Thanksgiving is a time for indulgence, and what better way to celebrate than with a dessert that combines not one, but three classic holiday treats? Enter the Thanksgiving Piecaken—a spectacular fusion of pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake, all enveloped in a luscious buttercream frosting.
This over-the-top dessert is the ultimate showstopper for your holiday table, blending creamy, spiced, and rich flavors into every bite. If you’re looking to impress your guests with something unique, this dessert will have everyone talking (and coming back for seconds).
What Is a Piecaken?
The concept of a piecaken first gained popularity in 2015 when renowned pastry chefs started stacking pies inside cakes to create jaw-dropping, multilayered desserts. The idea is simple but brilliant: take a fully baked pie, sandwich it between cake layers, and frost the entire creation for a hybrid dessert that delivers multiple textures and flavors in a single slice.
While traditional piecakens often incorporate pecan, apple, or chocolate pies, this Thanksgiving version highlights pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake—three quintessential holiday flavors that work harmoniously together.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Piecaken
1. A Unique and Eye-Catching Centerpiece
Forget the standard pumpkin pie—this piecaken is a true conversation starter. The towering layers and decadent frosting make it the perfect holiday showpiece.
2. Three Desserts in One Slice
Can’t decide between pumpkin pie, cheesecake, or spice cake? Now you don’t have to! Each forkful offers a taste of creamy cheesecake, spiced cake, and smooth pumpkin pie, ensuring that no one has to choose just one dessert.
3. A Balanced Blend of Textures and Flavors
- Pumpkin pie delivers a silky, custard-like texture.
- Cinnamon cheesecake adds a velvety richness.
- Spice cake brings warmth and depth with its aromatic spices.
- Buttercream frosting ties everything together with a smooth, sweet finish.
4. The Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert
Since each layer needs time to set, this dessert is best prepared in advance—ideal for reducing stress on Thanksgiving Day. Simply assemble the layers the night before, frost in the morning, and let the compliments roll in at dinner.
Ingredients: Layers of Holiday Perfection
Cheesecake Layer:
- Cream Cheese, softened – 3 (8-ounce) packages
- Granulated Sugar – ½ cup
- All-Purpose Flour – 3 tablespoons
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon – 2 teaspoons
- Heavy Whipping Cream – ½ cup
- Large Eggs – 2
Spice Cake Layer:
- All-Purpose Flour – ⅔ cup
- Baking Powder – ½ teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon – ¾ teaspoon
- Ground Ginger – ½ teaspoon
- Nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
- Ground Cloves – ¼ teaspoon
- Allspice – ¼ teaspoon
- Butter, softened – ¼ cup
- Brown Sugar, packed – ⅓ cup
- Vegetable Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla Extract – ½ teaspoon
- Large Egg – 1
- Milk – ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon
Pumpkin Pie Layer:
- Store-bought or premade 9-inch pumpkin pie
Frosting Layer:
- Unsalted Butter, softened – 12 ounces (3 sticks)
- Powdered Sugar – 5 cups
- Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons
- Cinnamon (optional) – ½ teaspoon
- Heavy Whipping Cream, cold – 3-4 tablespoons
Directions: Building a Show-Stopping Dessert
- Bake the Cheesecake: Prepare and bake the cheesecake in a springform pan, allowing it to chill overnight.
- Prepare the Spice Cake: Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine and bake in a cake pan. Let cool completely.
- Assemble the Layers: Remove the pumpkin pie from its shell, trim edges if necessary, and prepare to stack.
- Layer and Frost: Place the cheesecake layer on a cake stand, frost lightly, add the spice cake, frost again, then place the pumpkin pie on top.
- Cover in Buttercream: Spread a thin crumb coat, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, then apply the final layer of buttercream.
- Decorate and Serve: Pipe borders, sprinkle cinnamon on top, and slice into this multi-layer masterpiece!
Nutritional Info: A Slice of Holiday Indulgence
(Per serving, approximately)
- Calories: 351
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
Tips for Making the Perfect Piecaken
Use a Sturdy Cake Base
Since this dessert involves stacking multiple layers, the cake must be firm enough to support the weight of the cheesecake and pie. A dense spice cake works perfectly because it holds its structure while providing a flavorful contrast to the other layers.
Chill Each Layer Before Assembling
To prevent your piecaken from collapsing or shifting, allow each component to cool completely before stacking. The cheesecake should be refrigerated overnight, and the cake should be fully cooled before assembling.
Trim Layers for a Professional Finish
For the cleanest look, use a serrated knife to trim the edges of each layer so they are uniform in size. If the pumpkin pie is larger than the cake layers, remove the crust or adjust accordingly.
Apply a Crumb Coat Before Frosting
Because of its many layers, a piecaken can be tricky to frost. To achieve a smooth buttercream finish, apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting, refrigerate for 30 minutes, then add the final layer of buttercream.
Slice with a Warm Knife
For picture-perfect slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and cut through the piecaken. The warmth helps slice cleanly through the different textures without dragging the layers.
Flavor Variations & Customization Ideas
If you love the idea of a piecaken but want to personalize it, here are some variations to try:
1. Pecan Piecaken
Swap out the pumpkin pie for pecan pie for a nutty, caramelized twist. Since pecan pie is heavier, place it at the bottom to prevent it from weighing down the cake.
2. Apple Piecaken
For a more autumnal spin, replace the pumpkin pie with a spiced apple pie. The soft apple filling pairs beautifully with the cinnamon cheesecake and spice cake.
3. Chocolate Lovers’ Piecaken
Substitute the spice cake with chocolate cake and add a chocolate ganache drizzle over the buttercream frosting for a rich and indulgent variation.
4. Gingerbread Piecaken
For a winter holiday version, replace the spice cake with gingerbread cake and top the piecaken with crushed gingersnap cookies for added crunch.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Slice carefully to showcase the beautiful layers.
- Pair with coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider for a cozy holiday treat.
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Cover the piecaken tightly with plastic wrap and store for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How difficult is it to make a piecaken?
While this dessert requires multiple steps, none of them are particularly difficult. Breaking up the process over two days—baking the layers on day one and assembling on day two—makes it much more manageable.
2. Can I use store-bought components?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a premade pumpkin pie, cheesecake, or spice cake and simply assemble them with homemade frosting. This shortcut still delivers incredible results with less effort.
3. Can I make a mini version?
Yes! Use smaller 6-inch cake pans and a mini pie to create an adorable, single-serving piecaken.
4. My layers are uneven—how do I fix this?
If your layers don’t align perfectly, trim them with a serrated knife. Once frosted, slight imperfections will be hidden.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour in the cake layer and ensure the pie and cheesecake are made with gluten-free ingredients.
6. How do I prevent the pie from sinking into the cake?
Ensure the cake is fully cooled before stacking, and consider placing the pie in the middle layer rather than at the bottom to prevent sinking.
7. What’s the best way to transport a piecaken?
Since this dessert is tall and delicate, transport it in a cake carrier and refrigerate it before moving to keep it stable.
8. How can I make the frosting more festive?
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the buttercream, drizzle with caramel sauce, or sprinkle crushed cookies or nuts on top for extra flair.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Thanksgiving Dessert
The Thanksgiving Piecaken is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavors that brings together the best parts of the holiday season. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought shortcuts, this impressive dessert will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
With its beautiful layers, rich flavors, and perfect balance of textures, this piecaken is worth the effort and guarantees that no one will miss out on their favorite Thanksgiving treat.
So, if you’re looking to elevate your holiday dessert game, give this piecaken a try—it just might become your new Thanksgiving tradition!