Buzz
Trust me on this one: This Thanksgiving, why not opt for a cake instead of—or alongside—a pie? Somehow, we've all ended up favoring pie, but much like cilantro, it’s not for everyone. Cake, on the other hand, is universally loved, though as adults, we don’t often have the perfect excuse to indulge in a truly exceptional cake. Thanksgiving is the ideal moment—after all, it's the holiday of indulgence, and what better way to indulge than with cake?
Cakes Offer More Variety Than Pies
I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve had some amazing pies in my time. But when it comes to pies, you’re generally looking at fruit varieties or custard-based ones, like pumpkin—and that’s about it. Cakes, however, are a whole different story. You can completely change the flavor of a cake, from something simple like olive oil or matcha to the sweetness of funfetti or rich dark chocolate. And that’s before we even get to frosting, fillings, and syrups! All these components elevate cakes, making them far more versatile and complex than any pie could hope to be.
Since Thanksgiving typically features a variety of desserts, a cake will fit right in. In fact, amidst a spread of pies, a slice of cake might become the most tempting option.
It’s hard to dislike a classic yellow cake with chocolate frosting
Forget the boxed versions—make a yellow cake from scratch, topped with real chocolate frosting. There's something magical about the balance between cake and frosting. When done right, the combination is perfect, and it's practically begging for a glass of milk. Try pairing Sally’s yellow cake recipe with Hershey’s dark chocolate frosting for a layered treat that will have everyone eyeing it all through dinner.
Pumpkin carrot cake captures the essence of the season
Carrot cake offers the perfect crumb of a classic cake without the overwhelming sweetness. For a seasonal twist, incorporate pumpkin into the batter to create a beautifully colored cake with a festive touch. Topped with cream cheese frosting, this dessert adds just the right amount of sweetness and creaminess, transforming it into a sophisticated, grown-up version of pumpkin pie—now in cake form.
Coconut cloud cake makes a bold statement at the dessert table
Impressively tall, pure white, and incredibly light, a coconut cloud cake combines layers of airy, fluffy white cake with smooth vanilla frosting, then coats it in coconut flakes for a stunning visual. Even if you’re not a fan of coconut, you’ll still find yourself craving a slice. With its angel food cake-like texture and the delicate sweetness from the vanilla and coconut, this cake is sure to delight everyone, regardless of age.
If you’re invited to a Thanksgiving gathering, bringing a show-stopping cake is an excellent way to make an entrance. And even for a small at-home celebration, a cake will be the perfect finishing touch to your Thanksgiving feast.
