Step 1 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Grease a 9x13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Line with parchment paper, or dust with flour, shaking out any excess. Set pan aside.
Step 3 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Place the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl and mix or whisk to combine.
Step 4 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Add the eggs and yolks one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add the pumpkin puree and mix until blended.
Step 5 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Put a sheet of parchment paper or a large plate on a work surface and sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices onto it. Use the paper to pour dry ingredients into wet in three additions, mixing them into the batter until just blended. Do not overmix.
PRO TIP Out of cake flour? You can use more all-purpose, though the cake won't have quite as light a crumb.
Step 6 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Thoroughly scrape batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
PRO TIP Scrape the bowl well, as you will be reusing it to make frosting. Wipe with a paper towel if necessary.
Step 7 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Bake the cake on middle rack of oven for 20 minutes.
Step 8 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Rotate pan and continue baking until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out with a moist crumb or two, 15-20 minutes.
Step 9 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Check to see that cake is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
Step 10 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Let the cake rest on a cooling rack until cool enough to handle, about 30 minutes. Invert onto a serving platter or baking sheet to cool completely. Meanwhile, make the frosting.
Step 11 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Place the butter in the stand mixer bowl. Mix on medium speed until smooth, scraping down the bowl as needed.
Step 12 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Put a sheet of parchment or a large plate on a work surface and sift the sugar, salt, and cocoa powder onto it. Use the paper to pour dry ingredients into the butter a little at a time, mixing on low speed to incorporate between each addition.
PRO TIP We love Dutch-process cocoa powder for its deep dark color and flavor, but in a pinch, regular unsweetened cocoa powder will work instead.
Step 13 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Add the bourbon and cream, beating on medium speed and scraping down the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla and beat on medium speed until frosting is light and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Cover the bowl and set frosting aside until cake is cool.
Step 14 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Tuck strips of parchment paper or waxed paper under the cake to keep platter clean while you frost. Generously spread cake with frosting, leaving sides bare if you like. Carefully pull out the strips of parchment.
PRO TIP Yes, it's a lot of frosting! For a cake that's a little less decadent, use as much frosting as you like, then refrigerate the rest in an airtight container for up to three weeks or freeze for up to two months.
Step 15 of 15
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
Cut the cake into slices and serve. Store leftovers at room temperature loosely wrapped in plastic wrap or draped in parchment paper for up to three days.
Review
One-Bowl Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream
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