23 Best Thanksgiving Cakes


23 of the best Thanksgiving cakes that will wow your guests! From pumpkin spice to apple cinnamon, these cakes are pure holiday magic!


Published: November 19, 2024 · Modified: November 19, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan

Thanksgiving cakes

When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, I know everyone usually thinks about pies, but let me tell you, Thanksgiving cakes are the real hidden gems of the holiday table! I’ve baked my fair share of pies, but there’s something extra special about slicing into a beautifully layered cake that’s packed with all the best fall flavors. From cozy pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon to rich chocolate and pecan, these cakes bring a whole new level of indulgence to your Thanksgiving spread. If you’re ready to impress your guests with a dessert that’s a little unexpected but totally delicious, you’ve got to try one of these 23 best Thanksgiving cakes I’ve rounded up just for you!

Thanksgiving cakes

23 Best Thanksgiving Cakes to Sweeten Your Holiday Table

1. Toffee apple cake

This toffee apple cake is a delightful treat for Thanksgiving that combines soft cake layers with a sweet and tangy apple filling! Made with grated apples, dark brown sugar, and a hint of spices, this cake is drizzled with a delicious syrup and topped with a creamy white chocolate icing. For an extra wow factor, you can create mini toffee apples to decorate the cake, making it not only delicious but visually stunning. This showstopper is perfect for impressing your guests and will solve the dilemma of what to serve for dessert, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy!

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2. Pumpkin Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting

Pumpkin cake with salted caramel frosting is the ultimate fall dessert, and perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings! Moist and spiced pumpkin layers are paired with a luscious salted caramel frosting and topped with crunchy candied pecans, creating a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Not only does this cake look stunning on the dessert table, but tastes amazing too. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, this cake will elevate your holiday spread and leave everyone asking for seconds!

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3. Spiced Fig, Coffee & Hazelnut Cake

This spiced fig, coffee, and hazelnut cake is a treat that will wow your Thanksgiving guests! Made with moist carrot cake mix, dried figs, and ground hazelnuts, this cake is bursting with flavor and topped with a creamy vanilla and cream cheese icing. It’s layered with fig jam, adorned with fresh fig slices, and finished off with a sprinkle of roasted hazelnuts and a drizzle of caramel sauce for that perfect touch of sweetness.

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4. Raspberry and White Chocolate Loaf Cake

Get ready to impress your Thanksgiving guests with this scrumptious raspberry and white chocolate loaf cake! Moist and easy to make, this delightful treat combines fluffy cake batter with bursts of juicy raspberries and sweet white chocolate chunks. Simply mix, bake, and top it with a sprinkle of sugar for a lovely crust.

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5. Vegan Carrot Cake

This vegan carrot cake is a must-try! It’s moist, packed with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a zesty lemon frosting for a bright finish. Made with oat milk and applesauce, this cake is 100% plant-based but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Plus, it’s easy to whip up and perfect for sharing. Decorate it with crunchy walnuts for a bit of texture, and you’ve got a guilt-free treat that’s sure to impress all your guests this holiday season!

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6. Orange Ginger Upside-down Cake

Elevate your Thanksgiving dessert with this delightful orange ginger upside-down cake! Bursting with flavor, this cake features a luscious layer of caramelized navel oranges atop a moist, spiced batter infused with maple syrup and fresh ginger. Simply whip up the batter, layer the orange slices in a springform pan, and let the oven work its magic. Once baked to golden perfection, flip it over for a stunning presentation that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!

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7. The Ultimate Peanut Butter Lover's Cake

Indulge in the ultimate peanut butter lover’s cake this Thanksgiving! This deliciously moist cake combines layers of fluffy peanut butter cake, creamy peanut butter frosting, and a rich peanut butter ganache, creating a dessert that’s pure bliss for peanut butter fans. With its decadent flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s perfect for impressing your guests at any holiday gathering. Top it off with crunchy chopped peanuts for an extra treat that will leave everyone wanting more!

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8. Chocolate Fudge Cake

This dark chocolate fudge cake is the perfect way to indulge. It’s a moist, rich, and decadent treat, with white chocolate shavings and marbled buttercream frosting. A combination that looks as good as it tastes.

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9. Red Velvet Cheesecake

Treat your guests to a stunning red velvet cheesecake! This show-stopping dessert features layers of soft, tender red velvet cake sandwiched between a rich, velvety cheesecake filling, all topped with creamy frosting. It’s a homemade twist on the beloved Cheesecake Factory version that will wow everyone at your table. With a prep time of just an hour and a total time of about 6 hours, it’s the perfect indulgence for your Thanksgiving feast!

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10. German Chocolate Cheesecake

Wow your guests with a slice of German chocolate cheesecake, a decadent dessert that hides a delightful layer of crunchy coconut pecan frosting! Combining the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and nuts, this stunning treat will impress. Plus, with easy-to-follow instructions, even beginners can create a cheesecake masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes!

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11. Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Whip up this pumpkin sheet cake, packed with warm spices and a generous helping of pure pumpkin for extra moisture! This crowd-pleasing treat is easy to make, yielding 18 delicious servings in just 35 minutes. Top it off with a creamy cream cheese frosting for a sweet finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this cake combines the comforting flavors of Autumn in every bite!

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12. Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Cheesecake

Treat your guests to a stunning chocolate swirl pumpkin cheesecake that beautifully merges two beloved flavors! With a rich pumpkin filling and a luscious chocolate swirl, all nestled in a buttery chocolate graham cracker crust, this dessert is sure to steal the show. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, making it a perfect choice for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

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13. Coffee & Walnut Cake

Imagine a light, fluffy sponge filled with bold coffee flavor and crunchy walnuts, all topped off with a creamy coffee buttercream frosting. It’s the perfect mix of rich, nutty, and sweet that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just want a unique twist for your holiday spread, this cake is a crowd-pleaser!

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14. Baked Tiramisu Cheesecake

Impress everyone with a baked tiramisu cheesecake that will be the star of any dessert table! This creamy delight features a luscious chocolate crust, layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a rich coffee mascarpone cream topping. With its perfect combination of flavors and textures, this cheesecake is sure to win over everyone and become a cherished favorite during the holidays!

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15. Pistachio Cake

This light and airy pistachio cake is a must-try for Thanksgiving! Made from scratch and loaded with real pistachios, it’s topped with a delicious buttercream frosting that adds the perfect sweet finish. This cake not only tastes amazing but also looks gorgeous on the dessert table, making it a fantastic way to impress your guests this holiday season!

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16. Apple Cake Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this French apple cake! Packed with tart apples and just a splash of rum, this buttery dessert is simple to whip up and incredibly satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy afternoon snack, a delicious dessert, or even for breakfast (yes, it’s that good!), it’s also perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget to add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch!

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17. Caramel Turtle Cheesecake

Treat yourself to a slice of caramel turtle cheesecake! This decadent dessert brings the beloved flavors of caramel turtle candies to life with a crunchy chocolate cookie crust and a creamy caramel cheesecake filling, all topped off with pecans and luscious drizzles of chocolate and caramel. You can even prepare it a day in advance to let those delicious flavors meld together perfectly!

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18. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

This cranberry orange bundt cake is as easy to make as it is delicious! This festive cake combines a yellow cake mix and vanilla pudding for a moist texture, enhanced with fresh or frozen cranberries and a hint of orange zest. Once baked and cooled, drizzle it with a sweet orange sauce and top it off with sugared cranberries for a stunning presentation.

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19. Apple Cider Donut Cake

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delicious apple cider donut cake! This moist and flavorful cake is packed with fresh apple cider and grated apples, giving it that classic donut taste you love. Coated in a cinnamon-sugar topping and baked to perfection, it’s a sweet treat that’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack. Easy to make and utterly satisfying!

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20. Easy Italian Plum Cake

This easy Italian plum cake is a delightful way to enjoy the season’s freshest Italian plums! With a soft and fluffy texture, it’s simple to make and can be customized with your favorite fruits, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert all year round. Just mix together flour, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk, then top with beautiful plum slices and a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon before baking. This cake is best served warm, and it’s sure to impress your guests at Thanksgiving or any gathering!

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21. Victoria Sponge Cake

If you’re craving a classic British dessert, the Victoria sponge cake is a must-try! This light, fluffy cake features two layers filled with sweet strawberry jam and creamy buttercream, dusted with a sprinkle of icing sugar for a perfect finish. It’s simple yet delicious, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this timeless treat that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

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22. Buttermilk Pumpkin Pound Cake Recipe

Enjoy a cozy slice of buttermilk pumpkin pound cake! This deliciously spiced cake combines the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the richness of pumpkin and a hint of vanilla. It’s easy to whip up, just mix the dry ingredients with a creamy butter and sugar mixture, add in pumpkin and buttermilk, and bake until golden. Finish it off with a smooth glaze, and you’ve got a delightful dessert that will impress your family and friends!

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23. Classic German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Get ready to dive into a slice of classic German chocolate cake, a delightful dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving! This recipe keeps the original flavors from the 1957 Baker’s Chocolate Company version, featuring rich layers of German chocolate and a creamy coconut-pecan frosting, plus a luscious chocolate ganache to take it over the top.

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Thanksgiving cakes

23 Best Thanksgiving Cakes

Looking for a showstopper dessert? These 23 best Thanksgiving cakes are packed with festive flavors that will make your holiday unforgettable!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite Thanksgiving cakes.
    Thanksgiving cakes
  • Organize all the required ingredients for your Thanksgiving cake.
    vegan carrot cake
  • Prepare and cook your cake recipe and enjoy.
    Thanksgiving cakes

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal
Keyword cake, cake decorating, cake topping ideas, carrot cake, celebration cake ideas, pumpkin pie spice, Thanksgiving
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What I love most about these cakes is their variety, you can go all out with flavors like pumpkin, apple, and pecan, or surprise everyone with something unexpected and unique. No matter what you choose, these cakes will impress and leave everyone asking for seconds. If you’re still looking for more sweet inspiration, check out my Thanksgiving cheesecake recipes or get creative with the best Thanksgiving cake pops. And if you need ideas for the rest of your holiday menu, don’t miss my favorite Thanksgiving leftover recipes and a roundup of festive Thanksgiving cocktails. Happy baking and enjoy the holiday feast!

Thanksgiving cakes