36 Delicious Thanksgiving Cake Ideas

Introduction

Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and sharing decadent food. After the classic turkey feast, nothing brings family and friends together like a stunning cake centerpiece. These 36 delicious Thanksgiving cake ideas offer a mix of warm fall flavors, creative designs, and crowd-pleasing options for every baker. Whether you prefer simple spice cakes, elegant layer cakes, or show-stopping cheesecakes, this list will help you find a dessert everyone will be grateful for.

Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Cake Ideas

These cakes celebrate the best of the season—think pumpkin, apple, cranberry, pecan, and rich spices—making them irresistible after a holiday meal. The variety ensures you can match your guests’ tastes and your baking skill level, with recipes ranging from easy one-bowl bakes to festive, decorated masterpieces that double as table decor.

Inspirations for Showstopping Thanksgiving Cakes

Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a cozy Friendsgiving, a homemade cake offers the perfect finishing touch. Besides classic pies, a beautiful cake lets you showcase your creativity and delight guests with unexpected flavors—plus, cakes are easy to slice and serve to a crowd!

36 Delicious Thanksgiving Cake Ideas (with Flavors and Toppings)

1. Pumpkin Spice Layer Cake – Classic pumpkin flavor with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
2. Apple Cider Doughnut Cake – Warm spices and apple cider glaze for nostalgia in every bite.
3. Maple Pecan Bundt Cake – Maple syrup-sweetened cake with crunchy pecan topping.
4. Cranberry Orange Pound Cake – Tart cranberries and vibrant orange zest in a rich, buttery crumb.
5. Sweet Potato Cake – Moist and lightly spiced with marshmallow or brown butter frosting.
6. Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake – Slices of caramel-drenched apples layered on top.
7. Gingerbread Cake – Fragrant with molasses, ginger, and nutmeg, topped with spiced whipped cream.
8. Brown Butter Walnut Cake – Deep, nutty flavor with a silky maple glaze.
9. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake – Chocolate chips add a decadent twist to pumpkin cake.
10. Praline Cheesecake – Creamy cheesecake swirled with pecan praline sauce.
11. Salted Caramel Layer Cake – Fluffy layers and gooey caramel between each tier.
12. S’mores Harvest Cake – Chocolate cake with toasted marshmallow filling and graham cracker crust.
13. Spiced Chai Cake – Fragrant with cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger, finished with chai glaze.
14. Pear and Almond Cake – Poached pears with almond meal for a rustic, elegant finish.
15. Cranberry Walnut Coffee Cake – Perfect for after dinner or next-morning leftovers.
16. Hazelnut Chocolate Torte – Rich, nutty layers covered in ganache.
17. Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, bite-sized indulgence.
18. Orange Spice Olive Oil Cake – Fruity, moist, and subtly spiced.
19. Eggnog Bundt Cake – Infused with holiday eggnog and nutmeg.
20. Pecan Pie Sheet Cake – Cake version of the classic pie, feeding a crowd.
21. Carrot Cake with Ginger Cream Cheese Frosting – Classic, but made extra special for the holidays.
22. Molasses Spice Cake – For a deep, warming flavor.
23. Chocolate Bourbon Cake – Grown-up twist with bourbon glaze.
24. Pumpkin Roll Cake – Rolled with tangy cream cheese filling.
25. Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake – Soft crumb and spiced swirl make this a cozy favorite.
26. Mini Apple Bundt Cakes – Perfect for individual servings.
27. Caramel Popcorn Cake – Playful and great for kids, with caramel popcorn topping.
28. Cranberry Upside-Down Cake – Glazed cranberries for a tart finish.
29. Pistachio and Honey Cake – Elegant pistachio flavor meets sweet honey icing.
30. Brown Sugar Pound Cake – Rich with brown sugar and butter.
31. Coconut-Pecan Texas Sheet Cake – Feeds a crowd with southern flair.
32. Squash and Sage Olive Oil Cake – Unique, savory-sweet option.
33. Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake – Topped with buttery cinnamon crumbs.
34. Chocolate Pumpkin Marble Cake – Swirled for a stunning cut.
35. Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust – Silky, spiced, and topped with whipped cream.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section. That means no more forgotten items and faster Thanksgiving grocery trips—perfect for busy hosts!

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine sugars, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and milk. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide batter between the pans. Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
7. For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until fluffy.
8. Frost the completely cooled cakes. Decorate with a dusting of cinnamon or festive candied pecans if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

Planning desserts ahead of time is a must for a stress-free Thanksgiving. Save and schedule your cake recipes to your weekly meal plan to generate one smart shopping list that covers all your baking needs—including shared ingredients across recipes and accurate quantities.

Benefits for holiday meal planning:

• Automatically totals ingredient amounts if making more than one cake.
• Organizes ingredients by grocery store section for faster, easier shopping.
• Reduces duplicate purchases and last-minute trips for forgotten items.
• Helps you prep multiple desserts efficiently, so you can focus on what matters—celebrating with loved ones!

Pro Tip: When planning your Thanksgiving menu, schedule all your recipes (cakes, main courses, sides, and more) in CookifyAI for a fully streamlined cooking and shopping experience.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 25–28 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including cooling and frosting time)

Conclusion: Make Thanksgiving Sweeter with the Perfect Cake

From classic flavors like pumpkin and apple to creative twists with spices, nuts, and fruits, these 36 Thanksgiving cake ideas promise a sweet end to your feast. Choose your favorite, plan ahead for an effortless holiday, and enjoy a delicious homemade dessert that’s sure to become a new tradition. Happy baking!