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Home » Desserts

25 Spiced Holiday Cakes That Make the Perfect Gift

Published: Nov 18, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Spiced holiday cakes are more than just a treat—they're a chance to share something truly special during the season. Packed with bold flavors and a touch of festive charm, these cakes have a way of bringing people together and making any moment feel a little brighter. Whether you're baking for friends, family, or coworkers, they're a great way to show you care without going overboard. There's something timeless about the way these cakes fill the air with their rich aromas and make every bite feel like a celebration.

An apple cake baked in a cast iron skillet, cut into slices.

Apple Cake with Cinnamon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Top view of Pumpkin Bundt Cake.
Pumpkin Bundt Cake. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pumpkin bundt cake spiced just right and topped with a maple glaze. A seasonal favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for gifting or sharing.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bundt Cake

Apple Ginger Cake

Apple Ginger Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Apple ginger cake pairs silky apples with a moist gingerbread sponge, offering a versatile dessert for gifting or festive coffee breaks.
Get the Recipe: Apple Ginger Cake

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

A carrot cake, topped with an orange coconut butter glaze, is light, simple to prepare, and makes a thoughtful gift for those who appreciate homemade treats.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon.
Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Apple pie stuffed cheesecake, combining cheesecake with spiced apple pie filling, is a show-stopping dessert that makes a special holiday gift.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Pumpkin ice cream in a pan surrounded by pumpkins.
Pumpkin Sheet Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pumpkin sheet cake with soft texture and bold spices, designed to feed a crowd and add holiday cheer to your gift list.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Eggnog Cheesecake

Eggnog Cheesecake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Eggnog cheesecake with a gingersnap crust and spiced filling. Its rich, creamy texture makes it a memorable gift or a dessert centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Cheesecake

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate Graham Crust

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate Graham Crust. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pumpkin cheesecake with a chocolate graham crust brings together festive spices and creamy flavors, making it a great holiday dessert to share.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate Graham Crust

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

A bowl of cake with ice cream on top.
Caramel Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Caramel apple dump cake blends the sweetness of caramel with apples for a no-fuss dessert. Its cozy flavor makes it a lovely gift or party addition.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Dump Cake on a plate with whipped cream.
Pumpkin Dump Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Pumpkin dump cake is an easy, mix-and-bake recipe. Its spiced aroma is perfect for anyone who loves sharing the tastes of fall.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Dump Cake

Apple Cake with Cinnamon

An apple cake baked in a cast iron skillet, cut into slices.
Apple Cake with Cinnamon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Skillet apple cinnamon cake, featuring fresh apple slices, pairs nostalgic flavors with an inviting appearance, making it a thoughtful holiday gift.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cake with Cinnamon

Spice Cake

A piece of cake on a plate with cinnamon sticks.
Spice Cake. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Spice cake featuring cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, topped with cream cheese icing, is an effortless way to share seasonal joy during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Spice Cake

Pumpkin Crumb Cake

A piece of pumpkin crumb cake on a cutting board.
Pumpkin Crumb Cake. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Pumpkin crumb cake brings together classic fall flavors in a no-fuss dessert, perfect for gifting or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Crumb Cake

Tiramisu Swiss Roll

Tiramisu Swiss Roll. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The tiramisu Swiss roll cake combines coffee-flavored sponge cake with mascarpone filling and coffee icing, creating a dessert with soft textures and bold flavors. Perfect for gifting to coffee enthusiasts or serving at holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Tiramisu Swiss Roll

Gluten-Free Fruit Cake

Gluten-Free Fruit Cake . Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Gluten-free fruitcake, also called Christmas cake, features almond flour and can be customized to be vegan or dairy-free. Naturally alcohol-free, it’s a simple and versatile gift that caters to various dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Fruit Cake

Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This old-fashioned gingerbread cake recipe, with its dark molasses and holiday spices, evokes a sense of nostalgia and festive cheer. It’s a simple yet impactful choice for any holiday table or as a memorable gift.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake

Classic Apple Cake

Classic Apple Cake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This apple cake recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for beginners or anyone short on time. With its sweet and tender texture, it’s a perfect addition to any holiday gathering and an excellent gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
Get the Recipe: Classic Apple Cake

Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake . Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pumpkin Caramel Cake brings together rich caramel and seasonal spices with a moist texture and creamy frosting. Its crowd-pleasing flavors make it a standout holiday dessert and a memorable edible gift.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Eggnog Poke Cake

Eggnog Poke Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Starting with a boxed cake mix and real eggnog, this eggnog poke cake is quick and simple to make while delivering all the festive flavors of the season. It’s a great dessert for holiday parties or as a gift, with its creamy pudding filling and fluffy topping.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Poke Cake

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Banana Upside Down Cake

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Banana Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Gingerbread banana upside-down cake combines a spiced base with caramelized bananas, creating a quick and easy dessert. Its festive flavors and elegant presentation make it a standout gift or holiday table centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Gingerbread Banana Upside Down Cake

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Cake

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Cake. Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

A moist and spiced pumpkin spice cake topped with cranberries and glaze, this recipe offers a seasonal dessert option that stands out from the traditional pumpkin pie. It’s easy to prepare and a thoughtful treat for a fall or holiday tea.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Cake

Gingerbread Cheesecake

Gingerbread Cheesecake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This no-bake gingerbread cheesecake requires just 25 minutes to prepare and develops a wonderfully festive flavor over time. Its light, creamy texture makes it a great choice for entertaining or as a thoughtful gift.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cheesecake

Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Pie

Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

The vegan spiced pumpkin pie captures all the familiar flavors of the season without dairy or eggs, making it an inclusive option for gatherings. Its ease of preparation and comforting taste make it a thoughtful holiday dessert.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Pie

Rum Bundt Cake

Rum Bundt Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Grandma’s rum cake is a timeless holiday favorite, combining buttery vanilla cake with a spiced rum sauce. The rich flavors and tender texture make it a fantastic dessert to share or give during the festive season.
Get the Recipe: Rum Bundt Cake

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Pecan Pie . Photo credit: At The Immigrant's Table.

This pumpkin pecan pie layers a creamy pumpkin filling with caramelized pecans in a flaky crust. It’s a make-ahead, freezer-friendly dessert that combines the best of two classic holiday pies, perfect for gifting or Thanksgiving celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pecan Pie

Eggnog Tres Leches Cake

Eggnog Tres Leches Cake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Eggnog tres leches cake is a festive variation on the classic, featuring a sponge cake soaked in a trio of milk types, including eggnog. Easy to prepare with a cake mix, it’s a rich and creamy dessert that’s perfect for holiday gifting or celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Tres Leches Cake

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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