Thanksgiving Piecaken – The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Mashup

🎉 Introduction
Why settle for just one dessert when you can have three in one? The Thanksgiving Piecaken is the ultimate holiday dessert mashup—layers of cake, pie, and cheesecake stacked into a towering masterpiece.

It’s part pie, part cake, part cheesecake, and completely irresistible. Imagine a spiced pumpkin pie baked right inside a moist cake, then topped with creamy cheesecake and finished with rich frosting. The result is a festive, over-the-top dessert that guarantees a wow moment at your Thanksgiving table.

Though it looks fancy, this piecaken can be simplified using store-bought pumpkin pie and a straightforward cream cheese frosting. It’s indulgent, impressive, and perfect for anyone who believes Thanksgiving should be a celebration of abundance.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls (large, medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula (for frosting)

Optional:

• Cake leveler (to smooth layers)
• Piping bag (for decorating)

🛒 Ingredients

Pumpkin Pie Layer

• 1 (9-inch) store-bought pumpkin pie

Spice Cake Layer

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting pie before layering)
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 11/16 cup double cream (or half-and-half)

Cheesecake Layer

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 12 oz unsalted butter, softened
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Prepare Pumpkin Pie Layer

1. Place store-bought pumpkin pie in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
2. This makes it easier to handle and layer without falling apart.

Step 2: Make the Spice Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, milk, and cream until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Bake in a greased 9-inch springform pan for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Pour into a greased springform pan and bake for 45–55 minutes, until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Cool completely and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. Beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Assemble the Piecaken

1. Place the spice cake layer on a serving platter.
2. Gently place the frozen pumpkin pie on top (dust lightly with flour to absorb moisture).
3. Add cheesecake layer on top.
4. Frost the entire dessert with cream cheese frosting, smoothing sides and top with an offset spatula.

Step 6: Serve

• Chill for 1–2 hours before slicing to help layers set.
• Slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean slices.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 12–16 slices
• Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling)
• Bake Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (for cake + cheesecake)
• Cooling/Chilling: 6 hours (best overnight)
• Total Time: About 8 hours including chilling

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Reheating: Not recommended—serve chilled or at room temperature.

🥄 Variations

• Apple Piecaken: Replace pumpkin pie with apple pie for a different holiday vibe.
• Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate cake instead of spice cake for a rich contrast.
• Mini Piecakens: Bake in muffin tins with mini pies and cupcake-sized cakes.
• Nutty Finish: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting.
• Caramel Drizzle: Finish with caramel sauce for extra holiday indulgence.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. What is a piecaken?
   A dessert mashup of pie, cake, and sometimes cheesecake all layered together.
2. Do I have to use store-bought pie?
   No, homemade works too—just bake and cool fully before layering.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, it’s best made a day ahead so it sets properly.
4. Why freeze the pumpkin pie first?
   It helps the pie stay intact when layering.
5. Can I use a different cake flavor?
   Yes, spice cake is classic, but chocolate, vanilla, or carrot cake all work.
6. How do I get clean slices?
   Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts.
7. Can I use whipped cream instead of frosting?
   Yes, but whipped cream is less stable for storage.
8. Is piecaken heavy?
   Yes—it’s a decadent dessert meant for celebrations.
9. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free flour and cake mix.
10. What should I serve with piecaken?
    A simple cup of coffee or tea balances the richness.

🏁 Conclusion
This Thanksgiving Piecaken is a dessert worth celebrating—it’s dramatic, delicious, and brings together the best of the holiday dessert table in one bite. Pumpkin pie, spice cake, and cheesecake stack together for a creation that’s as beautiful as it is indulgent.

Make it the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast and watch as jaws drop when you slice into it. One dessert, three favorites—pure holiday magic.

Adam

Thanksgiving Piecaken – The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Mashup

Why settle for just one dessert when you can have three in one? The Thanksgiving Piecaken is the ultimate holiday dessert mashup—layers of cake, pie, and cheesecake stacked into a towering masterpiece. It’s part pie, part cake, part cheesecake, and completely irresistible. Imagine a spiced pumpkin pie baked right inside a moist cake, then topped with creamy cheesecake and finished with rich frosting. The result is a festive, over-the-top dessert that guarantees a wow moment at your Thanksgiving table. Though it looks fancy, this piecaken can be simplified using store-bought pumpkin pie and a straightforward cream cheese frosting. It’s indulgent, impressive, and perfect for anyone who believes Thanksgiving should be a celebration of abundance.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

bake Cooling/Chill Time 7 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 16 slices

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pumpkin Pie Layer

• 1 9-inch store-bought pumpkin pie

Spice Cake Layer

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour for dusting pie before layering
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 11/16 cup double cream or half-and-half

Cheesecake Layer

• 3 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 12 oz unsalted butter softened
• 3 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls (large & medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula (for frosting)
• Optional:
• Cake leveler (to smooth layers)
• Piping bag (for decorating)

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare Pumpkin Pie Layer

1. Place store-bought pumpkin pie in the freezer for at least 2 hours.
2. This makes it easier to handle and layer without falling apart.

Step 2: Make the Spice Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs with brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, milk, and cream until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Bake in a greased 9-inch springform pan for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Pour into a greased springform pan and bake for 45–55 minutes, until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Cool completely and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

1. Beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Assemble the Piecaken

1. Place the spice cake layer on a serving platter.
2. Gently place the frozen pumpkin pie on top (dust lightly with flour to absorb moisture).
3. Add cheesecake layer on top.
4. Frost the entire dessert with cream cheese frosting, smoothing sides and top with an offset spatula.

Step 6: Serve

1. Chill for 1–2 hours before slicing to help layers set.
2. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean slices.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating: Not recommended—serve chilled or at room temperature.

🥄 Variations

Apple Piecaken: Replace pumpkin pie with apple pie for a different holiday vibe.

Chocolate Twist: Use chocolate cake instead of spice cake for a rich contrast.

Mini Piecakens: Bake in muffin tins with mini pies and cupcake-sized cakes.

Nutty Finish: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting.

Caramel Drizzle: Finish with caramel sauce for extra holiday indulgence.

❓ 10 FAQs

What is a piecaken?
A dessert mashup of pie, cake, and sometimes cheesecake all layered together.

Do I have to use store-bought pie?
No, homemade works too—just bake and cool fully before layering.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best made a day ahead so it sets properly.

Why freeze the pumpkin pie first?
It helps the pie stay intact when layering.

Can I use a different cake flavor?
Yes, spice cake is classic, but chocolate, vanilla, or carrot cake all work.

How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts.

Can I use whipped cream instead of frosting?
Yes, but whipped cream is less stable for storage.

Is piecaken heavy?
Yes—it’s a decadent dessert meant for celebrations.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and cake mix.

What should I serve with piecaken?
A simple cup of coffee or tea balances the richness.

🏁 Conclusion
This Thanksgiving Piecaken is a dessert worth celebrating—it’s dramatic, delicious, and brings together the best of the holiday dessert table in one bite. Pumpkin pie, spice cake, and cheesecake stack together for a creation that’s as beautiful as it is indulgent.

Make it the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast and watch as jaws drop when you slice into it. One dessert, three favorites—pure holiday magic.