Beyond Pie: Thanksgiving Cake Recipes

Welcome to the ultimate guide for delightful and **Easy Thanksgiving Cake Recipes** that are guaranteed to be a highlight of your holiday feast. As families gather to give thanks, a spectacular dessert is the perfect grand finale. Forget complicated bakes that eat up precious time; our curated collection features 42 simple yet utterly irresistible cake ideas, each brimming with the comforting flavors of fall. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these straightforward recipes ensure everyone can enjoy a slice of homemade deliciousness.

Prepare to explore an exceptional assortment of Thanksgiving cake recipes designed for ease and enjoyment. Every single recipe on this list is simple to execute, demanding minimal time and effort. You won’t encounter exotic ingredients or complex techniques, making holiday baking genuinely stress-free. Our selection extends beyond traditional cakes, incorporating beloved pies and other festive treats, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate this Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to check out our other holiday guides, including these Gluten Free Thanksgiving Pies, enticing Thanksgiving Apple Desserts, and a comprehensive list of 89 Thanksgiving Cheesecake Recipes.

**Why These Thanksgiving Cake Recipes Are Must-Try Delights**

Each dessert in this collection is a true culinary treasure, promising to tantalize taste buds and leave everyone craving more. The most challenging part won’t be baking, but rather choosing which one to prepare first! These recipes are thoughtfully selected for their incredible flavor profiles and remarkable simplicity, making them perfect additions to your Thanksgiving dessert table. They embody the spirit of the season with their rich fall spices and comforting textures, all while ensuring your holiday baking remains joyful and stress-free.

1. **Pumpkin Cake**

Embrace the essence of autumn with this truly delightful sheet cake, generously infused with rich pumpkin flavor. Crowned with a decadent, sweet glaze, this dessert offers an exquisite balance of spice and sweetness, making it an absolute must-have for your Thanksgiving celebration. Its moist texture and aromatic appeal will surely earn it a permanent spot in your holiday baking repertoire.

2. **Pumpkin Pie Cake**

Experience the best of both worlds with this incredible pumpkin pie cake, offering the creamy texture of pie and the comforting warmth of cake. The luscious topping, often adorned with crunchy nuts, beautifully complements the rich pumpkin filling, creating an unforgettable Thanksgiving dessert. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will surely impress your holiday guests.

3. **Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe**

For a truly effortless yet incredibly indulgent dessert, look no further than this chocolate dump cake. Simply toss a few ingredients into a pan, bake, and enjoy a rich, decadent chocolate creation that’s overflowing with cocoa goodness. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch it disappear in minutes.

4. **Pumpkin Dump Cake**

Showcasing bountiful pumpkin flavor, this dump cake is incredibly easy to prepare, proving that anyone can create a delicious holiday dessert. Its simplicity makes it perfect for when you need a festive treat without the fuss, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones. This cake embodies autumn’s warmth in every single bite.

5. **Caramel Apple Dump Cake**

Requiring only four ingredients, this Caramel Apple Cake is a divine and effortless dessert, perfect for any occasion. It combines the comforting flavors of sweet caramel and crisp apples into a single, mouthwatering dish. Serve it warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, for the ultimate autumn treat.

6. **Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake**

Indulge in this heavenly cinnamon cake, generously frosted with a rich cream cheese icing. If you’re a fan of classic cinnamon rolls, this simplified cake version is an absolute must-make. It delivers all the warm, spiced comfort of your favorite breakfast pastry in a delightful, easy-to-serve dessert format, perfect for any holiday gathering.

7. **Pecan Pie Cheesecake**

Elevate your dessert experience with this pecan pie cheesecake, where layers of rich pecans beautifully enhance the creamy cheesecake. It’s the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts, delivering a delightful blend of nutty crunch and smooth, tangy sweetness. This hybrid treat is sure to be a standout on your Thanksgiving table, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional favorites.

8. **Pumpkin Pie Cake**

Relish all the comforting elements of a classic pumpkin pie, perfectly encapsulated within this delightful cake recipe. The addition of crunchy nuts takes this already superb dessert to an even higher level of enjoyment. It’s an ideal choice for those who appreciate the rich, spiced notes of pumpkin in a convenient cake format, making it a festive fall favorite.

9. **Cinnamon Roll Cake**

There’s an abundance to adore about this delectable cake, beautifully swirled with aromatic cinnamon. The entire cake is then finished with a luscious, sweet glaze, providing the perfect touch of sweetness. It’s a comforting and inviting dessert that captures the essence of homemade goodness, making it ideal for a festive gathering or a cozy family meal.

10. **Pineapple Upside Down Cake**

This visually stunning pineapple cake, with its caramelized pineapple rings and cherries, is surprisingly simple to create. Despite its elegant appearance, it’s an accessible recipe that promises to be the undeniable star of your Thanksgiving dessert display. Its vibrant colors and sweet, tangy flavors offer a tropical twist to the traditional fall lineup, delighting guests of all ages.

11. **Better Than Sex Cake**

There is an abundance to adore about this incredibly decadent cake, a true celebration of indulgence. It’s generously loaded with rich caramel, luscious chocolate, and a medley of other delightful elements, ensuring a symphony of flavors in every bite. This cake lives up to its playful name, offering an intensely satisfying dessert experience that will leave a lasting impression on your holiday guests.

12. **Chocolate Bundt Cake Recipe**

Give this effortlessly elegant bundt cake recipe a try for your next gathering. It’s incredibly moist and intensely flavorful, enhanced by the most exquisite chocolate glaze that cascades over its intricate design. This cake is a testament to how simple ingredients can yield a stunning and utterly delicious dessert, perfect for any special occasion or a cozy evening.

13. **Crack Cake**

This phenomenal Crack Cake effortlessly starts with a simple cake mix, transforming into an utterly addictive dessert. It’s entirely covered with a luscious, glossy glaze that not only adds beauty but also elevates its incredible flavor. Baked in a bundt cake pan, it presents a visually stunning dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, making it an ideal centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

14. **Hummingbird Cake**

Indulge in layers of moist and exquisitely flavorful spice cake, perfectly complemented by a rich cream cheese frosting. This impressive layer cake not only looks stunning with its tropical-inspired ingredients but tastes even better. If you’re a fan of carrot cake, this recipe is an absolute must-try, offering similar comforting textures and a unique blend of banana, pineapple, and pecans that will delight your senses.

15. **Tornado Cake Recipe**

The unique and irresistible coconut topping truly makes this cake something extraordinarily special. It’s packed with an array of delicious ingredients and comes together in mere minutes, offering all the delightful flavors of a classic coconut cake and then some. This easy-to-make dessert provides a burst of tropical sweetness, perfect for brightening any holiday dessert spread.

16. **Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake**

Master the art of making creamy pumpkin cheesecake effortlessly in your pressure cooker with this brilliant recipe. It’s incredibly simple, eliminating the need for a cumbersome water bath, which often complicates traditional cheesecake baking. This method yields a perfectly smooth and rich cheesecake, infused with warm pumpkin spices, ideal for a hassle-free Thanksgiving dessert that tastes gourmet.

17. **Red Velvet Poke Cake**

Enjoy the classic allure of red velvet in a much simpler form with this delightful poke cake variation. Its signature crimson hue and tender crumb are perfectly complemented by a creamy topping, often enhanced with chocolate chips for an utterly amazing Thanksgiving dessert. This easy recipe ensures you can serve a festive and sophisticated cake without any holiday stress.

18. **Carrot Cake**

Delight in the numerous tasty layers of this classic carrot cake, generously slathered with rich cream cheese icing. It stands as one of the best cakes, sure to be a beloved hit for Thanksgiving with its comforting spices and moist texture. The perfect blend of sweet and savory notes, combined with its impressive presentation, makes it an ideal centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

19. **Gingerbread Cake**

Create this timeless gingerbread cake today, perfectly suited for the festive holiday season. Its classic recipe consistently delivers a rich, spiced flavor and a wonderfully moist crumb that never fails to impress. The warm aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses fills your kitchen, setting a cozy holiday mood, making this cake a comforting addition to any Thanksgiving dessert spread.

20. **Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe**

Pumpkin enthusiasts will absolutely adore this luscious Pumpkin Lasagna, a dessert designed to impress. Featuring several distinct layers, each bite offers a simply amazing blend of textures and flavors. It’s a no-bake wonder that combines creamy and spiced elements into a harmonious whole, making it a spectacular and relatively easy-to-assemble dessert perfect for your festive Thanksgiving table.

21. **Lemon Cake Recipe**

This lemon cake is not only absolutely gorgeous with its delicate presentation but is also surprisingly easy to prepare. Its flavor is wonderfully light and refreshing, yet intensely packed with bright, zesty lemon notes. Offering a delightful contrast to traditional rich fall desserts, this vibrant cake is perfect for those seeking a lighter, tangy option for their Thanksgiving spread, adding a touch of sunshine to the holiday table.

22. **Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake**

Anyone can master this effortlessly simple recipe, requiring just three ingredients for a truly delightful chocolate cherry dump cake. You’ll be captivated by the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and vibrant cherries, creating a harmonious and indulgent flavor profile. It’s the perfect fuss-free dessert for any holiday occasion, offering maximum taste with minimal effort.

23. **Boston Creme Poke Cake**

With its incredibly moist cake and rich chocolate topping, every bite of this Boston Creme Poke Cake is utterly addictive. This delightful dessert is destined to disappear in no time at all, thanks to its irresistible combination of creamy filling and luscious glaze. It’s a classic flavor profile transformed into an easy-to-make poke cake, perfect for satisfying a crowd during your Thanksgiving celebrations.

24. **Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake**

No holiday dessert table is complete without a classic cheesecake, and this no-bake version makes preparation utterly effortless. Crowned with sweet cherries, it offers a refreshing and creamy indulgence without the need for oven space, a huge plus during busy holiday cooking. Its simple elegance and delightful taste make it a perfect, stress-free addition to your Thanksgiving dessert spread.

25. **Blueberry Dump Cake**

If you’re seeking a wonderfully simple yet satisfying dessert, this easy three-ingredient blueberry dump cake is your answer. It’s generously packed with plump, juicy blueberries, creating a vibrant and memorable cake that no one will soon forget. Perfect for those busy holiday moments, this delightful cake brings a burst of sweet fruit flavor to your Thanksgiving table with minimal effort.

26. **Pumpkin Delight**

The harmonious layers of creamy cream cheese and spiced pumpkin truly deliver an exquisite flavor punch in this Pumpkin Delight. Each bite is rich, decadent, and utterly delicious, creating a memorable dessert experience. This layered treat is perfect for capturing the cozy essence of fall and making your Thanksgiving dessert table shine with its inviting autumn hues and comforting taste.

27. **Chocolate Lasagna**

For all chocolate lovers, this dessert is an absolute dream, featuring rich layers of chocolate, crunchy cookies, and creamy pudding. This Chocolate Lasagna is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a symphony of textures and an intense cocoa flavor. It’s a surprisingly simple no-bake dessert that looks impressive and tastes utterly indulgent, making it a perfect grand finale for your Thanksgiving meal.

28. **Peach Dump Cake Recipe**

Indulge in this effortlessly simple dump cake that tastes remarkably like a beloved old-fashioned cobbler. Its warm, fruity flavors are utterly comforting and nostalgic, making it an excellent choice for a low-stress holiday dessert. Feel free to enhance its appeal by topping it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of freshly whipped cream, perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration.

29. **Banana Pudding Poke Cake**

This easy and delightful poke cake is generously infused with abundant banana flavor, promising a sweet and comforting experience. The fresh banana slices artfully arranged on top not only add a touch of visual appeal but also enhance the cake’s natural sweetness. It’s a perfect dessert that brings together the classic flavors of banana pudding in a convenient cake form, ideal for any gathering, including your holiday festivities.

30. **Ding Dong Cake Recipe**

For those who fondly recall the classic Little Debbie treats, this Ding Dong Cake will evoke wonderful memories while delivering an absolutely incredible flavor experience. It captures the nostalgic essence of your childhood favorites in a rich, indulgent cake form. This recipe is a delightful blast from the past, reimagined as a sophisticated dessert perfect for sharing and creating new holiday memories.

31. **Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars**

These delightful, bite-sized bars are a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring rich layers of creamy cheesecake, spiced pumpkin, and a buttery, crumbly crust. Each square is wonderfully sweet and incredibly tasty, making them an ideal dessert for sharing. Perfect for your Thanksgiving spread, these pumpkin cheesecake bars offer a convenient and utterly indulgent way to enjoy fall’s quintessential flavors.

32. **Peanut Butter Lasagna**

Devotees of chocolate and peanut butter will be utterly delighted by this extraordinary treat. It boasts delectable layers that harmoniously combine the rich, creamy notes of peanut butter with intense chocolate, creating an irresistible dessert. This no-bake marvel is not only a flavor sensation but also incredibly easy to assemble, making it a perfect, crowd-pleasing addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table.

33. **Texas Sheet Cake Recipe**

This classic Texas Sheet Cake recipe yields an exceptionally moist cake, perfectly complemented by the most exquisite chocolate icing. Its rich, fudgy flavor and tender crumb make it a universally loved dessert, especially for feeding a crowd. Ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, this cake delivers a comforting and deeply satisfying chocolate experience that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make.

34. **White Texas Sheet Cake**

This vanilla-infused alternative to the beloved classic Texas Sheet Cake is an absolute delight that certainly doesn’t disappoint. Its light, buttery flavor and incredibly moist texture make it an equally rich and satisfying dessert. Perfect for those who prefer a non-chocolate option, this white sheet cake is ideal for large gatherings during Thanksgiving, offering a comforting and elegant sweet ending to your meal.

35. **Dr. Pepper Cake**

The unexpected secret ingredient in this cake is soda, which miraculously transforms it into an incredibly moist and exceptionally flavorful dessert. This Dr. Pepper Cake offers a unique, subtle twist on traditional chocolate cake, making it a conversation starter at any holiday gathering. Its rich, deep flavors are perfect for a festive Thanksgiving treat that truly stands out.

36. **Oreo Dump Cake**

You only need five simple ingredients to create this incredibly indulgent cake, generously loaded with crunchy Oreo cookies. This Oreo Dump Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream, offering a delightful combination of creamy and crumbly textures with every bite. It’s an ideal choice for a fuss-free Thanksgiving dessert that’s guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults, providing maximum flavor with minimal effort.

37. **Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake recipe**

Savor all the beloved flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies, infused with the rich depth of brown sugar, in this wonderfully easy cake recipe. It offers a giant, shareable version of your favorite cookie, boasting a tender crumb and an abundance of melted chocolate chips. This cake is pure heaven in every bite, making it a perfect, comforting dessert for your Thanksgiving gathering or any festive occasion.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake recipe

This **chocolate chip cookie cake recipe** embodies everything you adore about a classic chocolate chip cookie, but in a delightful cake form! Each bite delivers a tender cake generously filled with the perfect amount of chocolate. Essentially, it’s pure heaven in every mouthful!

View Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe

38. **Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe**

The magic of the crock pot makes this rich apple cake incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for a hands-off approach during busy holidays. For an even more decadent treat, generously top it with luscious caramel sauce. Infused with all the comforting flavors of apple pie, thanks to a convenient apple pie filling, this dessert is an effortless way to bring classic fall tastes to your Thanksgiving table.

Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe

Dessert becomes even simpler when you create this easy **Crockpot Apple Dump Cake Recipe**, perfect for an ultimate fall treat. The slow cooker handles all the work, leaving you free to enjoy warm apple cake, exquisitely topped with ice cream. Yum!

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39. Cola Chocolate Cake Recipe

The surprising addition of soda in this recipe is the secret to creating an exceptionally rich and incredibly moist chocolate cake. This Cola Chocolate Cake offers a deep, complex flavor profile and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s a fantastic choice for a unique Thanksgiving dessert, providing a comforting and intensely chocolatey finish to your holiday meal.

Cola chocolate cake recipe

My entire family and I all cherish a delicious sheet cake. I believe it’s a Southern tradition, and this **cola chocolate cake recipe** is undoubtedly one of my absolute favorite cake recipes, offering rich, moist perfection.

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40. **Cinnamon Bundt Cake**

The glistening glaze adorning this Cinnamon Bundt Cake is not only visually appealing but also adds a perfect touch of sweetness to the entire cake, making it exceptionally tasty. Its intricate bundt shape makes it a beautiful centerpiece, while the warm cinnamon spice offers a comforting and inviting aroma. This cake is wonderfully easy to prepare yet looks sophisticated, making it ideal for holiday entertaining or a cozy family dessert during Thanksgiving.

Cinnamon Bundt Cake recipe

My entire family adores this lazy day **Cinnamon Bundt Cake recipe**. It’s remarkably easy to whip up, yet it appears as though it required hours to make! This will quickly become your absolute favorite cake to bake!

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41. **Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe**

The irresistible streusel topping elevates this amazing Pumpkin Coffee Cake to new heights of deliciousness, creating a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the moist, spiced cake. What’s even better is how effortlessly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for a comforting Thanksgiving breakfast or a delectable dessert. Its warm fall flavors and inviting aroma will make your home feel extra festive.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

This **Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe** is set to become a cherished new treat throughout the holiday season. A simple cake mix, combined with pumpkin and a homemade streusel topping, yields a deliciously moist cake perfect for either breakfast or dessert.

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42. **Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe**

The delightful combination of creamy, tangy cream cheese filling and moist, spiced pumpkin cake creates a truly outstanding dessert in this Easy Pumpkin Roll. Its elegant spiral presentation makes it a visually appealing addition to any holiday table. You can further enhance its charm by topping it with a cloud of freshly whipped cream if you prefer, offering a classic fall treat that’s both beautiful and incredibly flavorful for your Thanksgiving feast.

Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe

You are absolutely going to adore this **Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe**! Everyone delights in sinking their teeth into a classic pumpkin roll filled with luscious cream cheese. It will be an ideal addition for your holiday celebrations, or simply for a treat “just because”!

View Easy Pumpkin Roll Recipe

**Explore More Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas**

Beyond this fantastic collection of cakes, we have an array of other delightful Thanksgiving dessert recipes to complete your holiday menu. Dive into these tempting options to find even more sweet inspiration:

• Thanksgiving Pie Recipes: Classic and modern pie ideas for every taste.
• Easy Thanksgiving Cookie Recipes: Simple, festive cookies perfect for sharing.
• Thanksgiving Desserts: A broader selection of holiday sweets.
• Turkey Cupcakes: Fun and creative treats for younger guests.
• 45 Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Desserts: Delicious options for dietary needs.

Which of these incredibly tempting Thanksgiving cake recipes are you most excited to try this holiday season? Each one promises a delightful addition to your festive celebrations. Please share your thoughts and let us know which recipes you’ve tried or plan to bake in the comments below! Happy baking, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with joy and delicious desserts!