26 Thanksgiving Cake Recipes That Deserve a Spot Next to the Pie
Who says pie has to steal all the spotlight at Thanksgiving? Cakes are just as delightful and can add a touch of charm and creativity to your holiday dessert table. Perfect for feeding a crowd, cakes bring variety and an opportunity to showcase the season’s favorite flavors in fresh, unexpected ways. From spiced pumpkin layers to warm apple-infused bundt cakes or even decadent chocolate creations, there’s a cake to suit every craving.
Cakes are also a great way to mix things up while keeping the festivities deliciously fun. Whether you’re in the mood for an elegant centerpiece cake or a simple one-pan wonder that’s easy to whip up, these Thanksgiving cake recipes are designed to impress. Add a little something extra to your dessert spread and watch your guests’ faces light up with every slice. With options like these, your Thanksgiving desserts will be the talk of the table!
Sweet Potato Cake with Marshmallow Meringue
For a dessert that screams holiday cheer, add this to your Thanksgiving cake recipes. Sweet Potato Cake topped with fluffy marshmallow meringue is everything you didn’t know you needed. The perfect balance of spice and sweetness makes every slice unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cake with Marshmallow Meringue
Frosted Pumpkin Spice Cake
This Pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting is great with mimosas, coffee, or a delicious brunch bloody mary! It’s the right amount of spice and sweetness to any Thanksgiving Brunch table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Italian Almond Cake Recipe
This Italian Almond Cake stands out for Thanksgiving cake recipes because of its simplicity and unique flavors. Made with almond flour and a hint of lemon, it’s naturally gluten-free and perfectly moist. It’s a beautiful option for guests with dietary needs or anyone who loves light, nutty desserts.
Get the Recipe: Italian Almond Cake Recipe
Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
For Thanksgiving cake recipes that combine caramel and apple in the best way, this upside-down cake is a winner. The spiced caramel soaks into the cake, making it rich and flavorful, while tart apples add a fresh balance. Serve it warm to wow your guests with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
Chai Cake
Chai Cake makes a cozy addition to your Thanksgiving cake recipes. Packed with warm spices and topped with brown sugar cream cheese frosting, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Perfectly moist and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for anyone craving something a little different for their holiday dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Chai Cake
Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake
Thanksgiving cake recipes get an upgrade with Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake. A spiced pumpkin base soaked in a creamy rum-infused sauce makes for a decadent dessert. Topped with fluffy whipped cream, it’s the perfect way to finish a festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tres Leches Cake
Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Add this classic to your Thanksgiving cake recipes—it’s easy, flavorful, and loved by all. Grandma’s pumpkin cake is moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s everything you want in a comforting holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Sweet Potato Cake
Sweet Potato Cake is a must-have in your Thanksgiving cake recipes. Richly spiced with a marshmallow buttercream and caramel drizzle, it’s like having all your fall favorites in one dessert. Quick to make, it’s an effortless way to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cake
Rum Bundt Cake
Rum Bundt Cake brings festive vibes to your Thanksgiving cake recipes. Its rich flavor and moist texture make it an ideal grown-up dessert for the holiday table. A splash of rum gives it that extra special touch everyone will remember.
Get the Recipe: Rum Bundt Cake
Skillet Pumpkin Dump Cake
Skillet Pumpkin Dump Cake earns a spot on any list of Thanksgiving cake recipes for its ease and flavor. Made with pantry staples and baked to golden perfection, it’s a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. Serve it warm with ice cream for a memorable treat.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Pumpkin Dump Cake
Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Cake
Thanksgiving cake recipes aren’t complete without this Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Cake. The crumbly topping pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin base. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect sweet note for your holiday celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Cake
Vegan Apple Crumb Cake with Gooey Apple Butter Filling
Add this Vegan Apple Crumb Cake to your Thanksgiving cake recipes for a plant-based option everyone will enjoy. Fluffy apple cider cake, gooey apple butter filling, and a crumbly topping make it irresistible. It’s a crowd-pleaser without the eggs or dairy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Apple Crumb Cake with Gooey Apple Butter Filling
Instant Pot Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
If you’re looking for Thanksgiving cake recipes that combine indulgence and ease, this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cheesecake is perfect. The Instant Pot creates a creamy texture, and the chocolate chips add just the right amount of sweetness. Topped with frosting, it’s irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
Apple Ginger Cake
Apple Ginger Cake is a standout for Thanksgiving cake recipes with its simple yet sophisticated flavors. Spiced gingerbread pairs perfectly with golden apples for a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. Serve it with whipped cream for a little extra charm.
Get the Recipe: Apple Ginger Cake
Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Thanksgiving cake recipes get a boost with this Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake. Coated in spiced cinnamon sugar and drizzled with maple glaze, it’s rich, moist, and full of holiday flavor. Each bite is a warm, sweet treat perfect for the season.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
Chai Spice Bundt Cake
This Chai Spice Bundt Cake is a warm, spiced addition to your Thanksgiving cake recipes. Made with sour cream for extra moisture and topped with brown butter cream cheese icing, it’s a dessert that feels festive and indulgent. Perfect with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Chai Spice Bundt Cake
Blueberry, Hazelnut & Ricotta Cake
Thanksgiving cake recipes aren’t just about pumpkin and apples—this Blueberry, Hazelnut & Ricotta Cake brings something unique. With creamy ricotta, crunchy hazelnuts, and fresh blueberries, it’s a dessert that’s both light and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry, Hazelnut & Ricotta Cake
Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel
Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel belongs on every list of Thanksgiving cake recipes. Its buttery cake and crisp streusel topping make it a hit for breakfast or dessert. Plus, it uses a full can of pumpkin for big flavor and zero waste.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel
Apple and Raisin Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce
Apple and Raisin Bundt Cake is perfect for your Thanksgiving cake recipes, offering a moist, fruit-filled base with a rich caramel sauce. The combination of sweet apples and plump raisins creates a dessert that’s simple yet sophisticated enough for any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Apple and Raisin Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce
Persimmon Winter Bundt Cake with Hard Sauce Glaze
Bring something different to your Thanksgiving cake recipes with this Persimmon Winter Bundt Cake. Full of seasonal spices and ripe persimmons, it’s a dessert that celebrates fall flavors. The hard sauce glaze adds a sweet, festive finish that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Persimmon Winter Bundt Cake with Hard Sauce Glaze
Apple Cake
This Apple Cake is a simple yet crowd-pleasing addition to Thanksgiving cake recipes. Overflowing with fresh apples and cinnamon, it’s moist and flavorful without being too heavy. Pistachios add a delightful crunch, making it the perfect autumn dessert.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cake
Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake Recipe
For classic Thanksgiving cake recipes, this Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake hits the mark. Filled with apples, nuts, and warm spices, it’s a comforting dessert that everyone will enjoy. Its nostalgic flavors make it a favorite for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake Recipe
Pecan Upside Down Cake
Pecan Upside Down Cake is a must-have for your Thanksgiving cake recipes. Combining the flavors of pecan pie with the ease of a single-layer cake, it’s buttery, moist, and perfect for a dessert table centerpiece. Each bite bursts with caramel and pecan goodness.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Upside Down Cake
Easy Sweet Potato Pound Cake Recipe
This Sweet Potato Pound Cake deserves a spot on your list of Thanksgiving cake recipes. Infused with warm spices and topped with a brown sugar glaze, it’s a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Toasty pecans add texture, making it even more special.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Pound Cake Recipe
Persimmon Pumpkin Pudding Cake
Thanksgiving cake recipes shine with this Persimmon Pumpkin Pudding Cake. Humble in appearance but bold in flavor, it blends ripe persimmons with pumpkin and spices for a dessert that’s cozy and full of holiday charm. Easy to make, it’s a great choice for busy celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Persimmon Pumpkin Pudding Cake
Blueberry Coffee Cake
Blueberry Coffee Cake is a versatile pick for Thanksgiving cake recipes. The fresh blueberries, tender cake, and sweet glaze make it a dessert that works for any part of the holiday—from brunch to after-dinner coffee. It’s simple yet packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Coffee Cake