Thanksgiving is not just about turkey and pies—it’s also about sweet endings that make everyone smile. Cakes are a wonderful addition to your holiday table, bringing warmth, color, and delicious flavors of fall.
From pumpkin and apple to chocolate and pecan, Thanksgiving cakes add creativity to your dessert spread. Whether you love baking from scratch or prefer simple recipes, these cakes are sure to impress guests.
Each one captures the cozy spirit of the season with rich flavors and festive decorations. So, get ready to mix, bake, and decorate—these Thanksgiving cake ideas will help you end your feast on a delightful note.
Let’s explore 27 amazing cakes that combine traditional ingredients with creative twists for the perfect holiday treat.
1. Pumpkin Spice Cake
A classic Thanksgiving favorite, pumpkin spice cake brings cozy fall flavors to your table. Made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this cake is moist and fragrant.
Top it with cream cheese frosting for a rich, tangy finish. Perfect for anyone who loves traditional Thanksgiving desserts with a comforting homemade touch.
2. Apple Cider Bundt Cake
Filled with the warm essence of apple cider, this bundt cake is soft, spiced, and full of fall charm. The glaze adds sweetness and shine, making it a showstopper on any dessert table.
Each bite captures the taste of autumn apples and cinnamon, making it perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
3. Pecan Praline Cake
This Southern-inspired pecan praline cake is rich, nutty, and perfectly sweet. Layers of buttery cake are filled with caramel and chopped pecans, creating a delicious crunch.
Topped with a glossy praline glaze, it’s an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with coffee after your Thanksgiving dinner.
4. Maple Walnut Cake
A lovely balance of sweetness and texture, maple walnut cake combines rich maple syrup with crunchy nuts.
Its buttery layers are light and flavorful, and the maple frosting adds a warm touch. This cake is ideal for anyone who wants something cozy and elegant for Thanksgiving.
5. Cranberry Orange Cake
Bright and flavorful, cranberry orange cake offers a tangy twist to the traditional Thanksgiving dessert lineup.
The tart cranberries and citrusy orange zest create a refreshing flavor combination. Glazed with orange icing, it’s both festive and light, perfect for ending a hearty meal.
6. Sweet Potato Cake
A sweet potato cake is moist, rich, and filled with comforting fall spices. It tastes similar to carrot cake but with a deeper, earthier sweetness.
Cream cheese frosting enhances its flavor, while chopped pecans on top add crunch. It’s a delicious, unique twist for Thanksgiving.
7. Caramel Apple Cake
Caramel apple cake blends soft apple chunks and buttery caramel for a nostalgic, cozy flavor. The layers are fluffy yet moist, and the drizzle of caramel sauce makes it irresistible.
This dessert feels like eating a caramel apple in cake form—perfect for fall celebrations.
8. Brown Butter Pecan Cake
Brown butter adds a nutty aroma to this soft and flavorful pecan cake. Frosted with brown butter cream cheese icing, it’s rich yet perfectly balanced.
The pecans provide crunch, while the butter enhances the flavor beautifully. A must-try for a classic yet luxurious Thanksgiving dessert.
9. Pumpkin Roll Cake
This festive pumpkin roll features a spiced sponge cake wrapped around a creamy filling. It looks elegant when sliced and tastes even better.
The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and smooth cream cheese is irresistible. It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for Thanksgiving dinner.
10. Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
Chocolate lovers will adore this twist on tradition. The chocolate pumpkin cake blends cocoa and pumpkin puree for a moist, rich flavor.
The frosting—whether chocolate ganache or cream cheese—adds a decadent finish. It’s the best way to mix classic Thanksgiving and chocolate indulgence.
11. Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Soft, crumbly, and perfectly spiced, cinnamon coffee cake is ideal for a relaxed Thanksgiving morning or after-dinner treat.
The buttery crumb topping melts in your mouth, while the cinnamon swirl adds warmth. Serve it with coffee or tea for cozy holiday comfort.
12. Pumpkin Cheesecake Layer Cake
This dessert combines two favorites—pumpkin cake and cheesecake. Each layer is creamy, moist, and filled with seasonal spice.
The smooth frosting ties it all together, making it a showstopper. Perfect for guests who can’t decide between cake and cheesecake!
13. Apple Crumb Cake
With tender apple slices and a buttery crumble topping, this apple crumb cake delivers pure fall flavor. The cinnamon streusel adds texture and sweetness, while a dusting of powdered sugar completes the look. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving brunch or dessert.
14. Maple Pumpkin Cake
This cake celebrates the best of fall—pumpkin and maple syrup. Soft layers filled with maple frosting make it sweet yet balanced.
The flavor combination feels festive and comforting, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast.
15. Chai Spice Cake
For something different, chai spice cake brings cozy flavors of cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The aroma alone feels like fall.
Topped with vanilla or honey frosting, this cake adds warmth and sophistication to your dessert table.
16. Gingerbread Layer Cake
Bring the taste of the holidays early with gingerbread cake. Rich molasses, ginger, and cinnamon create a comforting flavor.
Cream cheese frosting adds a creamy contrast. It’s a cozy, festive choice for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
17. Pumpkin Carrot Cake
This cake combines the sweetness of pumpkin and the texture of carrots. It’s moist, flavorful, and loaded with spices.
Topped with cream cheese frosting and crushed walnuts, it’s a heartwarming dessert perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration.
18. Salted Caramel Cake
If you love sweet and salty desserts, this salted caramel cake will win your heart. Soft layers are filled with buttery caramel frosting, topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce and sea salt flakes. It’s elegant and delicious for holiday entertaining.
19. Brown Sugar Cake
A simple yet flavorful dessert, brown sugar cake is light, moist, and full of caramel-like sweetness. The frosting adds richness, while the sugar enhances the warm taste of fall. This cake pairs beautifully with any Thanksgiving spread.
20. Pumpkin Pecan Crunch Cake
This dessert combines pumpkin, nuts, and spice into a soft yet crunchy treat. The layers are moist and topped with buttery streusel and pecans. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for those who love texture in their desserts.
21. Apple Cinnamon Cake
This apple cinnamon cake is simple, soft, and full of cozy fall flavor. Chunks of apple baked in spiced batter create a naturally sweet aroma. A light glaze or cream cheese frosting makes it even better. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
22. Butter Pecan Cake
This southern-inspired dessert is rich and buttery, filled with toasted pecans for extra crunch. The brown sugar frosting gives it a deep, caramel-like sweetness. It’s an elegant yet homey choice for your Thanksgiving celebration.
23. Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Pumpkin bundt cake is moist, beautifully shaped, and easy to serve. The glaze adds a lovely shine, while the spices make every bite taste like fall. It’s a simple yet festive cake that’s always a crowd-pleaser during Thanksgiving.
24. Carrot Walnut Cake
Carrot walnut cake brings together tender carrots, crunchy nuts, and a touch of cinnamon. The cream cheese frosting ties it all together with creamy sweetness. It’s a wholesome, classic dessert that fits perfectly into your Thanksgiving menu.
25. Spice Layer Cake
Spice cake is a timeless fall favorite, made with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It’s soft, flavorful, and pairs wonderfully with cream cheese frosting. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful finish that suits any Thanksgiving table.
26. Pumpkin Mousse Cake
Light, creamy, and full of pumpkin flavor, this mousse cake is a refreshing twist. Layers of pumpkin mousse and soft sponge make it elegant and airy. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert that feels indulgent yet not heavy.
27. Cranberry Vanilla Cake
Cranberry vanilla cake offers a balance of tart and sweet flavors. The soft vanilla base complements the bright cranberries beautifully.
Frost it with vanilla buttercream for a festive, cheerful dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving cakes are the perfect way to end your feast with sweetness and style. From pumpkin and apple to maple and pecan, these 27 cakes celebrate the warmth of the season. Each recipe brings comfort and creativity to your table, making your celebration even more memorable. Choose your favorite, bake with love, and enjoy every delicious bite with your loved ones.
