Three-Layer Thanksgiving Cake Recipe: Easy & Festive Dessert Idea 🍂🎂

Table of Contents: Three-Layer Thanksgiving Cake

Three-Layer Thanksgiving Cake

Thanksgiving is a time for warmth, gratitude, and indulging in delicious food. This year, elevate your dessert game with a stunning THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE that combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin, cranberries, and candied pecans. Perfect for festive gatherings, this LAYERED CAKE THANKSGIVING masterpiece is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a showstopper on your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or planning a cozy meal with loved ones, this cake is sure to impress.

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Introduction: THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE

Thanksgiving is synonymous with family, tradition, and, of course, incredible food. While pumpkin pie often steals the spotlight, why not surprise your guests with a THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE? This recipe is a celebration of seasonal flavors, combining pumpkin puree, fresh cranberries, and candied pecans into a moist, flavorful cake. The layers are complemented by a creamy cream cheese frosting that ties everything together beautifully.

What makes this LAYERED CAKE THANKSGIVING so special is its balance of textures and flavors. The pumpkin and cornmeal add a subtle earthiness, while the cranberries provide a tangy burst. The candied pecans? They’re the perfect crunchy finishing touch. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a conversation starter, a centerpiece, and a memory-maker.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is designed for success. It’s perfect for holiday celebrations, family dinners, or even as a thoughtful gift for loved ones. With its festive flair and delicious taste, this cake is sure to become a new Thanksgiving tradition.

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Alternate Names & Variations

If you’re searching for similar recipes, you might come across titles like “Thanksgiving Layer Cake,” “Pumpkin Cranberry Cake,” or “Holiday Layered Dessert.” This THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE can also be adapted to suit your preferences—swap cranberries for dried apricots or use walnuts instead of pecans.

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Ingredients: THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE

Cakes:

– 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled (plus softened butter for greasing)
– 2 1/4 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 1/8 teaspoons baking soda
– 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/3 cup pure pumpkin puree
– 1 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
– 1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed and drained if frozen
– 1/3 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal
– 1 1/4 cups candied pecans, roughly chopped

Frosting:

– 1 1/4 pounds cream cheese, softened
– 2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
– 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
– Kosher salt

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with softened butter and line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, buttermilk, eggs, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.

4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the cranberries and cornmeal.

5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.

6. Make Frosting: Beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and a pinch of kosher salt, mixing until fluffy.

7. Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the sides and top of the cake, then sprinkle with candied pecans.

Chef Tip: For a smoother frosting, refrigerate the cream cheese and butter for 15 minutes before whipping.

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Recipe Card Block

This THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE takes about 2 hours to prepare and bake, serving 12–14 people. Each slice contains approximately 450 calories.

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE works because it balances seasonal flavors with a moist, tender crumb. The pumpkin puree adds moisture, while the cornmeal gives a subtle texture. The cream cheese frosting is rich but not overly sweet, making it the perfect complement to the cake’s flavors.

Expert Tip: To keep your LAYERED CAKE THANKSGIVING moist, wrap each cooled cake layer in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before assembling.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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People Also Ask: THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE

What flavors work best for a three-layer Thanksgiving cake?

Pumpkin, cranberry, and pecan are classic Thanksgiving flavors that shine in this THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE. The pumpkin adds moisture, the cranberries provide a tangy contrast, and the pecans offer a delightful crunch.

How do you keep layered cakes moist for the holidays?

To keep your LAYERED CAKE THANKSGIVING moist, avoid overbaking and wrap each layer in plastic wrap while cooling. Additionally, brushing each layer with simple syrup can lock in moisture.

Can you make a three-layer cake ahead and freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze this THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE. Wrap the unfrosted layers individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

What frosting pairs best with a Thanksgiving cake?

Cream cheese frosting is ideal for a Thanksgiving cake, as it complements the seasonal flavors without being overly sweet.

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Conclusion: THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE

This THREE-LAYER THANKSGIVING CAKE is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of the season. With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to be the star of your holiday table. Give it a try this Thanksgiving, and don’t forget to share your results in the comments!

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