Thanksgiving Bundt Cake is the perfect dessert to grace your holiday table. This festive cake combines moist pumpkin with tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and juicy apples, creating a true centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Its beautiful shape and rich flavors will have your guests swooning, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful creation.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Bundt Cake
This Thanksgiving cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here are several reasons why it will become a beloved holiday staple:
- **Moist and Flavorful**: The combination of pumpkin and apples keeps the cake incredibly moist.
- **Nutty Crunch**: Pecans add a delightful crunch, enhancing the texture.
- **Festive Colors**: The vibrant cranberries and warm pumpkin create a visually stunning cake.
- **Easy to Make**: This Bundt cake recipe for Thanksgiving requires simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- **Versatile**: Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert ideas or any holiday gathering.
- **Gluten-Free Option**: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets.
- **Impressive Presentation**: Its unique Bundt shape makes it a festive centerpiece.
With an American Cuisine flair, this cake embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving and is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Bundt Cake
Gather these items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (ensure it is fresh for best results)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (should be used in conjunction with an acid)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (other spices like nutmeg can enhance the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (can replace with fresh ginger for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (dried nutmeg can be used, but the flavor may be less vibrant)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (adds depth and warmth; omit if unavailable)
- 1 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness and enhances flavors)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (can be replaced with vegetable oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (use coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (can be substituted with maple sugar)
- 4 large eggs (flax eggs can be used as a vegan option)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (imitation vanilla can work in a pinch)
- 1 cup canned unsweetened pumpkin puree (do not use pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large apple (any firm apple variety will work; Granny Smith adds tartness)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (can use dried cranberries, but adjust sugar accordingly)
- 1/2 cup pecans (can substitute with walnuts or omit for nut allergies)
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (can use powdered erythritol for a sugar-free version)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (honey can be a substitute for non-vegans)
How to Make Thanksgiving Bundt Cake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt pan using butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Step 3: Cream butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add eggs one at a time and blend in vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 5: Mix in pumpkin puree and chopped apple until fully incorporated.
- Step 6: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low until just incorporated. Fold in cranberries and pecans.
- Step 7: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 8: Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 9: Cool for 10 minutes in the pan then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Step 10: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup for the glaze.
- Step 11: Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the cake.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Thanksgiving Bundt Cake
Keep these in mind:
- This cake is best served at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Can be frozen for up to three months without glaze.
- For an extra festive touch, consider adding a cream cheese frosting to your Thanksgiving dessert Bundt cake.
- Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.

Best Ways to Serve Thanksgiving Bundt Cake
Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Pair with whipped cream for a classic dessert experience.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
This moist Bundt cake for Thanksgiving is perfect for any gathering!
How to Store and Reheat Thanksgiving Bundt Cake
To enjoy your cake days later, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to reheat, simply place it in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed. This is a great option for meal prep as well!
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Bundt Cake
What’s the secret to perfect Thanksgiving Bundt Cake?
The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and not over-mixing the batter. This ensures a light and fluffy texture, making your pumpkin Bundt cake for Thanksgiving a hit!
Can I make Thanksgiving Bundt Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day or two in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature, and drizzle the glaze right before serving.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Thanksgiving Bundt Cake?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for optimal rise and check your cake with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
Variations of Thanksgiving Bundt Cake You Can Try
Experiment with these variations:
- Chocolate Bundt cake for Thanksgiving: Add cocoa powder for a rich flavor.
- Apple Bundt cake for Thanksgiving: Increase the amount of apples and add a cinnamon swirl.
- Try a gluten-free Thanksgiving Bundt cake by substituting the flour as mentioned above.
Each variation brings a unique twist to this classic dessert!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Thanksgiving dessert ideas, or learn how to make gluten-free options. You can also explore easy meal prep tips for your holiday gatherings.
For more information on the benefits of using fresh ingredients, visit Healthline.
Print
Delicious Thanksgiving Bundt Cake: A Festive Centerpiece
- Total Time: 110 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Thanksgiving Bundt Cake that combines moist pumpkin cake with cranberries, apples, and pecans, creating a holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (ensure it is fresh for best results)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (should be used in conjunction with an acid)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (other spices like nutmeg can enhance the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (can replace with fresh ginger for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (dried nutmeg can be used, but the flavor may be less vibrant)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (adds depth and warmth; omit if unavailable)
- 1 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness and enhances flavors)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (can be replaced with vegetable oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (use coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (can be substituted with maple sugar)
- 4 large eggs (flax eggs can be used as a vegan option)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (imitation vanilla can work in a pinch)
- 1 cup canned unsweetened pumpkin puree (do not use pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large apple (any firm apple variety will work; Granny Smith adds tartness)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (can use dried cranberries, but adjust sugar accordingly)
- 1/2 cup pecans (can substitute with walnuts or omit for nut allergies)
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (can use powdered erythritol for a sugar-free version)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (honey can be a substitute for non-vegans)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt pan using butter or non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time and blend in vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix in pumpkin puree and chopped apple until fully incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low until just incorporated. Fold in cranberries and pecans.
- Carefully pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup for the glaze.
- Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the cake.
Notes
- This cake is best served at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Can be frozen for up to three months without glaze.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 to 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving Bundt Cake, pumpkin cake, holiday cake, dessert