35 Best And Tasty Thanksgiving Cake Recipes

If you are on the lookout for Thanksgiving cake ideas, then you have most certainly come to the right place. 

While a pie is always a delicious go-to, there is nothing wrong with venturing out and trying something new on this special day.

Plus, there are many cake ideas to try that will amaze your family – with moist sponge and delightful decoration, they will not be able to resist an extra slice. 

So while you might reserve cakes usually for the likes of Christmas and Halloween, why not take a look at these 35 of the best and tasty thanksgiving cake recipes. You might just be surprised!

1. Turkey Cake

We thought we would start off this recipe list by putting this wonderful and eye-catching turkey cake at number 1. 

While the recipe itself is easy to do, you might find decorating it the most difficult part. However, you do not need to be an expert in cake decorating to put together a turkey on top of a cake.

2. Turkey Cupcakes

If you want a bit of fun added to your Thanksgiving Day meal, you will absolutely love these cute cupcakes. 

It does include trying to make a turkey out of candy, but the cupcake itself is very delicious too. 

And if you love chocolate, then you are going to find the sponge and frosting of this cupcake super delicious.

3. Pumpkin Roll

Of course pumpkin is the traditional flavor of Thanksgiving, so why do it any other way? Well, there are plenty of reasons – you just have to look at the rest of these recipes.

This spongy roll is both spicy and sweet, yet there is a hint of tang from the cream cheese frosting. 

The fun part however is rolling the sponge.

4. Cookies ‘N’ Cream Ice Cream Pie

For something fun, you cannot go wrong with this cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream pie. It includes an oreo base along with cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream.

There is no doubt that this will become a firm favorite every year, with both children and adults alike.

Just remember to add as much hot fudge sauce as you would like.

5. Pumpkin Pie Magic Cake

Of course we were going to have a pumpkin pie inspired cake on this list – it is Thanksgiving after all.

It only takes five ingredients to make, especially because you can take the shortcut by using a pumpkin pie premade mix.

Then all you need to do is add eggs and some butter, and then top it off with the vanilla flavored frosting.

6. Pumpkin Stuffed With Cheesecake

There is a high chance that your family has never had a cheesecake stuffed pumpkin before. 

It basically consists of scraping out the contents of a medium sized to small pumpkin, and replacing the inside with cheesecake filling.

Not exactly rocket science, but it is inventive, tasty, and fun. It will also look impressive when you place the pumpkin onto the table.

7. Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a firm favorite with many, and guess what? It does actually include carrots. 

It is also perfect for Thanksgiving Day and the fall season because it includes ground cinnamon. The sponge is also very light and moist.

Add the cream cheese frosting for a contrasting flavor. Or if you would prefer, make it without the frosting for a deeper flavor.

8. Coconut Angel Cake

For something light, sweet and airy, this coconut angel cake recipe is it. The cake looks celebratory and perfect for the Thanksgiving season.

Plus, it is covered in toasted flaked coconut which adds some crunch and extra flavor. 

9. Peanut Butter And Chocolate Cake

This peanut butter and chocolate cake uses a bundt mold to produce such a stunning look. However, it is also what is inside (and on top) of the cake that counts.

This rich chocolate cake includes a peanut butter flavored filling, as well as a peanut butter topping.

Word of warning though, it is super sweet.

10. Apple Nut Cake

For a dense and sweet Thanksgiving cake, this apple nut cake recipe is a must. Each cut with a knife produces a crumbly slice that is full of apple and pecans.

It is an easy cake to put together too, though you might want the special mold to make it look like a showstopper in the middle of the table.

11. Pumpkin Poke Cake

This pumpkin poke cake is a delight to make. Not only is it easy, but it tastes moreish and incredible. 

It is moist, fluffy, and soft and includes a crunch due to it having Skor or Heath candy bar bits as the topping.

It has spicy pumpkin flavors which are perfect for this time of year. 

12. Almond And Cranberry Cake

This cake has a Christmas feel to it, but don’t let this be the reason you do not bake it for Thanksgiving Day – after all, they are both quite close, right?

Now that is out of the way, it is time to appreciate this gorgeous tasting cake. It is buttery, yet has a hint of tang from the cranberry and the sweet nutty flavor of almonds. 

13. Cinnamon Apple Cake

Apple and cinnamon is an obvious delicious flavor combination. It also makes the perfect ingredients for a Thanksgiving Day inspired cake – as well as it having all the elements of fall.

This cake in particular is comforting and full of sweet and spicy flavors. The apple slices on top add a tart (soft) crunch that works well with the nutmeg and cinnamon.

The cake itself serves 10 people too, so there may be options for seconds.

14. Vegan Chai, Orange And Cardamom Cake

For a cake that is inspired by fall yet is completely vegan too, then this chai, orange and cardamom cake is a must. 

Vegan cakes can often be tasteless, but this one is far from it. The maple syrup adds some sweetness which also calms down the zest of the orange.

The cardamom creates the perfect heat too!

15. Orange Juice And Cornmeal Cake

Admittedly, this one does not sound the nicest, but you will change your mind once you taste it. 

The cake itself has some crispy edges to it, and it is quite crumbly. However, this is what makes it so wonderful.

The orange zest and juice adds its own delicious element to the cake too. While a little gritty, you will enjoy this new cake texture.

16. Coconut Cream Poke Cake

For those who can’t get enough of coconut, this cake is for you. It includes a desiccated coconut topping with a moist and spongy cake. 

It is also really creamy and very soft, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. It is also really easy to make, however there is a waiting time of 4 hours for it to set in the fridge.

Trust us, that is the hardest part!

17. Pumpkin Flavored Bundt Cake

A bundt cake will become your new favorite cake shape. Out with the old full circled cake shape and in with the circle with a hole in the middle cake.

However, a bundt cake is a little more than just its shape. The cake is often a little more dense. This pumpkin flavored cake includes a spicy pumpkin flavored topping too.

18. Snickerdoodle Coffee Flavored Cake

This cake screams both fall and coffee takeout. While it doesn’t include your regular Starbucks order, it does include a cinnamon swirl and a light sponge.

It also tastes very similar to snickerdoodle cookies. So if you are a fan, then you will need to make this cake for your loved ones.

It is also delicious to dunk a slice in your hot coffee. 

19. Butter Cake

This butter cake is something you can make for a variety of reasons. For example, you can whip it up as a quick cake for a party, or have everyone enjoy it at Thanksgiving.

It may also remind you of your childhood, because there is a high chance your grandma made it for you.

It consists of a buttery sponge, chocolate frosting and sprinkles.

20. Chocolate And Almond Acorn Cupcakes

The trickiest part about these cakes is getting them to look good, but trust us, the flavor is all there no matter what.

The cupcake has a chocolatey flavor along with the creaminess of almond nuts. You will also add Hershey’s Kisses too, along with some wafers and chocolate chips.

What they don’t include is acorns!

21. Two Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

Another alternative to the humble pie is a delicious cheesecake. It is perfect to be eaten during the holiday festivities, and tastes absolutely wonderful.

The graham cracker crust is crunchy next to the softer layers of cream cheese and pumpkin. There will also be a hint of spice with the help of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Adding some cream is optional but worth it.

22. Toffee Poke Cake

This toffee poke cake is both a dream to make and eat. It is full of moist sponge that is drenched in sweetness.

The toffee is sticky and the chocolate is rich. The whipped cream adds a lightness to the cake, but also extra sweetness.

Everyone will love to dig into this delight around the table on Thanksgiving Day.

23. Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake

This pumpkin upside-down cake is an interesting take on this style of cake. While the topping doesn’t look as attractive as the pineapple version, it does taste amazing.

It includes everything you would want at this time of year: pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

The topping also has a crunchiness to it thanks to the chopped pecan nuts.

24. Hershey’s Chocolate Cake

While chocolate has nothing to do with pumpkin pie, this Hershey chocolate cake is a must at this time of year. 

The majority of people love chocolate, and this cake is an absolute delight to eat. It is moist and moreish. Don’t be surprised if people want a second slice.

Because it is indulgent, it makes it the perfect cake to have during the festive season.

25. Fall Spice Cake

This fall spice cake is an absolute dream to eat. It is similar to a spice cake, but way better. 

The spices include nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and allspice which should remind you of the traditional pumpkin pies at this time of year.

The sweetness goes hand-in-hand with the spice, and the cream cheese frosting adds some much needed tang to finish off.

26. Cherry Almond Cake

This delicious cherry almond cake is another bundt style cake that is both sweet and tart – but mainly sweet.

The sponge itself is quite fluffy, and it is unsurprisingly moist too. It includes maraschino cherry juice along with real sweet cherries – but not the fresh kind.

The almond adds its own special flavor to this wonderful cake. The red makes it appear festive too.

27. Gingerbread Cake

When this cake is baking in your kitchen, the smell will delight your senses. Fortunately, it tastes just as good too.

It is full of sugar and spices that will remind you of the happy times during Thanksgiving Day and beyond. 

The added cream helps to bring down some of that sweetness, so have no fear, it is not too sweet.

28. Cranberry Upside Down Cake

What you may realize is that there are so many variations on the upside down cake. This one in particular has both sweet and tart flavors that are sure to wow your family.

Due to the colors and flavor, it is both perfect for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, making this an ideal cake for this time of year.

29. Lemon Sour Cream Cake

While this cake will look extra difficult to make – which will only wow your friends and family – it is actually very simple to do.

It has a zesty taste along with the sweet sponge. It also doesn’t take very long to do either, so you will have made it within an hour.

30. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

With its shiny surface and sweet taste, how can you resist such a masterpiece? 

Okay, so it does not exactly look like a typical kind of Thanksgiving dessert, but instead it is one that goes well with whatever occasion is happening at the time.

Not only will it taste wonderful, but it will look great on the table too. Prepare to wow your friends and family with this delightful dessert.

31. Caramel And Apple Poke Cake

This recipe is easy to make because you begin by using a premade cake mix. The fun comes in when you need to add the spice for the apple pie section and some vanilla flavor.

This complements the whipped cream topping alongside the caramel flavored sauce. It is warming and perfect for Thanksgiving Day.

32. Applesauce Cake

Applesauce cake is an old-time favorite that you likely had growing up. With hints of both cinnamon spice and nostalgia, this cake is sure to go down a treat with family and friends.

It has a dense packed filling which pairs nicely with a hot beverage. It also includes allspice, clove and some unsweetened applesauce.

Add some chopped walnuts for a crunchy topping.

33. Sweet Potato Cake

If you love a slice of sweet potato pie, then you are going to love sweet potato cake. It is a much fluffier version, but just as delicious.

It has a spiciness to it along with crunchy nuts and tangy cream cheese. It is also very simple to make, and will be a perfect cake for Thanksgiving. 

34. Pear Upside-Down Cake

If you are looking for another version of the upside-down cake which does not include pineapple, then pear is another option.

Pears are less sweet, yet still offer a sweet tasting bite with every mouthful. You will find that you have to make this one from the very beginning, as there are no cake mixes available.

Don’t let this put you off though, because it is an easy cake to make.

35. Hot Chocolate Pumpkin Inspired Cake

What two things do we all enjoy during the fall season? Pumpkin pie and hot chocolate. This is the inspiration behind this cake which makes it perfect for Thanksgiving Day.

Not only that, it looks great too, though you will need a special mold to copy the exact shape of the cake. No worries though, as you can just use a regular cake tin if preferred.

Are there any cupcake recipes in the 35 Best And Tasty Thanksgiving Cake Recipes that I can try for Thanksgiving?

Yes, the 35 Best And Tasty Thanksgiving Cake Recipes also includes a variety of tasty thanksgiving cupcake recipes ideas. These recipes offer creative and delectable options for those looking to add a touch of sweetness to their Thanksgiving celebration. Experimenting with these delicious cupcake recipes can surely elevate your holiday dessert spread.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have seen all 35 of these wonderful Thanksgiving cake ideas, which ones are you going to try for the day to share with family and friends?

You can take inspiration from the fall by using pumpkin and cinnamon, or opt for something like pineapple and carrot which is suitable for any occasion.

No matter what you decide to go with, there is no doubt that it will taste absolutely delicious, especially when sharing it during such a cozy time of the year.

Oh, and we’re sure that your family will be thankful for every slice too!

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