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Pies get all the Thanksgiving dessert fanfare (and we couldn't be happier for them, truly), but Thanksgiving cakes are just as worthy of celebration. In case you're wondering, the concept of a "Thanksgiving cake" is not prescriptive. Any cake you place on your Thanksgiving table, after all, shall become a "Thanksgiving cake." Still, many of our top candidates call on the fall flavors we associate with quintessential Thanksgiving pies, with no fiddly pie crust to fuss over (no offense, crust!).
Love pecan pie? Try your hand at a delightfully chewy miso-and-maple-pecan butter mochi cake. If pumpkin pie's your MO, redirect your pumpkin purée to a streusel-topped pumpkin crumb cake or a silky pumpkin cheesecake. We've got apple desserts of the cake variety aplenty: nutty upside-down cakes, an apple cider loaf inspired by doughnuts, and a dramatically tall number sandwiched with apple butter. Among this collection, we also have low-fuss sheet cake recipes for easy serving, fudgy chocolate cakes for those absolutely done with fall spice, and even an ice cream cake if you feel so inclined. Cupcakes too! Go forth and find the Thanksgiving cake recipe that feels right to you.