19 Best Thanksgiving Cakes

Pumpkin Cake Roll With Cream Cheese Filling — The Spruce / Cara Cormack

We don't know how it goes at your house, but if our guests have room on their plates for every Thanksgiving dessert we're serving, then it's a sign we haven't made enough. And while Thanksgiving pies usually get the spotlight, don't forget about cakes that carry the best fall flavors. We love serving a slice of apple, pumpkin, or spice cake alongside pies, cookies, and tarts to really round out the after-dinner experience. Try one or two of these favorites to top off the big meal—you may want to save room for two pieces.

Cake Decorating Techniques & Tips

01 of 19

Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Topping

The Spruce

Bake this simple, fresh-tasting apple cake in a tube pan that will stand tall among your other dessert offerings. Pouring a hot butter and brown sugar topping over the warm cake just as it comes out of the oven gives it an extra sweetness that makes it really special.
02 of 19

Skillet Pear Upside-Down Cake

Diana Rattray

For a cake that looks as good as it tastes, try this skillet upside-down cake that makes the most of fall's fresh pears. A gooey caramelized layer complements the fruit perfectly. Use either Bosc or Anjou varietals for the best texture, since Bartlett or Comice pears get too soft when baked.
03 of 19

Pumpkin Cake Roll

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

For a dessert special enough for a big holiday, turn to this beautiful pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling. Careful not to overbake the spice-scented cake, or it won't roll properly. Individual slices freeze well, if you end up having leftovers.
04 of 19

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney

If you can't decide between pecan pie or cheesecake for your dessert tray, go for this decadent dessert that combines the two favorites. You can bake the cheesecake up to four days ahead too, for a make-ahead dessert to bring to a potluck or family get-together. It comes out rich, elegant, and delicious.

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05 of 19

Pumpkin Spice Sheet Cake

Diana Rattray

With a tender crumb and spiced pumpkin flavor, this simple sheet cake is a surprise show stealer. Browning butter for the cream cheese frosting gives it an extra nutty, complex flavor so don't skip that extra step. We like piping a little dollop on top of each square, but feel free to frost the entire cake evenly, too.
06 of 19

Carrot Cake with Pineapple

The Spruce

While not strictly a fall dessert, the warming spiced flavors in carrot cake play perfectly alongside the traditional dishes served on Thanksgiving. Crushed pineapple and coconut flakes give this recipe extra sweetness and moisture, while walnuts and raisins keep the texture interesting. Omit the nuts if anyone in your party has allergies.
07 of 19

Pumpkin Dump Cake

The Spruce Eats

When you've got a to-do list as long as both arms, this pumpkin dump cake will help you cross one off with delicious ease. Just gather your ingredients and "dump" them into the pan, no extra dishes required. It comes out soft and scoopable, and tastes great with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top.
08 of 19

Apple Cranberry Cake

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Don't relegate cranberries to the sauce dish this year! Combining in-season apples and fresh cranberries gives this easy cake a lovely autumnal taste. We've included instructions for a rich caramel sauce that makes it extra special, but you can also serve it plain or dusted with powdered sugar.

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09 of 19

Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Your guests will hover (get it?) over this hummingbird cake that gets its tender texture from pineapple and banana that will make your kitchen smell amazing as it bakes. A rich cream cheese frosting tops it all off. While it does take some time to put together, the results are definitely worth the work.
10 of 19

Spiced Honey Cake

Anita Schecter

While traditionally enjoyed as a Rosh Hashanah dessert, honey cake also works well as a Thanksgiving dessert because of its spiced flavors. This one also has a sticky ginger and cinnamon glaze that makes it taste even more special. A cup of coffee would pair perfectly alongside.
11 of 19

Honey Cinnamon Apple Cake

Anita Schecter

Use up those extra bushels from your annual apple picking expedition with this sweet and homey cake that works great with just about any variety. Bake it in a nine-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan for a different look. The batter already includes lots of fragrant cinnamon, but nutmeg and ginger would taste wonderful, too.
12 of 19

Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Pumpkin and cheesecake go together like Bert and Ernie, and this layered version adds a crunchy graham cracker crust and a double hit of pumpkin that tastes tailor-made for Thanksgiving. You don't even need a springform pan, since it bakes in a regular pie tin. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and some caramel or butterscotch sauce before serving.

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13 of 19

Snickerdoodle Cake

The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

Turn the classic cookie into a stunning Snickerdoodle cake with pretty marshmallow filling. The buttery cinnamon cake just screams autumn. To make it look extra special, use a culinary torch to toast the edges of the filling before serving, then make sure your guests have their phones ready for the 'gram.
14 of 19

Banana Pudding Cake

Kristina Vanni

You probably already know all about the wonders of banana pudding, but the cake version also makes a perfect comforting Thanksgiving dessert. With a moist banana cake base, vanilla pudding and sliced bananas in the middle, and whipped cream with a sprinkle of Nilla wafers on top, it has all of the classic elements in deliciously slice-able form.
15 of 19

Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Photo Credit: Diana Rattray

This sweet potato cake has all of the moist sweetness of the traditional Southern pie, but baked in a loaf pan and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Add some toasted pecans and flaked coconut on top for extra flare that makes it really holiday-worthy. Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
16 of 19

Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Icing

Apple Bundt Cake With Caramel Glaze. Diana Rattray

Something about a bundt cake just feels special, even though they're even easier than a layered confection. This version comes chock full of chopped apples, pecans, or walnuts, and drizzled with a sticky caramel icing. Sprinkle on some extra chopped nuts or some toasted flaked coconut after drizzling for a pretty topping.

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17 of 19

Caribbean Black Cake

The Spruce

Sometimes called wedding cake, great cake, or Christmas cake, this traditional Caribbean dessert gets its intoxicating flavor from aged rum-soaked dried fruit. The flavors in the fruit develop as they soak at least overnight, so plan ahead. Start with this recipe as a base, then add your favorite fruits, spices, or other tweaks to make it your own.
18 of 19

Pumpkin Cake with Broiled Coconut Topping

Diana Rattray

Start with a yellow cake mix for this easy pumpkin cake that adds a broiled coconut topping to make it taste fancy. You will love how complex-tasting it turns out, when you add pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, and flaked coconut to the basic mix ingredients.
19 of 19

Salted Caramel Cheesecake

Elaine Lemm

Your guests' eyes will widen when you bring out this stunning salted caramel popcorn cheesecake. Adding yogurt to the filling keeps it from getting tooth-achingly sweet, while Maldon salt in the sauce and the base add a pleasant tingle. The popcorn will start to go soft after the first day, but we bet your guests will polish it right off.

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