Sourdough Pumpkin Sheet Cake, is a delightful dessert with rich pumpkin puree and tangy sourdough discard. Finished with a decadent cream cheese frosting, it's not only easy to prepare but also ideal for feeding a crowd, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast!
3gramspumpkin pie spice, see directions for substitutions1 teaspoon
3gramssalt1/2 teaspoon
200gramswhite sugar1 cup
165gramslight brown sugar3/4 cup
110gramsneutral oil1/2 cup
160gramsGreek yogurt1/2 cup
15ozpure pumpkin puree425g
4large eggs
120gramssourdough discard1/2 cup
4gramsvanilla extract1 teaspoon
Cream Cheese Frosting
226gramscream cheese, room temperature8 ounces
226gramsunsalted butter, room temperature1 cup
390gramspowdered sugar3 cups
4gramsvanilla extract1 teaspoon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 13x18 rimmed baking sheetwith cooking spray, line it with a piece of parchment paper, and then lightly spray again. Set to the side.
Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, gently whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside. If you don't have Pumpkin Pie Spice, add 1/2 teaspoon each of nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
245 grams all-purpose flour, 6 grams baking powder, 6 grams baking soda, 3 grams salt, 4 grams cinnamon, 3 grams pumpkin pie spice, see directions for substitutions
Wet Ingredients
In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix together white sugar, light brown sugar, oil, Greek yogurt, pumpkin purée, eggs, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract at medium speed until combined. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowls when necessary. This can also be done with a hand mixer.
200 grams white sugar, 165 grams light brown sugar, 110 grams neutral oil, 160 grams Greek yogurt, 120 grams sourdough discard, 4 large eggs, 15 oz pure pumpkin puree, 4 grams vanilla extract
Combine
Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, mixing on low speed until the flour mixture is just combined. Careful not to overmix, otherwise that can lead to a dense cake.
Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Place into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter on high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Then, mixing at medium speed, add a cup of powdered sugar at a time. Stop to scrape the sides of the bowl when necessary.
390 grams powdered sugar
Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
4 grams vanilla extract
Dollop the cream cheese frosting on top of the cooled cake. Spread and smooth in a single layer with an offset baking spatula. Top with chopped pecans or sprinkle with ground cinnamon, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
This recipe card was updated on February 25th, 2026.
How to Store
Store leftover Sourdough Pumpkin Sheet Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
FAQs:
What other Frosting Flavors can I use for Sourdough Pumpkin Sheet Cake?
If you like cream cheese frosting, but your looking for some variety, try browning the butter and allowing it to cool for a browned butter cream cheese frosting! Or you can add a 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for an extra spiced flavor. If you're not too keen on cream cheese, no problem! Try this vanilla buttercream recipe from my Sourdough Banan Bars recipe - it's absolutely delicious!
Can I add chocolate chips to Sourdough Pumpkin Sheet Cake?
Absolutely! Pumpkin and chocolate chips go so well together! Just like in my Sourdough Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. Fold a cup of chocolate chips to the batter before pouring the cake batter into a large sheet pan.