Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when the aroma of roasted turkey and freshly baked pies fills the air, and families gather to share gratitude and delicious food. One of my favorite traditions is whipping up this *easy Thanksgiving cake*. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that brings everyone together around the table. I remember the first time I made it—I was a little nervous, but the joy on my family’s faces when they took that first bite was priceless! Trust me, this cake will become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations too!
Ingredients for Easy Thanksgiving Cake
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Easy Thanksgiving Cake
Alright, let’s get started on making this delightful cake! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cake to bake evenly right from the start. While that’s warming up, grab two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them well with butter or a non-stick spray, then sprinkle a bit of flour to coat the sides. This will help your cakes slide out effortlessly later.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. Trust me, this step adds so much airiness to your cake! Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t rush this part; you want everything to blend beautifully.
Next, stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt—this helps distribute the leavening agent evenly. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry mix, and mix until just combined. You don’t want to over-mix, or your cake could turn out dense!
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and pop them in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. And voilà, you’re halfway to an amazing Thanksgiving treat!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Thanksgiving Cake
This easy Thanksgiving cake is a true gem for the holiday season, and here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Quick to make—prep and bake in just about an hour!
- Deliciously moist and fluffy, the perfect balance of sweetness.
- Versatile—great on its own but can be dressed up with your favorite frosting.
- A crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Perfect for gatherings, it’s a delightful centerpiece on any dessert table.
- It’s a simple recipe, making it ideal for bakers of all levels.
Trust me, this cake is going to become a staple in your Thanksgiving celebrations!
Tips for Success with Easy Thanksgiving Cake
To ensure your *easy Thanksgiving cake* turns out perfectly, here are some tips from my kitchen to yours! First, make sure your butter is softened properly; it should be at room temperature for the best creaming results. When mixing the butter and sugar, take your time—3 to 5 minutes is key for a light texture. Also, remember to measure your flour correctly; spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off will keep your cake from being too dense.
Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time! Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. Your cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Happy baking!
Variations of Easy Thanksgiving Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to give your *easy Thanksgiving cake* a personal twist! One of my favorites is adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for that warm, festive spice flavor. You can also fold in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and a pop of color.
Feeling fancy? Try topping your cake with a cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream infused with maple syrup for a seasonal touch. You could even layer it with fresh whipped cream and berries for a delightful and light finish. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious *easy Thanksgiving cake*:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
Keep in mind that these are estimates, and actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked this delightful *easy Thanksgiving cake*, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh and delicious! Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for about 2 days, but for longer storage, pop it in the fridge where it’ll last up to a week.
If you have leftovers, you can also freeze individual slices! Just wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy a piece, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—enjoy it chilled or bring it to room temperature for the best taste!
FAQ About Easy Thanksgiving Cake
Got some questions about this *easy Thanksgiving cake*? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common ones:
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go!
What frosting do you recommend?
I love a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting, but you can also try a chocolate ganache for a decadent twist!
How can I make it dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free butter and almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. It works like a charm!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake stays moist for days, so feel free to bake it a day or two in advance.
What’s the best way to decorate it?
I love adding seasonal fruits like cranberries or sliced oranges on top for a festive touch. Get creative!
Easy Thanksgiving Cake: 5 Steps to Pure Joy
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and delicious cake perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a 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, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Try adding spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
- This cake can be frosted with your favorite icing.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 38g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: easy thanksgiving cake
