16 Make-Ahead Cakes for Thanksgiving Dessert
To say the kitchen gets crazy on Thanksgiving Day is the understatement of the year. Planning ahead so we can keep the oven free for the bird is essential to say the least. That's where our make-ahead cakes come in. These cake recipes are perfect to prepare before the feast so you can focus your Thanksgiving cooking schedule on dishes that that need to be made day-of. Some cakes, like cheesecakes, require some advanced work so they have enough time to chill overnight. Other cakes, like layer cakes or pound cakes, can be made and stored without frosting or garnishes. If a cake recipe requires an icing or topping, we recommend waiting until just before serving to add the final touches and garnishes. The hardest part about making these delicious cakes ahead of time will be keeping guests out of the dessert until after Thanksgiving dinner has been served.
Butter Pecan Cheesecake
Recipe: Butter Pecan Cheesecake
This delightfully nutty cheesecake with a graham cracker crust is a make-ahead must. It requires between 8 and 24 hours of chilling, so patience is key.
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Apple Butter Pound Cake with Caramel Frosting
Recipe: Apple Butter Pound Cake with Caramel Frosting
Make this showpiece Bundt in advance, but don't drizzle the Caramel Frosting on just yet. Make the garnish day-of for a timely finishing touch.Â
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Butter Toffee-Pecan Layer Cake
Recipe: Butter Toffee-Pecan Layer Cake
This buttery vanilla cake can be kept at room temperature for three to five days.
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Pumpkin Layer Cake with Caramel-Cream Cheese Frosting
Recipe: Pumpkin Layer Cake with Caramel-Cream Cheese Frosting
This gorgeous fall cake is a pumpkin spice lover's dream. You can make the cake layers up to three days in advance, and store (covered) in the refrigerator.Â
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Pecan Pie Cake
Recipe: Pecan Pie Cake
To get this fall favorite started early, just prepare the cake layers and store in the refrigerator. Assemble before serving, adding the rich pecan pie filling and the creamy browned butter frosting.Â
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Marbled Pecan Pound Cake
Recipe: Marbled Pecan Pound Cake
Pound cakes are some of the best desserts to make in advance. Plus, this marbled sweet pairs well with a post-dinner cup of coffee.Â
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Southern Sweet Potato Cake
Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Cake
Already have sweet potatoes on hand? Cook this classic Southern cake the night before, and add the Brown Sugar Icing and garnish on the day you're ready to serve.Â
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Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake
Recipe: Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake
You can reserve the buttermilk glaze until right before serving for a fresher taste.
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Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake
Recipe: Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake
This cheesecake can be chilled in the refrigerator for up to two days before serving.
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Mississippi Mud Cheesecake
Recipe: Mississippi Mud Cheesecake
After baking, chill this rich cheesecake for up to two days before adding the topping to serve.
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Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake
Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake
Even though it may only take minutes to make, this classic Thanksgiving cheesecake still needs to chill for 8 to 12 hours before serving.Â
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Apple Pie Cake
Recipe: Apple Pie Cake
Spice up your dessert table with cake that takes its cues from the classic apple pie. We love this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, so consider warming before serving if made in advance.Â
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Auntie's Apple Cake
Recipe: Auntie's Apple Cake
We typically suggest drizzling the frosting over the cake while warm, but when making in advance we change our tune. Hold on the garnish until right before you're expecting guests.Â
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Free up Oven Space on Thanksgiving with a Make-Ahead Cake
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Caramel-Frosted Pound Cake
Recipe: Caramel-Frosted Pound Cake
This cake is a a surefire crowd-pleaser. Before serving, use an offset spatula to create a frosted swirl effect.Â
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Texas Pecan Cake
Recipe: Texas Pecan Cake
Pecan fans are sure to leave the feast satisfied with this cake that can be stored for up to three days.Â
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Pumpkin-Pecan Cheesecake
Recipe: Pumpkin-Pecan Cheesecake
Pumpkin and pecan come together to create a quintessential cheesecake that belongs on your Thanksgiving menu.