
Adds moisture and helps with browning. Any type works - whole, 2%, or non-dairy.
Substitutions: Buttermilk for extra moisture, almond milk for nutty flavor
Pro Tips for Perfect Sheet Cake
🍴 Frosting Tip
Chill the cake and frosting for 30 minutes before decorating. This prevents melting and ensures clean patterns.
⏱️ Baking Time
Test for doneness with a toothpick - it should come out clean. If the edges are browning too fast, cover with aluminum foil.
🧼 Cleaning Hack
Use parchment paper in the pan for easy cleanup. Simply lift the cake out and discard the paper.
🎨 Decoration Idea
Create leaf patterns using a butter knife. For extra flair, add edible gold leaf or cinnamon sugar accents.
Variations & Customizations
Spiced Cake
Add 1 tsp pumpkin spice or ½ tsp each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the dry ingredients for a fall flavor boost.
Caramel Drizzle
Toss chopped pecans in light brown sugar before sprinkling on top. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.
Mini Cakes
Divide batter into 6 ramekins for individual desserts. Top each with a dollop of whipped cream and a cranberry.
Gluten-Free Option
Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Add ½ tsp xanthanum gum for better structure.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted Turkey - The tangy frosting complements the rich turkey flavor
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes - Creamy potatoes balance the cake's sweetness
- Cranberry Sauce - Adds festive color and tart contrast
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with spiced apple cider for a warm fall flavor or dessert wine like late harvest Riesling.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare cake 1 day ahead. Frost just before serving to keep frosting fresh.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days. Frosting may soften slightly but remains delicious.
Freezer Storage
Wrap cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Reheating Instructions
No reheating needed. If desired, microwave slices for 10-15 seconds to warm.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my cake sinking in the center?
A: Underbaking is common. Check doneness with toothpick. Overmixing also causes sinking - mix until just combined.
Q: How to prevent dry cake?
A: Don't overbake. Use toothpick test. Store in airtight container to retain moisture.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes! Bake and freeze layers. Frost just before serving for best texture.
Q: How to fix runny frosting?
A: Chill frosting for 30 minutes to firm up. Add 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar to thicken.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving sheet cake is the perfect combination of simple technique and holiday flavor. With just one pan and basic ingredients, you'll create a dessert that's sure to impress guests of all ages. The tangy cream cheese frosting adds a festive touch that pairs beautifully with any Thanksgiving meal.
Whether you're hosting a large family gathering or bringing a dessert to a potluck, this cake is easy to prepare and transport. The leaf pattern design adds a professional touch that makes it feel special without the hassle. Don't forget to share this recipe with fellow bakers by pinning it to your holiday boards!
