Easy Thanksgiving Cake Ideas: Simple Holiday Desserts
Skip the complex pies this year with these Easy Thanksgiving Cake Ideas. These simple, high-impact cakes, featuring classic fall flavors like spice and caramel, are quick to prepare and make for a beautiful, stress-free holiday dessert centerpiece.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch sheet pan or 10-cup bundt pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk or milk substitute
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch sheet pan or 10-cup bundt pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in oil, then eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes (sheet cake) or 50-60 minutes (bundt cake), or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before applying your desired frosting, glaze, or dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. For bundt cakes, grease the pan meticulously. Do not overmix the batter for a tender crumb.