There’s something truly magical about making an easy Thanksgiving cake. It brings the whole family together, filling the kitchen with the warm, sweet scents of cinnamon and nutmeg that remind me of my childhood. I can still hear my grandmother’s laughter as we whisked together the batter, smudging flour on our faces and sneaking bites of the creamy frosting. This cake is so simple, yet it’s a showstopper at any gathering, making it the perfect centerpiece for our Thanksgiving table. Trust me, with just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a delicious cake that everyone will rave about, creating new memories and traditions around it for years to come!
Ingredients for Easy Thanksgiving Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
How to Prepare Easy Thanksgiving Cake
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the cake rise evenly and bake perfectly. Trust me, nothing’s worse than a cake that’s raw in the middle!
Prepare Your Baking Pan
Next, grab your 9×13 inch cake pan and grease it up! I like to use unsalted butter for this, but a bit of cooking spray works just fine too. Once it’s greased, sprinkle a little flour in there and tilt the pan to coat the bottom and sides. This step is crucial for ensuring your cake slides right out when it’s done—no one wants a cake disaster on Thanksgiving!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s get that butter and sugar together! In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Seriously, you want it to look like a fluffy cloud—this step adds so much airiness to your cake. It should take about 3-5 minutes of mixing, so don’t rush it!
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Once you’ve got that fluffy goodness, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate them fully into the batter. And don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract—it adds a lovely warmth that makes this cake so special!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is where the magic happens! Whisk them together until they’re well combined. It’s important to do this step first so that all those lovely spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to your creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with a scoop of the dry mix, then add a splash of milk, and keep going until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; a few lumps are totally okay! We want that tender, moist cake texture.
Bake the Cake
Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven! Bake it for 30-35 minutes, but here’s a little tip: check it at the 30-minute mark. Insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re good to go!
Cool Before Serving
Once your cake is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for getting that perfect texture and flavor, so don’t skip it! Once it’s cool, you can slice it up and get ready to enjoy a slice of Thanksgiving bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip it up in just under an hour!
- Delicious flavor with warm spices that scream fall and Thanksgiving.
- Perfect for gatherings; it serves 12, so there’s plenty to go around!
- Satisfying texture that’s moist and fluffy—every bite is a delight.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile—great on its own or dressed up with frosting or whipped cream!
- A cake that’s sure to become a family favorite and a new holiday tradition.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to bake, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your easy Thanksgiving cake turns out absolutely perfect:
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be sneaky! I always recommend using an oven thermometer to make sure it’s at the right temperature. If it’s off, your cake could bake unevenly or take longer than expected.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs, butter, and spices can make a big difference in flavor. Check those expiration dates and grab the freshest stuff you can find for the best results!
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: As tempting as it is to keep mixing until everything is perfectly smooth, stop as soon as you see no dry flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it to be light and fluffy!
- Let It Cool Completely: I know it’s hard to resist sneaking a slice right away, but letting the cake cool completely before slicing will help it hold its shape and improve the flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! Add a pinch more cinnamon or even some chopped nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. Make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious easy Thanksgiving cake, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh for those inevitable leftovers! To store, simply place any remaining cake in an airtight container. This will keep it moist and flavorful for up to 4 days at room temperature. If you’ve added frosting, it’s best to keep it in the fridge to ensure that stays fresh too!
If you find yourself with extra cake after a few days, you can also freeze it! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can pull out a slice any time you’re craving a taste of Thanksgiving! When you’re ready to enjoy, let a slice thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up. Just be careful not to overheat it, as we don’t want it to dry out! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
While I strive to provide accurate nutritional information for my easy Thanksgiving cake, please keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. This means the numbers I share are typical estimates and not an exact science!
For a standard serving size of one slice, here’s what you can generally expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Remember, these values are just guidelines, so feel free to adjust based on your own ingredients. Enjoy your baking adventure, and savor every delicious bite of this Thanksgiving treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This easy Thanksgiving cake is perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It actually tastes even better after a day, as the flavors have time to mingle!
What can I use instead of butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil. Just make sure to keep the same amount for the best results. It’ll still turn out delicious!
Can I add nuts or fruits to the batter?
You bet! Feel free to mix in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries for an extra flavor boost. Just be cautious not to overload the batter, as we want to keep that lovely texture!
How can I dress up this cake for serving?
This cake is super versatile! You can top it with a cream cheese frosting, a simple dusting of powdered sugar, or serve it with whipped cream and fresh berries. It’s a great canvas for your favorite toppings!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free, and you’ll have a tasty treat that everyone can enjoy!
Easy Thanksgiving Cake That Will Fill You with Joy
- Całkowity Czas: 55 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A simple and delicious cake perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- 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 the cake cool before serving.
Uwagi
- Can be topped with cream cheese frosting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Great with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 15g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 38g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Słowa kluczowe: easy thanksgiving cake
