Thanksgiving Piecaken

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will leave your guests in awe, this Thanksgiving Piecaken is the answer! It combines three beloved desserts into one incredible creation: a rich pumpkin pie, luscious cinnamon cheesecake, and moist spice cake. It’s the kind of dessert that not only tastes divine but also sparks joy and excitement at any gathering. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a festive holiday party, this piecaken is sure to become a cherished favorite.

Every bite of this Thanksgiving Piecaken brings together the warm flavors of fall and the comfort of home. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive Combination: This piecaken merges three delicious desserts into one stunning centerpiece that will wow your friends and family.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: With layers of flavors everyone loves, it’s a dessert that pleases both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare parts of the piecaken ahead of time to save stress on the big day—more time for what matters!
• Perfect for Celebrations: Elevate any occasion with this over-the-top dessert that feels special and festive.
• Deliciously Flavorful: Enjoy the warm spices of pumpkin pie, creamy cheesecake, and fluffy spice cake all in one delightful slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this amazing Thanksgiving Piecaken, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; nothing too fancy here! Just gather these essentials to get started:

For the Cinnamon Cheesecake Layer

• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 large eggs

For the Spice Cake Layer

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 cup butter (softened)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon milk

For Assembly

• 1 (9-inch) store-bought pumpkin pie (premade/storebought)

For the Frosting

• 12 ounces unsalted butter (softened, 3 sticks)
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 3-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (cold)

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s explore some fun variations!

Variations

This Thanksgiving Piecaken is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to customize it:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips into the spice cake layer for an extra treat.
• Change Up the Spices: Experiment with different spices or add your favorites to give it a personal twist.
• Top with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Pies: Swap out the pumpkin pie for pecan or apple pie if you want to change things up!

How to Make Thanksgiving Piecaken

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar and flour while mixing well. Incorporate vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, heavy whipping cream, and eggs. Mixing until everything is combined creates a deliciously creamy cheesecake layer that’s light yet flavorful.

Step 2: Bake the Cheesecake Layer

Pour the cheesecake mixture into a greased springform pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 60 minutes or until set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow it to cool completely; this step is crucial as it helps develop those lovely flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Spice Cake Layer

While your cheesecake cools down, prepare your spice cake batter. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and spices. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar until creamy. Add in vegetable oil, vanilla extract, egg, and milk gradually while mixing well. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed—overmixing can lead to dense cake!

Step 4: Assemble Your Piecaken

Once both layers are cool—place your store-bought pumpkin pie upside down on a cake plate. Gently spread your cooled cheesecake layer on top of that pumpkin pie. Finally, pour your spice cake batter over everything carefully; spread evenly. Bake again at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until done.

Step 5: Make That Frosting!

For frosting that’s simply irresistible: beat softened butter until creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla extract along with cold heavy whipping cream until fluffy. Feel free to sprinkle in some cinnamon if desired!

Step 6: Frost & Serve!

Let everything cool completely before applying frosting generously on top of your assembled masterpiece! Slice up your Thanksgiving Piecaken with care—each slice should reveal those beautiful layers inside!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert that makes gatherings even more special!

Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Piecaken

Making a Thanksgiving piecaken might seem daunting, but with a little preparation and these handy tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends!

• Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time: Measure and prepare all your ingredients before you start mixing. This saves time and helps prevent any last-minute surprises during the baking process.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth batter, resulting in a perfectly blended cheesecake and cake layers.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture in your cake layers.

• Cool Properly Before Assembling: Allow each layer to cool completely before stacking them together. This helps prevent melting and ensures that the layers hold their shape beautifully.

• Make It Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time on Thanksgiving day, consider making the piecaken a day in advance. It keeps well in the refrigerator and allows the flavors to meld even more!

How to Serve Thanksgiving Piecaken

This Thanksgiving piecaken is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Here are some ideas for presenting this show-stopping dessert at your holiday table.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lightness that complements the rich flavors of the piecaken.
• Cinnamon Dust: A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top gives it an inviting aroma and enhances the overall appearance.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin and spice flavors.

Side Dishes

• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet layers of piecaken, balancing out the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and carrots, adds color and nutrition to your plate, complementing the richness of the dessert.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: This classic dish features sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan or marshmallow layer, harmonizing beautifully with the flavors of pumpkin pie.
• Stuffing: A savory stuffing made with herbs can provide a delightful contrast to your sweet dessert, rounding out your Thanksgiving feast perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable Thanksgiving experience for everyone at your table! Enjoy every bite of this delicious piecaken!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Piecaken is not only a showstopper but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, making your holiday dessert table stress-free and enjoyable.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the piecaken to cool completely before storing.
• Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place it in an airtight container if you have one available.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices of piecaken in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Alternatively, freeze the entire piecaken wrapped tightly.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Be sure to label the bag with the date for easy reference!

Reheating

• To reheat, remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the piecaken on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious Thanksgiving Piecaken.

Can I make Thanksgiving Piecaken without eggs?

Yes! You can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent.

How long does Thanksgiving Piecaken last in the fridge?

Thanksgiving Piecaken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored properly.

Is there a gluten-free version of Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking.

What flavors are in Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Thanksgiving Piecaken features layers of pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake, creating a delightful combination of flavors!

Can I decorate my Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Definitely! Feel free to top it with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or festive sprinkles to enhance its presentation.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Thanksgiving Piecaken as delightful as I do! It’s a fantastic way to combine beloved holiday flavors into one stunning dessert. Whether you’re hosting friends and family or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy making your own piecaken masterpiece—happy baking!