Oh, Thanksgiving—what a magical time of year filled with warmth, love, and, of course, delicious desserts! I still remember the first Thanksgiving I spent baking with my grandmother. The kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of spices and butter, and we would laugh and share stories while we whisked, stirred, and of course, tasted. That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for an *easy Thanksgiving cake*! It’s simple, delightful, and perfect for any celebration or cozy family gathering. You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip this up, and trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds! So let’s dive in and create some sweet holiday memories together!
Ingredients for Easy Thanksgiving Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for our cake, providing structure and texture.
- 1 ½ cups sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that lovely, moist crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming—this is key for a fluffy cake!
- 4 large eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk works best for moisture and flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps our cake rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds that warm, comforting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: This is where the holiday magic happens—cinnamon brings that cozy fall essence!
- ½ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
How to Prepare Easy Thanksgiving Cake
Making this *easy Thanksgiving cake* is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your home with the most delightful scent as it bakes! Let’s get started on this step-by-step journey to cake perfection.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly preheated oven ensures even baking. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it with a bit of butter or non-stick spray, then dust it with flour. This will help your cake glide right out when it’s done!
Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer, and beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that airy texture in your cake. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and fluffy, and you can see little air pockets forming!
Step 3: Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This is where the magic happens! Each egg brings richness and moisture to our cake. Don’t forget to add in the vanilla extract after the last egg—this will give your cake that warm, inviting aroma that’s just so perfect for Thanksgiving!
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good whisk to mix everything together. This ensures that the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps our cake rise beautifully! Trust me, you want that fluffy texture.
Step 5: Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and airy!
Step 6: Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just imagine that delicious aroma wafting through your home!
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—waiting! But once it’s cooled, you can slice it up and serve it as is, or top it with whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *easy Thanksgiving cake* turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always measure your ingredients accurately—using a kitchen scale can really help with this. Next, make sure your butter is truly softened; you want it to be at room temperature for the best creaming results. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut it into small cubes to speed up the softening process.
Also, don’t skip the whisking of the dry ingredients! This step is crucial for even distribution of the baking powder and spices. And remember, when mixing the batter, less is more—mix just until combined to keep that light, fluffy texture. Finally, keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so start checking a few minutes early. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of this delightful *easy Thanksgiving cake*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
These estimates are a great way to keep track of your indulgences during the holiday season. Enjoy your cake guilt-free, knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious!
FAQ About Easy Thanksgiving Cake
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This *easy Thanksgiving cake* is perfect for making a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to make it extra special, you can frost or top it just before serving to keep it fresh and delicious!
What can I use to top the cake?
The topping options are endless! I love serving this cake with a dollop of whipped cream for that light, fluffy touch. You could also drizzle chocolate or cream cheese frosting over the top for a richer flavor. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon, can add a lovely finishing touch, too. Get creative and make it your own!
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your leftover cake fresh, simply store it in an airtight container. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy those sweet bites for days to come!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Thanksgiving Cake
- Quick and simple preparation that even novice bakers can master!
- Delicious flavor with a warm hint of cinnamon that screams Thanksgiving.
- Perfectly moist and fluffy texture, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Family-friendly; everyone will want a slice (or two!).
- Versatile for toppings—whipped cream, fruit, or frosting make it even more special.
- Great make-ahead option, saving you time on the big day!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Thanksgiving Cake
To elevate your *easy Thanksgiving cake* experience, consider pairing it with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully! If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce can take this cake to the next level of decadence. For a lighter touch, fresh fruit like berries or a citrus salad adds a refreshing contrast. Whatever you choose, these pairings will make your Thanksgiving dessert spread truly memorable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *easy Thanksgiving cake* fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come back to room temperature before serving for the best taste. If you prefer your cake warm, simply slice a piece and pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It’s so comforting to enjoy a warm slice with a cup of coffee! Happy indulging!
Print
Easy Thanksgiving Cake: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious cake for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Top with whipped cream or frosting if desired.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: easy thanksgiving cake
