16 Make-Ahead Cakes for Thanksgiving Dessert

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.

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. 

Recipe: Butter Toffee-Pecan Layer Cake

This buttery vanilla cake can be kept at room temperature for three to five days.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Recipe: Triple-Chocolate Buttermilk Pound Cake

You can reserve the buttermilk glaze until right before serving for a fresher taste.

Recipe: Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake

This cheesecake can be chilled in the refrigerator for up to two days before serving.

Recipe: Mississippi Mud Cheesecake

After baking, chill this rich cheesecake for up to two days before adding the topping to serve.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Recipe: Pumpkin-Pecan Cheesecake

Pumpkin and pecan come together to create a quintessential cheesecake that belongs on your Thanksgiving menu.