Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family gathers around the table, laughter fills the air, and delicious aromas waft through the kitchen. This *thanksgiving cake* is a true celebration of the season, bringing warmth and sweetness to our holiday gatherings. I remember baking this cake with my grandmother, her laughter dancing around the kitchen as we mixed together the rich spices and creamy butter. The way it fills your home with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg just feels like a warm hug! What makes this recipe special is how simple it is, yet it delivers a festive flavor that everyone will adore. Trust me, it’s an absolute must for your holiday spread!
Ingredients List
Gather your ingredients before you start, and let’s get ready to bake this delightful *thanksgiving cake*! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Make sure it’s sifted for a light texture!
- 1 1/2 cups sugar – This gives the cake that lovely sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Trust me, room temperature butter is key for that creamy consistency.
- 4 large eggs – These will help bind everything together perfectly.
- 1 cup milk – Whole milk is best for richness, but you can use what you have on hand.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – This is what makes the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Because every cake needs a hint of vanilla magic!
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – A warm spice that screams fall!
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg – Just a pinch for that cozy flavor boost.
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your *thanksgiving cake* ready to impress everyone!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. You want that perfect golden-brown color, so don’t skip this!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer. You want it to look pale and have a nice, airy texture—it’s the secret to a moist cake!
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Now, it’s time to add the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air and create a smooth batter. Don’t forget to add in that lovely vanilla extract too—it’s what makes your cake smell heavenly!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. This method prevents clumps and ensures a silky batter. Remember, don’t overmix; just combine until everything is incorporated!
Baking
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and pop it in the oven! Bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
To make your *thanksgiving cake* even more delightful, here are some handy tips! First, if you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just skip the added salt in the recipe. If you want a little twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor. Also, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smoother batter. When combining your ingredients, mix gently—overmixing can lead to a dense cake. And don’t forget to let your cake cool completely before frosting or slicing; this helps maintain that perfect moist texture. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Section
Curious about the nutritional breakdown of this scrumptious *thanksgiving cake*? Here’s a rough estimate of what you’re looking at per slice:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. So, feel free to adjust as needed while enjoying this delightful treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *thanksgiving cake* is bound to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions! Here’s why:
- Quick preparation with just a few easy steps—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- The warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg make it a festive favorite.
- It’s versatile—enjoy it as is or dress it up with cream cheese frosting!
- One cake serves 12, making it ideal for family gatherings and parties.
- It fills your home with an irresistible aroma that sets the holiday mood!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious *thanksgiving cake*, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store it properly, just wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just slice the cake first and wrap each piece individually before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. If you like it warm, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that cozy texture. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! If you want to make this cake gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for the best texture.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
No worries! You can use salted butter, but I recommend leaving out the additional salt in the recipe. It’ll still turn out delicious!
Can I add fruit or nuts to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped apples, walnuts, or even dried cranberries make fantastic additions. Just fold them in gently after mixing the batter to keep that lovely texture.
How should I store the cake?
Store it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it as mentioned before!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
For sure! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it properly to keep it moist and delicious.
Thanksgiving Cake to Warm Your Heart This Holiday Season
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious cake perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be topped with cream cheese frosting.
- Best served with coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: thanksgiving cake, dessert, holiday cake
