thanksgiving cupcake cake: 7 Reasons to Fall in Love

Name: thanksgiving cupcake cake: 7 Reasons to Fall in Love
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups frosting; Decorative sprinkles or toppings

November 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Welcome to the wonderful world of Thanksgiving baking! I can hardly contain my excitement because this *thanksgiving cupcake cake* is not just any dessert; it’s a celebration in a cupcake form! Picture this: soft, fluffy cupcakes topped with rich frosting, all dressed up for the occasion with festive sprinkles. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s become a family tradition. Every year, I whip these up to share with loved ones around the table. The laughter, the stories, and the delicious aroma wafting through the kitchen create the perfect backdrop for our Thanksgiving gatherings. Trust me, once you bring this cupcake cake to your holiday feast, it’ll steal the show—and everyone will be asking for seconds! Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking!

Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your *thanksgiving cupcake cake*. Make sure everything is fresh and ready to go for a fantastic baking experience:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 large eggs
1 cup milk (whole milk works best for richness)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (the real stuff, please!)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups frosting (store-bought or homemade, your choice!)
Decorative sprinkles or toppings (get creative here!)

These ingredients will combine to create moist and delicious cupcakes that are perfect for your Thanksgiving celebration. Don’t worry if you want to mix things up; feel free to customize the frosting flavor or add your favorite toppings! Happy prepping!

How to Prepare the Thanksgiving Cupcake Cake

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get this *thanksgiving cupcake cake* underway! Follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll have the most delightful cupcakes that will light up your holiday gathering.

Preheating and Mixing

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven ensures even baking. While that’s warming up, grab a bowl and mix together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture is the backbone of your cupcakes, helping them rise beautifully and keeping them light and fluffy. Set it aside for now; we’ll come back to it shortly!

Creating the Batter

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes should do the trick! This step is crucial, as it adds air to your batter. Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the milk and vanilla extract, blending everything until it’s smooth. Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to this wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Baking the Cupcakes

Now it’s time to get that batter into action! Pour the delicious mixture into cupcake liners in a cupcake tray, filling each about 2/3 full. This allows room for them to rise without spilling over. Bake them in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool completely in the tray before transferring them to a wire rack.

Frosting and Decorating

Once your cupcakes are cool, it’s frosting time! Apply your favorite frosting generously—whether you prefer a classic buttercream or something a bit more adventurous, go wild! This is where you can really get creative with decorations. I love adding colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even little themed toppers to give them that festive flair. Trust me, the presentation makes all the difference, and you’ll want them to look as good as they taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This *thanksgiving cupcake cake* is a true gem, and here’s why it deserves a spot on your holiday table:

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up with ease.
Customizable: You can play around with different frosting flavors and toppings—make them as unique as your family traditions!
Perfect for Gatherings: They’re ideal for sharing! Everyone loves cupcakes, and they’re easy to grab and enjoy while mingling.
Visually Appealing: These cupcakes are as beautiful as they are delicious. With the right decorations, they can become the centerpiece of your dessert table!
Kid-Friendly: Kids love cupcakes, and they’ll have a blast helping decorate them. It’s a fun family activity!
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake them in advance and frost them just before serving, making your holiday prep a breeze.

Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s become a holiday staple in my home. They’re not just cupcakes; they’re little bites of joy that bring everyone together!

Tips for Success

To ensure your *thanksgiving cupcake cake* turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips to share with you. Follow these, and you’ll be well on your way to impressing your guests!

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend together more smoothly, creating a better batter!
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, and we want them light and fluffy!
Oven Thermometer: If you’re not sure about your oven’s temperature accuracy, use an oven thermometer. Baking is all about precision, and an accurate temperature can make a huge difference.
Use High-Quality Vanilla: For the best flavor, invest in pure vanilla extract. It elevates the taste of your *thanksgiving cupcake cake* and makes a noticeable difference!
Experiment with Frosting: Don’t hesitate to mix different flavors of frosting. A chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting can add a delightful twist to your cupcakes.
Decorating Fun: Get creative with toppings! Try using crushed candies, nuts, or even fresh fruits for a unique touch. Edible glitter or themed toppers can make them extra festive!
Cooling Time: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before frosting, or else the frosting may melt and slide off. Patience is key here!
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge.

With these tips, you’ll be set up for success in the kitchen. Enjoy the process, and remember, a little love (and maybe a sprinkle of chaos!) makes every cupcake even sweeter!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of our delightful *thanksgiving cupcake cake*! Here’s a breakdown of the typical values you can expect per cupcake. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use:

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

These cupcakes are a sweet indulgence, perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends. Enjoy them in moderation, and remember, it’s all about balance! Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Got questions about the *thanksgiving cupcake cake*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my answers:

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to give it a quick stir before pouring it into the cupcake liners. Freshly baked cupcakes always taste best!

What’s the best way to frost the cupcakes?

For a smooth finish, use a spatula or a piping bag with a star tip for those beautiful swirls. I love a good old-fashioned buttercream frosting, but cream cheese or whipped cream frostings can also add a lovely twist!

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute so that the texture remains light and fluffy. I’ve had great success with this swap!

How can I store leftover cupcakes?

Keep any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, but let them come to room temperature before enjoying!

Can I freeze the cupcakes?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re completely cool, then wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge!

These cupcakes are all about joy and celebration, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet bite of your *thanksgiving cupcake cake*!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Let’s talk about how to keep those delicious *thanksgiving cupcake cakes* fresh and tasty after the festivities! Proper storage will help maintain their fluffy goodness and delightful flavor.

If you find yourself with any leftovers (which is always a good sign!), make sure to let the cupcakes cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will keep them nice and soft!

If you want to store them for a longer period, you can pop them in the fridge. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best taste. They can also be frozen for up to three months! Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they’ll be as good as new!

Reheating isn’t usually necessary since they’re delightful at room temperature, but if you prefer a warm treat, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll risk drying them out. A warm cupcake with a dollop of frosting is pure bliss!

With these storage tips, you can enjoy your *thanksgiving cupcake cake* long after the holiday has passed. Happy indulging!

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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.