Forget the pie—try these Thanksgiving cake recipes! Whether you go for flavors like pumpkin, apple, maple or spice, you can bet your guests will gobble it right up.
49 Decadent Thanksgiving Cake Recipes
Updated on Sep. 20, 2024
Pumpkin Spice Cake
We sometimes call this pumpkin spice cake “Thanksgiving Cake” because it’s a tasty alternative to pie, but we don’t relegate it to just that holiday. I think you’ll agree it’s delicious any time of the year. —Kathy Rhoads, Circleville, Ohio
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German Apple Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made this German apple cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It's an excellent choice for a Christmas potluck or actually any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 455 calories, 24g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Apple Spice Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a healthy eater most of the time, but this apple spice cake is worth the splurge! Every year I treasure the opportunity to make my own birthday cake, and I choose this. You can add a cup of raisins to the batter before baking if you'd like. —Jennifer Owen, Louisville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 574 calories, 33g fat (9g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
4/49
Pear Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using a packaged cake mix speeds up the preparation time of this tasty pear and pecan upside-down cake. This moist cake is pretty to look at and luscious, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 236 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
5/49
Gingerbread Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The rich molasses and spice flavor of this old-time dessert is complemented with a buttery caramel sauce.—Joy Sparks, Muskegon, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 497 calories, 17g fat (11g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
6/49
Frosted Harvest Cake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Craving brownies but want something a little bit different? Indulge in a fall-flavored version topped with a cream cheese frosting. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 83 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Oma’s Apfelkuchen (Grandma’s Apple Cake)
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband’s German family calls this Oma’s apfelkuchen, which translates to "Grandma’s apple cake." They’ve been sharing the recipe for more than 150 years. I use Granny Smith apples, but any variety works. —Amy Kirchen, Loveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 422 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
8/49
Pumpkin Cream Tiramisu
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pumpkin isn’t only for pies. Now you can take the classic fall vegetable and enjoy it in a tiramisu-style dessert. I promise that after one bite, you’ll add this recipe to your keeper files. —Pam Peters, Fernie, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 635 calories, 40g fat (25g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 432mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
9/49
Chocolate Pecan Pavlova
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This will definitely capture your taste buds! This recipe is one of my family's favorites—especially at the holidays. Although it may take a little longer to make and assemble, it is truly worth the work. It's a rich-tasting, light dessert that everyone will enjoy. I usually use pecans, but you can substitute walnuts, hazelnuts or other nuts. —Nancy Preussner, Delhi, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 553 calories, 33g fat (13g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 129mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (55g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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Oatmeal Cake with Caramel Icing
Total Time
50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This lightened-up version of a classic dessert is full of flavor. The icing sets up quickly, so make it right before you frost the cake. —Summer Marks, Louisville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 218 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
11/49
Carrot Layer Cake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister gave me this recipe for what she calls "the ultimate carrot cake," and it really lives up to the name. When people taste it, they're bowled over by the tender, not-too-sweet cake and unexpected pecan filling. —Linda Van Holland, Innisfail, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 641 calories, 41g fat (14g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
12/49
Peanut Butter Bundt Cake
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This peanut butter Bundt cake with frosting is heavenly to me. I use smooth peanut butter, but crunchy would work, too. —Karen Holt, Rock Hill, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 465 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 300mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
13/49
Pumpkin Pie Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will guess this showstopper dessert with luscious cinnamon frosting starts with a mix! It's a year-round favorite. —Linda Murray, Allenstown, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 500 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (52g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
14/49
Sour Cream Streusel Coffee Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like that I can use delicious Wisconsin sour cream in this recipe. This coffee cake tastes wonderful and feeds a crowd, so it's perfect for a morning meeting or for breakfast with overnight company. —Sandra Munyon, Watertown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 268 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
15/49
Black Forest Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The divine flavors of this simple Black Forest cake will impress your guests and leave you with many requests for the recipe! —Kimberly Campbell, Wheeling, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 321 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Double Butterscotch Coconut Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this recipe from a co-worker years ago, and then I changed it a bit by adding a family favorite: butterscotch. It is super easy to throw together and is a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 327 calories, 15g fat (10g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
17/49
Miniature Pumpkin Cake Towers
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make these pumpkin treats every autumn and they are gone in minutes. The spice combination is perfect for fall, and it is all wrapped up in a pretty little cake.—Deb Lyon, Bangor, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cake tower: 830 calories, 46g fat (15g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 100g carbohydrate (76g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
18/49
Wonderful Carrot Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This healthy carrot cake recipe is moist, tender and delicious. Kids will love it because it's sweet, and you'll love it because it's packed with good-for-you carrots. —Brenda Rankhorn, New Market, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 223 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/49
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent triple-layer beauty is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final assembly; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. —Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 970 calories, 65g fat (30g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
20/49
Contest-Winning Chocolate Potato Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I won grand champion honors in a potato festival baking contest with this moist chocolate cake. The icing recipe can be doubled if you have a real sweet tooth. —Catherine Hahn, Winamac, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 671 calories, 31g fat (15g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (71g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
21/49
Toffee Poke Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This toffee poke cake recipe is a favorite among my family and friends. I love making it because it is so simple. —Jeanette Hoffman, Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 404 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
22/49
Italian Cream Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Buttermilk makes every bite of this awesome Italian cream cheese cake recipe moist and flavorful. I rely on this recipe year-round. —Joyce Lutz, Centerview, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 736 calories, 41g fat (19g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 90g carbohydrate (75g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
23/49
Butter Pecan Cake
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband has a sweet tooth and I enjoy making great desserts like this cake for him! We have two farms - both of which are wonderful - but I also love being in the kitchen. I collect cookbooks and have written one myself.
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 534 calories, 27g fat (11g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
24/49
Coconut Fudge Cake
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
“A big piece of this moist cake is a chocolate and coconut devotee's dream," notes Johnnie. "You should see my husband, children and grandkids smile when I serve it.”
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 540 calories, 29g fat (8g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
25/49
Coconut Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this coconut cake recipe in a newspaper many years ago and modified it to suit my taste. This is my all-time favorite cake, and my family and friends absolutely love it. —Lynne Bassler, Indiana, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 689 calories, 37g fat (21g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 85g carbohydrate (64g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
26/49
Chocolate-Covered Cherry Pudding Cake
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember how much my grandfather cherished the chocolate-covered cherries we brought him for Christmas. After he passed away, I came up with this rich recipe in his honor. It’s delicious served with whipped topping. —Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 291 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 167mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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Cranberry Layer Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted a Bundt cake recipe to create this layer cake. Cranberries, walnuts and homemade frosting make it taste so delicious that you'd never guess it starts with a convenient cake mix. —Sandy Burkett, Galena, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 441 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
28/49
Chocolate Fudge Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe won several blue ribbons at our state fair. The made-from-scratch chocolate layer cake topped with a fudgy homemade frosting is truly a can't-miss dessert. —Donna Carman, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 678 calories, 29g fat (18g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 377mg sodium, 104g carbohydrate (77g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
29/49
Praline Pumpkin Torte
Total Time
55 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade pralines, big poufs of whipped cream and spiced cake make this torte
decadent to the last bite. It's perfect for an autumn day. —Esther Sinn, Princeton, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 577 calories, 38g fat (13g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 397mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
30/49
William Tell’s Never-Miss Apple Cake
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I bake my family-favorite fall cake to usher in this abundant season. It looks so luscious that eating one piece is nearly impossible. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia. Looking for birthday cake ideas for this season? Here’s our list of fall birthday cakes.
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 614 calories, 36g fat (9g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
31/49
Gran's Apple Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother occasionally brought over this wonderful cake warm from the oven. The spicy apple flavor combined with the sweet cream cheese frosting made this recipe one that we treasured. Even though I've lightened it up, it's still a family favorite. —Lauris Conrad, Turlock, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 181 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
32/49
Pear Bundt Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Next time you make cake from a mix, try my easy and delicious recipe. The pears and syrup add sweet flavor and prevent the cake from drying out. And since there's no oil added to the batter, this tender fall-perfect cake is surprisingly low in fat. —Veronica Ross, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 149 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 232mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
33/49
Grandma Pietz's Cranberry Cake Pudding
Total Time
50 min
Servings
15 servings (2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
For generations, our family has handed down this cake recipe starring cranberries. Simple and unusual, it remains a treasured family heirloom. —Lisa Potter, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 2 tablespoons sauce: 311 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
34/49
Apple Cider Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fall in New England is so beautiful, and the apples here are the best! This apple cider cake is a family favorite and I like to serve it with hot cocoa.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 469 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
35/49
Butter Pecan Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Pecans and butter give this cake the same irresistible flavor as the ever-popular butter pecan ice cream flavor. —Becky Miller, Tallahassee, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 814 calories, 42g fat (19g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 107g carbohydrate (86g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
36/49
37/49
Maple Walnut Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This maple-flavored cake with candied walnuts honors beloved my grandpa, who made maple syrup when I was a child. It honors his memory and has proven to be a favorite with family and friends throughout the years. —Lori Fee, Middlesex, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 653 calories, 38g fat (20g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (61g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
38/49
Carrot Cake with Pecan Frosting
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband constantly requests this homey, old-fashioned version of carrot cake. The frosting is still tasty even without the pecans. —Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 557 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
39/49
Breakfast Apple Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked in a pretty tube pan and drizzled with icing, this breakfast cake will be a highlight of your holiday menu. I adapted the recipe from one of my grandmother's. —Shaunda Wenger, Nibley, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 269 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
40/49
Fruit Cake
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my own fruitcake recipe, and it's a family favorite. I think it has just the right mix of nuts and fruit. —Allene Spence, Delbarton, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 686 calories, 32g fat (5g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 92g carbohydrate (61g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
41/49
Spiced Devil's Food Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my mom's friends gave her this recipe when I was a child, and it has been a family favorite ever since. When your chocolate sweet tooth acts up, this really hits the spot! —Linda Yeamans, Ashland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 543 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 82g carbohydrate (61g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
42/49
Peachy Gingerbread Cake Roll
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My father loved gingerbread so I combined two or three recipes to create this one for him. This fruity, spiced cake roll gets kudos every time I serve it.
—Dawn DePew, Blacklick, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 425 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
43/49
Hot Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Hot chocolate is my go-to winter indulgence. To go with it, I like this moist pumpkin cake dusted with cocoa for an extra chocolate boost. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 450 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
44/49
Mocha Hazelnut Torte
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this cake on birthdays and other special occasions because it looks and tastes so amazing. The combination of mild hazelnut and coffee flavors is impossible to resist. —Christina Pope, Speedway, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 639 calories, 32g fat (16g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 88g carbohydrate (69g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
45/49
Pumpkin Cake with Whipped Cinnamon Frosting
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom made this for me, and one bite can completely take me back to my childhood. You can easily convert it into a great carrot cake recipe: just use grated carrots in place of pumpkin and add raisins. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 687 calories, 33g fat (11g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 297mg sodium, 97g carbohydrate (82g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
46/49
Orange Cake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A delightful orange frosting is the secret to this cake from Kathleen Gingras of Thorold, Ontario. "It is great with a scoop of ice cream," she suggests.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 242 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 254mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
47/49
Pecan Cake with Cookie Butter Frosting
Total Time
45 min
Servings
20 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom and I bought a jar of cookie butter to try it out, and we fell in love with it. I knew the flavor would go well with maple syrup and pecans, so I came up with this cake. I like to make a pretty design on the top of the cake with pecan halves. —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 363 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
48/49
Ginger-Glazed Lemon Bundt
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tangy ginger, tart lemon and puckery cranberries make this melt-in-your-mouth cake as crisp—and gorgeous—as autumn. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 468 calories, 19g fat (12g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
49/49
Ginger-Walnut Tube Cake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Ken, loves this tube cake with its bits of crystallized ginger. Feel free to drizzle it with a lemony glaze. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, NJ
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 465 calories, 20g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
