Easy Thanksgiving Cake: 7 Reasons It Will Delight You

October 25, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Thanksgiving is such a special time, isn’t it? It’s all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and, of course, indulging in delicious food. One of my absolute favorite things to whip up for this festive occasion is my *easy Thanksgiving cake*. It’s a delightful treat that captures the cozy flavors of the season with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts, making it perfect for any gathering. I love how simple it is to prepare, so I can spend more time enjoying the company of my family and friends rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Trust me, once you serve this cake, it’ll become a cherished tradition at your Thanksgiving table, leaving everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even the recipe! So, let’s dive into the ingredients and get baking!

Ingredients for Easy Thanksgiving Cake

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this easy Thanksgiving cake a success. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:

2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your cake and provides the structure.
1 1/2 cups sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a moist texture.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This gives richness and a buttery flavor; make sure it’s soft for easy mixing!
4 large eggs – They help bind everything together and add moisture.
1 cup milk – This keeps the cake tender and adds creaminess.
2 teaspoons baking powder – This is what makes your cake rise beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A must for that lovely, warm flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 cup chopped walnuts – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
1 cup dried cranberries – Provides a sweet-tart burst that’s perfect for Thanksgiving!

Essential Ingredients

Let’s break down why each of these ingredients is so important:

All-purpose flour: This versatile flour is what gives your cake its structure. Too much can make it dense, so be sure to measure carefully!
Sugar: Not only does it sweeten the cake, but it also helps with browning and moisture retention. I love using granulated sugar for that nice, even sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of your cake. It also contributes to that rich flavor that we all crave in desserts.
Eggs: They’re essential for binding the ingredients together and adding moisture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best mixing.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft crumb. Whole milk is my go-to for extra richness, but any milk works!
Baking powder: This leavening agent is crucial for giving your cake that light and fluffy texture. Check the expiration date to ensure it’s still active.
Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla adds a warm and inviting flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Salt: Don’t skip this! Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Chopped walnuts: These add a lovely crunch and a hint of nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.
Dried cranberries: They’re a festive addition that brings a pop of color and a sweet-tart flavor, making each bite a little celebration!

How to Prepare Easy Thanksgiving Cake

Getting ready to bake this easy Thanksgiving cake is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that will wow your guests. It’s all about timing and mixing, so let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly right from the start.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes—don’t rush this step!
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate them fully into the batter.
Stir in the vanilla extract, and let that fragrant goodness fill your kitchen!
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. It’s important not to overmix—stop as soon as you don’t see any flour streaks.
Now, gently fold in the milk, walnuts, and dried cranberries, making sure everything is well incorporated.
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Baking Tips

To achieve the best results, here are a few handy tips:

Always check your baking powder’s expiration date for maximum leavening power. Trust me, stale baking powder is a cake’s worst enemy!
Once your cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from breaking apart.
For the best flavor, let the cake cool completely before serving. It gives the flavors time to meld beautifully!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Thanksgiving Cake

This easy Thanksgiving cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate! Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely adore making and sharing it:

Quick preparation: With just a handful of simple steps, you can whip this cake up in no time, giving you more moments to savor with loved ones.
Delicious flavor: The combination of sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful flavor profile that’s perfect for the season.
Festive ingredients: It’s packed with seasonal favorites, ensuring every bite feels like a cozy hug on a chilly Thanksgiving day.
Perfect for gatherings: This cake serves up to 12 slices, making it ideal for sharing at family dinners or holiday parties.
Versatile options: Top it with cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch, and watch it disappear!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for this easy Thanksgiving cake! I always find it helpful to have an estimate of what I’m serving, especially during the holidays when we love to indulge a bit. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per slice:

Calories: Approximately 320
Fat: About 15g
Protein: Roughly 4g
Carbohydrates: Around 45g
Sugar: About 18g
Fiber: Approximately 2g
Sodium: About 150mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. It’s always good to be mindful, but remember, it’s Thanksgiving! Enjoy every bite of this delicious cake without worry!

FAQ Section

Can I substitute ingredients?

Absolutely! This easy Thanksgiving cake is quite adaptable. If you’re looking to make it a bit healthier, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. For a dairy-free version, try using almond milk or coconut milk and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil. You can also swap out the eggs for flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) if you’re going vegan. The walnuts can easily be replaced with pecans or omitted entirely if you have nut allergies. Just remember, each substitution may slightly change the texture and flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!

How do I store leftovers?

To keep your cake fresh and tasty, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge where it can last about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It’ll be good for up to 2 months! Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving, and it’ll taste just as good as when you first baked it!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this easy Thanksgiving cake ahead of time! In fact, I recommend it! Baking it a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. On the day you plan to serve it, you can frost it or dust it with powdered sugar to give it that fresh, festive touch. Your guests will think you baked it just for them, even if you did a little prep work beforehand!

Tips for Success

To make sure your easy Thanksgiving cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips I swear by:

Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend more easily and creates a smoother batter. I usually take them out of the fridge an hour before I begin baking.
Measure your flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to a dense cake. I like to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife—no packing! This way, you get the perfect amount.
Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. A few lumps are totally okay!
Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Let it cool before frosting: If you’re planning to add frosting or toppings, let your cake cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.
Flavor boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. It adds a warm spice that pairs beautifully with the cranberries and walnuts!

By following these tips, you’ll have a cake that not only looks amazing but tastes incredible, too. Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions

Now that your easy Thanksgiving cake is baked and ready to shine, let’s talk about how to serve it up! Pairing is key to elevating this delightful dessert experience. Here are some of my favorite suggestions that complement the flavors of the cake beautifully:

Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake. The warmth of the beverages enhances the cozy vibes of Thanksgiving.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that’s simply irresistible. You could even sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for that extra festive flair!
Ice Cream: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream. The creaminess melts into the cake, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
Fruit Compote: A warm cranberry or apple compote drizzled over the cake adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation. Plus, it ties in perfectly with the cranberries in the cake!
Cheese Board: If you’re feeling adventurous, make a small cheese board with sharp cheddar or creamy brie. The savory notes can beautifully contrast the sweetness of the cake.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on your guests’ preferences! No matter how you choose to serve it, this easy Thanksgiving cake is sure to be a hit at your celebration, bringing smiles and satisfied taste buds all around!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.