Chaos Cake Pumpkin Spice Turkey (Print View)
Pumpkin spice sheet cake topped with cinnamon swirl, perfect for autumn parties or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
→ Wet Ingredients
09 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
10 - 1 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
12 - 4 large eggs
13 - 1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin purée
14 - 2/3 cup whole milk
15 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon Swirl
16 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
17 - 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
18 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
19 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
20 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
21 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
22 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
23 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 13x9-inch sheet pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together both sugars and the melted butter until the mixture is smooth. Incorporate the eggs, pumpkin purée, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until all components are well combined.
04 - Gently fold the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients until they are just incorporated. Exercise care to avoid overmixing the batter.
05 - In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon designated for the swirl. Stir in the melted butter until a thick paste forms.
06 - Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly. Distribute half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter, then delicately swirl it into the batter using a knife or skewer. Repeat this process with the remaining batter and cinnamon swirl.
07 - Bake for 33 to 38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake emerges clean.
08 - Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack.
09 - If using, prepare the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake.
10 - Slice the cake and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Ready in just 1 hour from start to finish
- Makes enough to feed a crowd perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings
- Uses pantry staples and canned pumpkin for convenience
- The cinnamon swirl creates a beautiful marbled effect without special decorating skills
02 -
- Perfect for making 1 to 2 days ahead of serving the flavors actually improve overnight
- Can be served at room temperature no need to reheat or refrigerate
- Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when tightly wrapped
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients incorporate more evenly creating a better texture in the final cake. Set everything out about 30 minutes before you begin.
- When creating the swirl use a light touch. Too much swirling will blend the mixtures rather than create distinct ribbons of cinnamon throughout the cake.
- For the most vibrant pumpkin flavor toast your spices in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding them to the batter. This simple step awakens their essential oils and creates a more aromatic finished cake.