As the holiday season approaches, many of us turn to our favorite baked goods to bring joy and warmth to our gatherings. Among the classic Thanksgiving desserts like pumpkin pie and apple crisp, one often overlooked treat stands out: the humble Thanksgiving cake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newcomer to the world of sweet treats, we’ve got 17 delicious recipes to make your holiday celebrations even more special.
From classic combinations like pumpkin spice and cream cheese frosting, to innovative twists like fig and walnut with vanilla glaze, our list has something for everyone. So go ahead, get baking, and make this Thanksgiving one to remember!
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Warm up your fall season with this moist and flavorful pumpkin spice cake, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1. Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and mix until combined.
Classic Carrot Cake with Walnuts
Classic Carrot Cake with Walnuts Recipe Summary:
This beloved dessert is a staple of American baking, featuring the natural sweetness of carrots, the richness of walnuts, and the warmth of spices. This recipe yields a moist and flavorful cake perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add the flour mixture, carrots, and walnuts; mix until just combined.
5. Pour in the butter, mixing until smooth.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Cake with Caramel Drizzle
This autumnal delight combines the warmth of cinnamon and the comfort of apples, topped with a rich caramel drizzle. Perfect for a cozy fall evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– Caramel drizzle ingredients: 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add diced apples to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. While cake is cooling, prepare caramel drizzle by combining cream, brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Sweet Potato Cake with Marshmallow Frosting
This sweet potato cake is a unique twist on traditional carrot cake, featuring the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. Paired with a fluffy marshmallow frosting, this dessert is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Marshmallow frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour in the softened butter and mix until smooth.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Marshmallow Frosting:
– 1 cup marshmallows
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat marshmallows and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until combined.
Chocolate Pecan Cake with Bourbon Glaze
Moist chocolate cake meets crunchy pecans and a smooth bourbon glaze for the ultimate dessert indulgence. Perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– Bourbon Glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in chopped pecans.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before glazing with Bourbon Glaze (recipe below).
Bourbon Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Combine powdered sugar, butter, and bourbon in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add heavy cream and whisk until desired consistency.
Cranberry Orange Cake with Vanilla Glaze
This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for the holiday season, featuring the sweet and tangy combination of cranberries and orange. Top it off with a creamy vanilla glaze for an extra-special treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons orange zest
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– Vanilla glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, milk, cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir until combined.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Vanilla Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Maple Walnut Cake with Maple Buttercream
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this moist and decadent cake, featuring the rich sweetness of maple syrup and the crunch of toasted walnuts. Perfect for a special occasion or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– Maple buttercream frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Fold in flour mixture and chopped walnuts.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Maple Buttercream Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add maple syrup and mix until combined.
Gingerbread Cake with Lemon Glaze
Experience the perfect blend of warm spices and citrusy sweetness with this delightful gingerbread cake topped with a refreshing lemon glaze. This recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Lemon glaze ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before glazing with powdered sugar and lemon juice mixture.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pear Almond Cake with Honey Drizzle
This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for the fall season, featuring the sweetness of pears and the crunch of almonds. Top it off with a drizzle of warm honey for an added touch of elegance.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe pears, diced
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and eggs until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Add diced pears and sliced almonds to the wet ingredients; stir until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before drizzling with warm honey.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Banana Nut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Banana Nut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe Summary:
Moist banana cake infused with the warmth of nutmeg and walnuts, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting – perfect for a sweet treat or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, and butter; mix until smooth.
4. Add flour mixture and walnuts; mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes for cake, additional 5-10 minutes to prepare frosting.
Spiced Chai Cake with Vanilla Frosting
Warm up your senses with this moist and aromatic Spiced Chai Cake topped with a creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
– Vanilla frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper.
3. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Vanilla Frosting:
1. Beat 8 ounces (225g) softened butter and 2 cups (400g) powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and beat until combined.
Coconut Lime Cake with Coconut Frosting
Elevate your dessert game with this moist and flavorful coconut lime cake, topped with a creamy coconut frosting. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you crave a tropical treat.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons coconut milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
4. Stir in unsweetened shredded coconut.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Blueberry Lemon Cake with Lemon Glaze
This moist and flavorful cake is infused with the sweetness of blueberries and the brightness of lemon, topped with a tangy lemon glaze that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Lemon glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and lemon juice.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in blueberries.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely before glazing with powdered sugar and lemon juice mixture.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cherry Almond Cake with Almond Frosting
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of cherries with the nutty goodness of almonds, topped with a creamy almond frosting. Perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with cherry preserves, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Fold in sliced almonds.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before frosting.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Honey Cake with Spiced Honey Glaze
Moist and flavorful, this honey cake is infused with the sweetness of pure honey and topped with a tangy spiced glaze. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– Spiced Honey Glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; pour into prepared pan.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Spiced Honey Glaze:
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Whisk together glaze ingredients and brush over warm cake.
Fig and Walnut Cake with Vanilla Frosting
This moist and flavorful cake combines the natural sweetness of figs with the earthy taste of walnuts, topped with a creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for a special occasion or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped fresh figs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, figs, and walnuts. Add dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract; mix well. Gradually add powdered sugar; beat until combined.
7. Assemble the cake by spreading frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Molasses Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This classic recipe combines the deep flavor of molasses with a tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a rich and decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons molasses
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add molasses and mix well.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting (see below).
Frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
Conclusion
Get ready to indulge in a sweet celebration this Thanksgiving! This collection of 17 delicious cake recipes will satisfy any dessert craving. From classic flavors like pumpkin spice and carrot cake, to seasonal twists like apple cinnamon and sweet potato, there’s something for everyone. Plus, decadent glazes and frostings add an extra layer of indulgence. Try your hand at making a Chocolate Pecan Cake with Bourbon Glaze or a Cranberry Orange Cake with Vanilla Glaze. Whichever recipe you choose, it’s sure to be a hit with your loved ones.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
