21 Thanksgiving Cake Recipes for the Holiday Table

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family, sharing delicious food, and enjoying homemade desserts. While pumpkin pie and apple pie are traditional favorites, a beautiful Thanksgiving cake can make your holiday dessert table even more special.

From moist pumpkin spice cake and classic apple cake to rich chocolate cake, maple pecan cake, and cranberry orange cake, there are plenty of delicious options for every holiday celebration. Whether you need a simple sheet cake for a family dinner or an impressive layer cake for a Thanksgiving party, these recipes offer something for everyone.

The best part is that many Thanksgiving cakes can be baked ahead of time, making holiday preparation easier and less stressful.

Here are 21 easy Thanksgiving cake recipes to inspire your holiday baking.

1. Classic Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pumpkin spice cake is a Thanksgiving favorite with a soft, moist crumb and warm cinnamon flavor. Cream cheese frosting makes it even more delicious.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk the sugars, pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 30–38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely.
8. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until creamy.
9. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.

Serving tip: Sprinkle cinnamon or chopped pecans over the frosting before serving.

2. Homemade Apple Cinnamon Cake

This apple cinnamon cake combines tender apple pieces with fragrant cinnamon and a soft, buttery crumb.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk.
6. Fold in the diced apples.
7. Spread the batter in the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool before slicing.

Serving tip: Dust with powdered sugar or serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

3. Maple Pecan Cake

Maple syrup and toasted pecans give this cake a rich, nutty flavor that feels perfect for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

For the glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in maple syrup and vanilla.
5. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk.
6. Fold in chopped pecans.
7. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30–38 minutes.
8. Cool completely.
9. Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to make a pourable glaze.
10. Drizzle over the cake.

Serving tip: Decorate with extra toasted pecans for a beautiful holiday finish.

4. Caramel Apple Cake

Caramel apple cake combines soft apples, warm spices, and a sweet caramel topping in one irresistible dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. Whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Whisk both sugars with oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Fold in the diced apples.
6. Pour into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until cooked through.
8. Cool for at least 20 minutes.
9. Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake before serving.

Serving tip: Serve with vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of warm caramel.

5. Cranberry Orange Cake

Cranberries add a tart, festive flavor while fresh orange zest brings brightness to this Thanksgiving cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time.
5. Mix in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla.
6. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk.
7. Fold in cranberries.
8. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool before slicing.

Serving tip: Drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

6. Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Sweet potato gives this cake a moist texture and gentle sweetness, while cinnamon and nutmeg add warm autumn flavor.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato, cooled
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-by-13-inch pan.
2. Whisk flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Whisk sweet potato, sugars, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
5. Pour into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the center is cooked through.
7. Cool completely.
8. Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth.
9. Spread over the cake and slice.

Serving tip: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the frosting for extra crunch.

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7. Chocolate Thanksgiving Cake

For chocolate lovers, this rich chocolate cake is an excellent alternative to traditional pumpkin desserts.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup hot coffee or hot water

For the frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
4. Slowly stir in the hot coffee or water. The batter will be thin.
5. Pour into the pan.
6. Bake for 30–38 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool completely.
8. Beat butter, cocoa, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
9. Frost the cake.

Serving tip: Garnish with chocolate curls or a few fresh berries.

8. Pumpkin Bundt Cake

A pumpkin Bundt cake looks beautiful on a Thanksgiving table and is easy to slice for a crowd.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Thoroughly grease and flour a 10- to 12-cup Bundt pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
3. Whisk pumpkin, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Fold in the dry ingredients.
5. Pour into the Bundt pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack.
8. Cool completely before glazing or dusting with powdered sugar.

Serving tip: Add a maple glaze or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

9. Apple Walnut Cake

Apples and walnuts create a delicious combination of sweet fruit and nutty crunch in this rustic holiday cake.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square pan.
2. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Whisk sugars, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Fold in apples and walnuts.
6. Pour into the pan.
7. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until cooked through.
8. Cool before slicing.

Serving tip: Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.

10. Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread cake has a deep molasses flavor and warming spices that make it a wonderful choice for late-fall gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Beat in the egg and molasses.
5. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the hot water, mixing until smooth.
6. Pour into the pan.
7. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool before serving.

Serving tip: Serve slightly warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

11. Pear Upside-Down Cake

This elegant cake features tender pears arranged beneath a buttery brown sugar topping. It makes a lovely centerpiece for Thanksgiving dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe but firm pears, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment.
2. Melt 1/4 cup butter and stir in brown sugar.
3. Spread the mixture across the bottom of the pan.
4. Arrange pear slices over the brown sugar.
5. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Beat the remaining butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
7. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
8. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk.
9. Spread the batter over the pears.
10. Bake for 35–45 minutes.
11. Cool for 10–15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.

Serving tip: Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream.

12. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake is a classic crowd-pleaser with warm spices, tender carrots, and tangy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups finely grated carrots
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional

For the frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-by-13-inch pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Whisk sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Fold in the dry ingredients, then add grated carrots and walnuts.
5. Pour into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely.
8. Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth.
9. Spread the frosting over the cake.

Serving tip: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the frosting.

13. Pecan Praline Cake

Pecan praline cake features a soft cake topped with a buttery brown sugar and pecan glaze.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the praline topping

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-by-13-inch pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla.
5. Mix in the dry ingredients alternately with milk.
6. Pour into the pan and bake for 25–35 minutes, until done.
7. While the cake cools slightly, melt the topping butter in a saucepan.
8. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Simmer gently for 2 minutes.
9. Stir in pecans.
10. Spread the warm topping over the cake.

Serving tip: Let the praline topping set slightly before cutting.

14. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Lemon poppy seed cake provides a bright, refreshing flavor that balances the rich dishes and desserts of Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch loaf pan or round cake pan.
2. Whisk flour, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time.
5. Mix in lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
6. Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk.
7. Pour into the pan and bake for 35–45 minutes, depending on the pan.
8. Cool completely.
9. Mix powdered sugar with enough lemon juice to make a glaze.
10. Drizzle over the cake.

Serving tip: Garnish with extra lemon zest for a fresh finish.

15. Chocolate Pecan Cake

Chocolate and pecans make a rich, satisfying dessert for guests who want something different from traditional fall flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup hot coffee or water
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round pan.
2. Whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla.
4. Slowly stir in hot coffee or water.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Pour the batter into the pan.
7. Bake for 30–38 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool completely before frosting or serving.

Serving tip: Top with chocolate ganache and toasted pecans.

16. Banana Pudding Cake

This soft banana cake brings the familiar flavor of banana pudding to your Thanksgiving dessert table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional topping

• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time.
5. Mix in mashed bananas and vanilla.
6. Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk.
7. Pour into the pan.
8. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the center is cooked through.
9. Cool completely before topping.
10. Add whipped cream and crushed vanilla wafers just before serving, if desired.

Serving tip: Refrigerate the cake if you add whipped cream or other perishable toppings.

17. Coconut Cream Cake

Coconut cream cake offers a soft, tender crumb and a creamy frosting that adds a touch of elegance to the holiday table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract, optional
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded coconut

For the frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and coconut extract.
5. Add dry ingredients alternately with coconut milk.
6. Fold in shredded coconut.
7. Bake for 30–40 minutes.
8. Cool completely.
9. Beat cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
10. Frost the cake and sprinkle with shredded coconut.

Serving tip: Toast some of the coconut for a golden, nutty topping.

18. Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cinnamon roll cake combines a soft cake with a sweet cinnamon swirl and a simple vanilla glaze.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the cinnamon swirl

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

For the glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square pan.
2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Stir in melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla until combined.
4. Spread the batter in the pan.
5. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture over the batter and swirl gently with a knife.
7. Bake for 30–38 minutes, until cooked through.
8. Cool slightly.
9. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the cake.

Serving tip: Serve slightly warm for the best cinnamon-roll flavor.

19. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake

This moist pumpkin cake combines warm fall spices with sweet chocolate chips for an easy crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-by-13-inch pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Whisk pumpkin, sugars, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the pan.
7. Bake for 30–38 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few melted chocolate crumbs.
8. Cool before slicing.

Serving tip: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.

20. Vanilla Butter Cake

Vanilla butter cake is a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving fruit toppings, caramel sauce, or a simple buttercream frosting.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the frosting

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
5. Mix in vanilla.
6. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 30–38 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool completely.
10. Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth and spread over the cake.

Serving tip: Serve with cranberry sauce, fresh berries, or caramelized apples.

21. Thanksgiving Spice Cake with Maple Glaze

This simple spice cake combines cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and brown sugar with a maple glaze for a warm, comforting holiday dessert.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the maple glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square pan.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
3. Whisk both sugars with oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
5. Pour the batter into the pan.
6. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the center is cooked through.
7. Cool completely.
8. Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to make a pourable glaze.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the cake before serving.

Serving tip: Garnish with toasted pecans for extra crunch and holiday flavor.

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Best Thanksgiving Cakes for a Crowd

If you’re baking for a large Thanksgiving gathering, these cakes are especially convenient:

• Pumpkin Spice Cake: A classic fall dessert with cream cheese frosting.
• Apple Cinnamon Cake: Perfect for guests who love apple desserts.
• Pumpkin Bundt Cake: Attractive, easy to slice, and ideal for a dessert buffet.
• Chocolate Thanksgiving Cake: A crowd-pleasing option for chocolate lovers.
• Pecan Praline Cake: Rich, nutty, and full of Southern-inspired flavor.
• Carrot Cake: A traditional favorite with creamy frosting.
• Cranberry Orange Cake: A colorful choice with a sweet-tart flavor.
• Vanilla Butter Cake: Easy to customize with different toppings.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Thanksgiving Cake

1. Measure Ingredients Carefully

Use measuring cups and spoons accurately. For flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it rather than packing it down.

2. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Room-temperature eggs, butter, and dairy generally combine more easily and help create a smooth batter.

3. Avoid Overmixing

Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cakes dense or tough.

4. Preheat the Oven

Let the oven reach the correct temperature before baking. An oven thermometer can help verify the temperature.

5. Check for Doneness

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, depending on the recipe.

6. Cool Before Frosting

Allow cakes to cool completely before adding cream cheese frosting or buttercream. Warm cake can cause frosting to melt.

7. Choose Seasonal Decorations

Use toasted pecans, cinnamon, cranberries, apple slices, or a maple glaze to give your cake a festive Thanksgiving look.

8. Keep Frosted Cakes Properly Stored

Cakes with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, custard, or other perishable toppings should be refrigerated.

Can You Make Thanksgiving Cakes Ahead of Time?

Yes! Making cakes ahead of time can save a lot of effort on Thanksgiving Day.

Two days before Thanksgiving

• Bake pumpkin spice cake, chocolate cake, apple cake, or spice cake.
• Cool completely before wrapping.
• Store plain cakes according to the recipe and ingredients.

One day before Thanksgiving

• Prepare frostings and glazes.
• Frost the cake if appropriate, then refrigerate cakes with cream cheese frosting.
• Keep delicate toppings, such as fresh fruit and whipped cream, separate.

Thanksgiving Day

• Add final decorations.
• Bring cakes without perishable toppings to a suitable serving temperature.
• Keep cream cheese-frosted and other perishable cakes refrigerated until shortly before serving.

For the best quality, wrap unfrosted cakes tightly to prevent them from drying out.

How to Store Leftover Thanksgiving Cake

Proper storage helps your homemade cakes stay fresh after the holiday.

• Unfrosted cake: Keep tightly wrapped according to the recipe. Many plain cakes can be kept at room temperature for a couple of days.
• Cream cheese-frosted cake: Refrigerate in a covered container.
• Whipped cream cake: Keep refrigerated and serve promptly.
• Freezing: Most unfrosted cakes freeze well when tightly wrapped. Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator or according to the recipe, then add frosting or toppings.

Always follow the storage needs of the most perishable ingredient in your cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best cake to make for Thanksgiving?

Pumpkin spice cake, apple cinnamon cake, maple pecan cake, and cranberry orange cake are excellent choices because they feature classic fall flavors.

2. Can I bake Thanksgiving cake the day before?

Yes. Many cakes can be baked a day ahead. Let them cool completely, wrap them tightly, and store them according to their ingredients. Add delicate toppings shortly before serving.

3. What flavors go well in Thanksgiving cakes?

Pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, maple, pecan, cranberry, orange, ginger, chocolate, and sweet potato all work beautifully in Thanksgiving desserts.

4. How do I keep cake moist?

Measure ingredients carefully, avoid overbaking, and wrap the cake once it has cooled. Oil-based cakes often remain moist for several days.

5. Can I freeze Thanksgiving cakes?

Yes. Most unfrosted cakes can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw before decorating and serving.

6. What frosting is best for Thanksgiving cake?

Cream cheese frosting is excellent with pumpkin, carrot, and sweet potato cakes. Maple glaze works well with pecan and spice cakes, while chocolate frosting is perfect for chocolate cake.

7. Which Thanksgiving cake is easiest for beginners?

Pumpkin spice sheet cake, apple cinnamon cake, and chocolate cake are beginner-friendly choices because they use straightforward mixing methods and don’t require complicated decoration.

8. Can I make a Thanksgiving cake without frosting?

Absolutely. Bundt cakes, gingerbread cakes, apple cakes, and cinnamon cakes are delicious with just powdered sugar or a simple glaze.

9. How do I decorate a cake for Thanksgiving?

Use a maple glaze, toasted pecans, cranberries, cinnamon, caramel drizzle, or autumn-inspired decorations. Keep decorations simple for a beautiful homemade look.

10. How many cake servings should I plan per guest?

A standard 9-by-13-inch sheet cake typically provides around 12–20 servings, depending on slice size. If you’re serving several desserts, smaller slices are usually enough.

Final Thoughts

These 21 Thanksgiving cake recipes for the holiday table offer plenty of inspiration for your holiday baking. Whether you prefer pumpkin spice cake, apple cinnamon cake, maple pecan cake, cranberry orange cake, or rich chocolate cake, there’s a delicious option for every gathering.

For a traditional fall dessert, choose pumpkin spice cake or sweet potato cake. If you want something fruity, try apple cinnamon cake or cranberry orange cake. For an impressive centerpiece, pumpkin Bundt cake or pecan praline cake makes a beautiful addition to the table.

Prepare your cake ahead of time when possible, add festive toppings before serving, and enjoy a homemade dessert that makes your Thanksgiving celebration even sweeter.