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Thanksgiving’s all about family, gratitude, and—let’s be honest—great food. Sure, pies are a classic, but I think a creative cake can really shake up the dessert table. Cakes bring all sorts of flavors and styles that just fit the festive mood.
Here are 17 creative Thanksgiving cake ideas I pulled together to help you find something sweet for your celebration.
Whether you want easy or showy, these cakes can bring some new flavors and a bit of fun to your holiday spread.
1. Pumpkin Patch Cake with Mini Buttercream Pumpkins
I like the Pumpkin Patch Cake for its simple, charming look. Mini buttercream pumpkins really make it pop, and the orange frosting with green vines just screams fall.
2. Apple Spice Layer Cake with Cinnamon Frosting
This apple spice cake uses fresh apples and warm spices, which I love. The layers turn out moist and soft—kind of perfect for Thanksgiving. Cinnamon frosting ties it all together with a flavor that’s just right with the apple.
3. Chocolate Pecan Bundt Cake
Chocolate and pecans together? Yes, please. The Chocolate Pecan Bundt Cake brings rich chocolate and crunchy pecans for a dessert that’s moist, easy to slice, and honestly not fussy to make.
4. Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake
This cake really nails Thanksgiving flavor with its cinnamon-spiced base and caramelized apples. The buttery caramel on top is both simple and a little bit special.
It’s quick to make, and flipping it out of the pan always feels impressive. Warm slices with ice cream? That’s a win.
5. Maple Walnut Coffee Cake
Maple Walnut Coffee Cake is one of those simple, moist cakes I keep coming back to. Maple syrup and crunchy walnuts just work for fall. You can serve it for breakfast or dessert—no one’s complaining.
6. Cranberry Orange Drizzle Cake
Cranberry orange drizzle cake hits that sweet-tart spot. Fresh cranberries give it a nice tang, orange zest brightens things up, and the drizzle keeps it moist with a subtle sweetness.
7. Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Cake
Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Cake brings soft pumpkin cake and creamy cheesecake together. That mix gives it a smooth texture and a flavor that’s just right. Starting from a box mix keeps things easy, too.
8. Salted Caramel Pumpkin Roll
I keep making salted caramel pumpkin rolls for Thanksgiving. The pumpkin cake rolls up around a cream cheese filling, and the salted caramel drizzle balances out the sweetness. It’s simple but always a hit.
9. Spiced Chai Layer Cake
This cake blends warm chai spices into a moist crumb. Cinnamon cream cheese frosting between the layers gives it a rich, smooth taste. It’s a solid choice for fall flavors.
10. Sweet Potato Pound Cake
Sweet potato pound cake wins me over with its moist texture and gentle spices. Creamy sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and nutmeg come together for a cozy dessert.
Top it with glaze or butter sauce, and it’ll fit right in on the Thanksgiving table. It’s not hard to make, either.
11. Toasted Pecan and Brown Sugar Cake
This cake has a rich flavor, thanks to toasted pecans and brown sugar. The crunch and deep sweetness are just enough.
Butter and buttermilk keep it moist. If you’re tired of pumpkin or apple, this is a good way to mix things up.
12. Gingerbread Bundt with Cream Cheese Glaze
I love the warm spices—ginger and cinnamon—in this bundt cake. Cream cheese glaze brings a smooth, tangy finish.
It stays moist and holds together nicely for a holiday crowd.
13. Double-Decker Candy Corn Cake
Double-decker candy corn cake is just plain fun. Vanilla cake layers, marshmallow buttercream, and those bright candy corn colors make it stand out.
It’s a playful addition to the Thanksgiving spread.
14. Vanilla Bean and Pumpkin Layer Cake
This cake balances smooth vanilla bean with spiced pumpkin layers. The creamy, light frosting adds just enough sweetness. I think it’s a great way to bring classic fall flavors to the table.
15. Rustic Apple Cider Cake
Rustic Apple Cider Cake just feels right for fall. Mild spice, apple flavor, and a moist crumb make it a cozy pick for Thanksgiving. It’s unfussy, and that’s what I like about it.
16. Brown Butter and Maple Pecan Cake
This cake is all about simple, warm flavors. Brown butter gives it a nutty edge, maple adds just enough sweetness, and toasted pecans on top bring the crunch. It really feels like fall in cake form.
17. Pear and Cinnamon Upside-Down Cake
Honestly, I reach for a pear and cinnamon upside-down cake at Thanksgiving because it’s straightforward and packed with flavor. Juicy pears caramelize with those warm spices and leave a soft, moist cake underneath. It’s a nice break from the usual holiday desserts, if you ask me.
