14+ Cakes for Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect time to experiment with delicious and exciting cake recipes that will leave your guests craving for more. Imagine the joy of presenting a cake that not only tastes heavenly but also becomes the star of your festive table.

Pumpkin Spice Layer Cake

Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from King Arthur Baking

Rating: 4.8 (18 reviews). Total Time: 3 h 30 min.

Perfect Pumpkin Layer Cake

Perfect Pumpkin Layer Cake from Sugar & Sparrow

Rating: 5 (13 reviews). Total Time: 3 h 10 min.

Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Cake from Sugar Spun Run

Rating: 5 (39 reviews). Total Time: 43 min.

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A slice of Pumpkin Spice Layer Cake brings the essence of fall to your Thanksgiving table. Infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and paired with the richness of pureed pumpkin, this cake is a flavor explosion. The layers are moist and tender, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy maple cream cheese frosting that coats each bite.

What makes this cake truly special is the harmonious blend of spices and the addition of a hint of ginger, giving it an unexpected zing. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight with its rustic, homemade appearance.

Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake

Apple Bundt Cake

Apple Bundt Cake from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (391 reviews).

Apple-Cinnamon Bundt Cake

Apple-Cinnamon Bundt Cake from Martha Stewart

Rating: 3.3 (679 reviews).

Apple Cinnamon Cake

Apple Cinnamon Cake from Cookidoo

Rating: 4.5 (148 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 45 min.

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The Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Imagine biting into a soft, moist cake bursting with chunks of sweet apples and the comforting scent of cinnamon. The magic ingredient here is the use of apple cider, which enhances the apple flavor and adds a subtle tanginess to the cake.

This Bundt cake is topped with a drizzle of caramel glaze, adding a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon and apple flavors. It’s a cake that feels like fall in every bite, and its beautiful Bundt shape makes it an elegant choice for your Thanksgiving spread. The ease of slicing makes it a practical yet stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.

Pecan Praline Cheesecake

Pecan Praline Cheesecake

Pecan Praline Cheesecake from Life Love and Sugar

Rating: 4.8 (19 reviews). Total Time: 3 h 30 min.

Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake

Southern Pecan Praline Cheesecake from Modern Honey

Rating: 5 (12 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 25 min.

Praline Cheesecake

Praline Cheesecake from Snack Works

Total Time: 6 h 10 min.

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Pecan Praline Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nutty goodness of pecan pralines. The buttery graham cracker crust sets the stage for a smooth, velvety cheesecake filling swirled with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans.

What sets this cheesecake apart is the topping of homemade praline sauce, which adds a glossy, sweet finish that makes it impossible to resist. The combination of textures and flavors in every bite—creamy, crunchy, sweet, and nutty—creates an unforgettable experience. This cake is perfect for those who love a dessert that’s rich and indulgent, and it’s sure to be a conversation starter at your Thanksgiving gathering.

Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake

Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake

Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake from Baked By An Introvert

Rating: 4.6 (41 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 25 min.

Cranberry Upside-Down Cake

Cranberry Upside-Down Cake from Simply Recipes

Rating: 5 (27 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 30 min.

Cranberry upside down cake

Cranberry upside down cake from Pook's Pantry

Rating: 4.9 (9 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 5 min.

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The Cranberry Orange Upside-Down Cake is a vibrant and beautiful dessert that captures the festive spirit of Thanksgiving. The tartness of cranberries pairs perfectly with the bright, citrusy notes of orange, creating a cake that is both refreshing and indulgent.

What makes this cake stand out is its stunning presentation. The cranberries and orange slices caramelize in brown sugar, forming a glistening, jewel-like topping. The cake itself is light and fluffy, with a hint of almond extract that adds depth to the flavor profile. This cake is a showstopper that’s sure to catch the eye and excite the palate of everyone at your table.

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte

Rich & Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

Rich & Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake from The Bojon Gourmet

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr.

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte Recipe

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte Recipe from Serious Eats

Rating: 5 (4 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 40 min.

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte from Williams Sonoma

Rating: 5 (2 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 40 min.

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For chocolate lovers, the Chocolate Hazelnut Torte is an absolute must-try. This cake is a rich, decadent delight, combining the deep flavors of chocolate and the nutty warmth of hazelnuts. The cake layers are dense and fudgy, made even more luxurious with the addition of espresso, which intensifies the chocolate flavor.

What makes this torte exceptional is the creamy, smooth hazelnut spread that is layered between each cake tier. Topped with a glossy chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts, this cake is a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. Its elegance and sophistication make it an ideal choice for a grand Thanksgiving dessert, leaving your guests in awe with every bite.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Thanksgiving Cakes

Sweet Potato Cake from Cake by Courtney

Rating: 5 (44 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 26 min.

Thanksgiving Cake With Apples + Cranberries from Unpeeled Journal

Rating: 5 (8 reviews). Total Time: 55 min.

Turkey Cake from Desserts On A Dime

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 15 min.

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Master the Art of Moisture

Keeping your cakes moist is key to elevating them from good to great. Consider using ingredients like applesauce, sour cream, or buttermilk to add moisture and richness to your cake batter. This ensures that your cake remains soft and tender long after it’s baked.

Layering Flavors

Don’t be afraid to experiment with layers of flavor in your cakes. Adding a hint of spice, a splash of citrus, or a touch of coffee can enhance and elevate the main ingredients, giving your cake a more complex and delightful taste.

Presentation is Everything

Remember, we eat with our eyes first! Take the time to decorate your cake with a beautiful glaze or frosting, and consider garnishing with fresh fruits, nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar. A well-presented cake not only tastes better but also makes a lasting impression on your guests.