Made-from-Scratch Pumpkin Cake with Spiced Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

You know what this world needs more of?

Easy desserts.

Let me rephrase that – easy homemade desserts.

While I am one who has been known to rely on a boxed cake mix from time to time, I am actively trying to get out of that habit. I think it’s almost too easy to get into that headspace where we believe making desserts like this from scratch is way too difficult a task to undertake.

It seems intimidating to have to mix all the ingredients together in a certain order. You worry that maybe it won’t come out as perfectly as you see in the pictures, so maybe it’s not even worth the effort required to make it.

The truth is, a simple sheet cake like this is unbelievably easy to whip up, making it an ideal dessert for weeknight dinners, tailgating parties, bake sales, and so much more.

After all, who isn’t obsessed with all things pumpkin right about now?

There are a couple of reasons why this recipe is one that you absolutely have to make this season:

First, this cake comes out delectably moist. It’s filled with rich pumpkin flavor and warming cinnamon notes so every bite is luscious.

Next, this dessert actually isn’t the most unhealthy option that you could reach for. I know when you think cake, you probably think “unhealthy.” But this one is different. It’s made with coconut oil and pumpkin, so there’s no butter in there, and some healthy dietary fiber to boot.

Pure pumpkin puree adds the supple texture and sweet, earthy flavor that really makes it stand out in the overwhelming crowd of pumpkin flavored items that you’re likely to come across at this time of year.

Did you know that pumpkin has a bunch of vitamin A in it? Vitamin A promotes good vision and helps maintain healthy skin so you get a nutritional bonus in each balanced bite.

Of course, I’m not going to say that this treat is the epitome of “healthy” desserts. Obviously, it’s cake, with a buttercream frosting.

However, the veggie puree does help to improve it nutrient-wise in comparison to your typical empty-calorie options, so you don’t have to feel as guilty as you might otherwise when you dive into your second slice.

Let’s talk about this buttercream, shall we?

The pumpkin spice buttercream frosting is sweet and creamy, making it an ideal pairing for the richness that lies underneath. You won’t believe how much incredible fall flavor you’ll get out of every single bite.

I love to pull out this pumpkin cake for any autumn gathering, on the first day of fall, Thanksgiving, or any day in between. Whether it’s a simple dinner party, a Halloween party, or I’m bringing this epic dessert over to a friend’s house for the big game, I always receive a round of excited exclamations when I unveil it.

It disappears faster than you could ever imagine, so be prepared to not be “stuck” with any leftovers if you are feeding this to a crowd.

If you do happen to be in possession of some leftover cake, be sure to check out our pumpkin trifle recipe for a fantastic second-round option to use up any day-old slices in a unique way.

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Cooking By the Numbers…

Step 1 – Melt Coconut Oil and Measure Remaining Ingredients

In a microwave safe bowl, melt the coconut oil. This should take approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, in short 15-second bursts on low power. Set aside to cool slightly.

Measure all remaining ingredients. Set them out in the order listed, as this will make it easier to work once you start the recipe.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. I used a light-colored metal one. If you use a darker pan, or one made from a different material, you may need to adjust your bake time.

Step 2 – Mix Together Dry Ingredients

Sift all of the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt – into a medium-sized bowl.

Set aside.

Step 3 – Mix Together Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Lightly beat on medium-low speed.

Switch the whisk to the paddle attachment.

Add the sugar, coconut oil, and pumpkin to the bowl.

Beat on medium speed until the ingredients are combined.

Step 4 – Make Batter

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, and beat until well combined on medium speed.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and smooth the top gently with a spatula if you need to.

Step 5 – Bake

Bake for 30-40 minutes on the middle rack. The cake will be done when a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool for about 15 minutes in the pan, then loosen the edge with a knife and invert over a baking sheet or large serving platter to remove to a wire rack and cool completely.

Step 6 – Make Frosting

While the cake is cooling, make the frosting according to the instructions. Once it’s light and fluffy, beat in the pumpkin spice on medium speed until combined.

Frost the cake as desired once it’s completely cooled.

Coffee and Dessert Is a Match Made in Heaven

My grandparents used to always serve coffee and dessert at the end of every single meal. It was a tradition of theirs, because my grandfather loved sweets and my grandmother loved coffee.

I am not always one for coffee at the end of the meal, since the caffeine usually keeps me up all night, but this pumpkin cake is the exception to that rule. Coffee goes with this dessert in the most lovely way.

The warming spices in the cake mingle with the slight bitterness of the coffee, making it feel like you are drinking a pumpkin spice latte – but without paying for it, and without any artificial ingredients.

The only question is, what coffee drink would you most like to pair with this dessert? Would you go a step further down the autumnal rabbit hole and even use our pumpkin creamer?

Tell us in the comments below, and be sure to rate the recipe once you’ve tried it.

For more pumpkin-themed treats, we have so many for you to try:

• Ice Cream
• Classic Pie
• Cinnamon Rolls

Photos by Meghan Yager, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published by Shanna Mallon on October 12, 2012. Last updated: October 25, 2020 at 23:25 pm. With additional writing and editing by Allison Sidhu.

Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.

The staff at Foodal are not medical professionals and this article should not be construed as medical advice. Foodal and Ask the Experts, LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above. Always consult with a medical professional before changing your diet, or using supplements or manufactured or natural medications.