11+ Cake Recipes for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving brings together friends and family, and what better way to celebrate than with scrumptious cakes that are sure to impress? These delightful recipes will have everyone reaching for seconds, each bursting with flavors perfect for the holiday season.

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Cake from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.8 (303 reviews).

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from RecipeTin Eats

Rating: 5 (81 reviews).

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from Once Upon a Chef

Rating: 4.8 (88 reviews).

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This delicious cake is like autumn on a plate, featuring the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced cake.

What makes this cake truly special is its moist texture and rich flavor profile. Pumpkin puree keeps it moist, while the spices bring out the best in the pumpkin, creating a harmonious blend that’s just right for the season. It’s a classic Thanksgiving treat that never goes out of style.

Guests will love the creamy frosting that tops this cake. It’s a sumptuous addition that balances the spiciness of the cake. Whether served as a dessert or paired with a cup of coffee, this cake is bound to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering.

Maple Pecan Cake

Maple, apple & pecan cake

Maple, apple & pecan cake from BBC Good Food

Rating: 4 (14 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 10 min.

Maple Pecan Layer Cake

Maple Pecan Layer Cake from In Bloom Bakery –

Rating: 4.6 (12 reviews).

Maple Pecan Cake

Maple Pecan Cake from Bakers Table

Total Time: 58 min.

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Maple and pecans are a match made in heaven, especially in this delightful cake. The cake features a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of maple syrup sweetness, while chopped pecans add a delightful crunch.

This cake stands out with its unique combination of flavors that evoke the essence of a cozy fall day. The use of real maple syrup, not just flavoring, gives it an authentic taste that sets it apart from other cakes. The pecans add not only texture but also a nutty richness that enhances the overall flavor.

What makes this cake a true Thanksgiving favorite is its versatility. It can be dressed up with a drizzle of maple glaze or kept simple with a dusting of powdered sugar. Either way, it’s a cake that brings warmth and joy to any holiday table.

Apple Cider Cake with Caramel Drizzle

French Apple Pie Cake

French Apple Pie Cake from Cake by Courtney

Rating: 4.9 (52 reviews).

Thanksgiving cake recipes

Thanksgiving cake recipes from BBC Good Food

Oreo Turkey Thanksgiving Cake

Oreo Turkey Thanksgiving Cake from Something Swanky

Rating: 4.7 (17 reviews).

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This cake captures the essence of a crisp fall day with its apple cider-infused batter and a luscious caramel drizzle. The cake is tender and moist, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg weaving through each bite.

Apple cider cake is beloved for its comforting, homey flavors that remind us of apple-picking adventures and cozy nights by the fire. The cider adds a subtle tang and sweetness, while the spices enhance the apple flavor, making every slice a taste of fall.

But what truly elevates this cake is the caramel drizzle that tops it. The caramel adds a decadent layer of sweetness and richness, making each bite a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s the kind of cake that encourages guests to linger a little longer at the table, savoring every bite.

Cranberry Orange Cake

French Apple Pie Cake

French Apple Pie Cake from Cake by Courtney

Rating: 4.9 (52 reviews). Total Time: 2 hr.

Oreo Turkey Thanksgiving Cake

Oreo Turkey Thanksgiving Cake from Something Swanky

Rating: 4.7 (17 reviews).

Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Pumpkin Bundt Cake from Southern Living

Rating: 4.9 (46 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 10 min.

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Cranberries and oranges make a perfect pair, and in this cake, they come together beautifully. The cake is light and fragrant, with bursts of tart cranberries and the bright citrus flavor of oranges.

This cake is a palate-pleaser, thanks to its refreshing combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The fresh cranberries provide a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweet orange, creating a balance that’s both intriguing and delicious. The zest of the orange adds an extra layer of flavor that makes this cake unforgettable.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, this cake is a delightful departure from traditional flavors, offering something new yet still comforting. It’s a cake that feels festive and special, fitting seamlessly into the holiday season. Plus, it’s absolutely gorgeous with its colorful cranberries dotting the top.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Thanksgiving Cakes

Thanksgiving cake recipes

Thanksgiving cake recipes from BBC Good Food

French Apple Pie Cake

French Apple Pie Cake from Cake by Courtney

Rating: 4.9 (52 reviews).

Oreo Turkey Thanksgiving Cake

Oreo Turkey Thanksgiving Cake from Something Swanky

Rating: 4.7 (17 reviews).

Links open in new window. Source: Google.com

Ensure Ingredients are at Room Temperature

For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and other dairy ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend more smoothly and evenly into the batter, resulting in a better rise and a lighter, fluffier cake.

Use Fresh Spices for Optimal Flavor

Spices are key to the flavor of many Thanksgiving cakes. Using freshly ground spices or ensuring your spices are not expired will enhance the taste significantly. Fresh spices are more aromatic and potent, giving your cakes that extra special touch.

Don’t Overmix Your Batter

It’s important to mix your cake batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake. Mix gently and stop as soon as everything is well incorporated to keep your cakes tender and delicious.