Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. While traditional dishes like turkey and mashed potatoes are staples of the holiday, many people are looking for new and exciting ways to celebrate. One great way to mix things up is with a Thanksgiving cake. Whether you're looking for a classic dessert or something a little more unique, there are countless ways to make a delicious Thanksgiving cake. In this article, we'll explore five delicious ways to make Thanksgiving cakes that are sure to impress your guests.
1. Pumpkin Spice Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
There's no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than with a cake that incorporates some of the season's favorite flavors. This pumpkin spice cake with maple cream cheese frosting is the perfect dessert for the holiday. The cake is made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. The maple cream cheese frosting adds a tangy and sweet element to the cake, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious Thanksgiving dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
- Stir in chopped walnuts, if using.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Key Points
- Use high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Maple cream cheese frosting is a game-changer for this cake.
- Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- This cake is perfect for a Thanksgiving dinner party.
2. Apple Cider Cake with Caramel Glaze
Apple cider is a staple of the fall season, and it pairs perfectly with the warm spices of a cake. This apple cider cake with caramel glaze is a delicious and unique way to celebrate Thanksgiving. The cake is made with apple cider, flour, sugar, and spices, giving it a moist and flavorful texture. The caramel glaze adds a sweet and sticky element to the cake, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious fall dessert.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Apple cider | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1/2 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and spices. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Beat in apple cider and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, beating until just combined. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Cranberry Orange Cake with White Chocolate Frosting
Cranberries and orange are a classic combination that's perfect for the fall season. This cranberry orange cake with white chocolate frosting is a delicious and unique way to celebrate Thanksgiving. The cake is made with cranberries, orange zest, and flour, giving it a moist and flavorful texture. The white chocolate frosting adds a sweet and creamy element to the cake, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious holiday dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and eggs until light and fluffy.
- Beat in cranberries and orange zest.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Pecan Pie Cake with Bourbon Glaze
Pecan pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert, but it can be a bit tricky to make. This pecan pie cake with bourbon glaze is a delicious and unique way to celebrate the holiday. The cake is made with pecans, flour, sugar, and spices, giving it a moist and flavorful texture. The bourbon glaze adds a rich and indulgent element to the cake, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious Thanksgiving dessert.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Pecans | 1 cup |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1/2 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and spices. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Beat in pecans and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, beating until just combined. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Maple Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Maple and walnut are a classic combination that's perfect for the fall season. This maple walnut cake with cream cheese frosting is a delicious and unique way to celebrate Thanksgiving. The cake is made with maple syrup, walnuts, and flour, giving it a moist and flavorful texture. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy and sweet element to the cake, making it a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious holiday dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and eggs until light and fluffy.
- Beat in maple syrup and walnuts.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
What are some tips for making a moist and flavorful cake?
+To make a moist and flavorful cake, try using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh fruit and real vanilla extract. Also, don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Finally, make sure to not overbake the cake, as this can cause it to dry out.
Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
+Yes, you can make these cakes ahead of time. Simply bake the cakes, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cakes for up to 2 months and thaw them when you're ready to serve.
How do I store leftover cake?
+To store leftover cake, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Can I customize these cakes for a special dietary need?
+Yes, you can customize these cakes for a special dietary need. For example, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free cake. You can also use dairy-free milk and vegan butter to make a dairy-free and vegan cake.
These five delicious ways to make Thanksgiving cakes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for a classic dessert or something a little more unique, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get baking, and make this Thanksgiving one to remember!