Thanksgiving Piecaken

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone talking this holiday season, look no further than this Thanksgiving Piecaken! It’s a delightful fusion of pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake, all layered together to create an unforgettable sweet treat. This recipe is not just for Thanksgiving; it’s perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or any time you want to impress your friends with something spectacular.

One of the best parts about this Thanksgiving Piecaken is how it beautifully combines flavors and textures that everyone loves. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious—just the kind of dessert that warms your heart and satisfies your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: This piecaken looks stunning on any table! Its layers invite curiosity and excitement from guests.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: Pumpkin, cheesecake, and spiced cake come together for a heavenly bite every time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with its unique taste. It’s a great way to get the whole family excited about dessert!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare components in advance, making it easier to serve when the time comes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While it’s a show-stopper for Thanksgiving, this dessert is great for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make this Thanksgiving Piecaken so special. Don’t worry; you probably have many of these in your kitchen already!

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 Assembling:

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

For the Frosting:

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily tailor it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Some Chocolate: Incorporate chocolate chips into the spice cake layer for a decadent surprise.
• Fruit Flavors: Try adding a layer of fruit preserves between the layers to give an extra burst of flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped nuts into the spice cake batter for added texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping for a creamy alternative.

How to Make Thanksgiving Piecaken

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Cheesecake Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat them together until smooth. Adding flour helps prevent cracks while baking. Stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon before incorporating heavy whipping cream and eggs one at a time. Mixing until just combined creates a luscious cheesecake batter that will add richness to your piecaken.

Step 2: Bake the Cheesecake Layer

Pour the cheesecake mixture into a greased springform pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until it is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow it to cool completely before removing it from the pan; this step ensures clean layers when assembling your piecaken.

Step 3: Make the Spice Cake Layer

For the spice cake layer, whisk together flour, baking powder, and spices in another bowl. In a separate bowl, beat together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract next. Incorporate eggs one at a time before mixing in your dry ingredients alternately with milk. This method keeps your cake moist and fluffy!

Step 4: Bake the Spice Cake Layer

Pour your spice cake batter into another greased pan (you can use multiple pans if you have them!) Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool fully before removing from pans.

Step 5: Assemble Your Piecaken

Once both layers are cooled completely, it’s assembly time! Start with placing your store-bought pumpkin pie on a serving plate as your base layer. Then gently place the cooled spice cake on top of it followed by the cheesecake layer atop that. It will be towering with deliciousness!

Step 6: Make Your Frosting

To top off this creation with frosting, beat softened butter until creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar while mixing well to avoid clouding yourself with sugar dust! Finish off by adding vanilla extract and optional cinnamon along with cold heavy whipping cream until you reach spreadable consistency.

Step 7: Decorate!

Spread or pipe frosting over your assembled piecaken as desired—it’s all about making it look pretty! Consider garnishing it with some extra spices or even crushed nuts on top for an elegant finish.

And there you have it—your very own Thanksgiving Piecaken ready to wow everyone at your holiday gathering! Enjoy every slice of this magnificent dessert!

Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Piecaken

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving piecaken can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Measure and prepare all your ingredients before starting to bake. This will streamline the process and keep things organized, making it easier to focus on creating this stunning dessert.

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth cheesecake layer without any lumps, resulting in a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining your batter, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cakes instead of the light and fluffy texture we’re aiming for.

• Chill the Cheesecake Layer: After baking, allow the cheesecake layer to cool completely before assembling your piecaken. Chilling it ensures that it holds its shape well when layered with the pumpkin pie and spice cake, making for an impressive slice.

• Use a Serrated Knife for Slicing: When it’s time to serve, use a serrated knife to cut through the layers easily. This technique will help maintain the beautiful presentation of each piece without squishing the layers together.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Piecaken

Presenting your Thanksgiving piecaken can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas that will add flair to your dessert table.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a luscious touch and complements the rich flavors of the piecaken.
• Cinnamon Sprinkles: A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top provides visual appeal and enhances the warm spice flavors of this dessert.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice not only looks gorgeous but adds an irresistible sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes balances out the richness of the piecaken while adding nourishment.
• Green Bean Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with slivered almonds bring freshness and crunch to your meal, making for a lovely contrast against the sweet dessert.
• Stuffing: A savory stuffing made with herbs and bread complements the flavors of Thanksgiving beautifully, providing a delightful juxtaposition against your sweet piecaken.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce offers a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness of both pumpkin pie and cheesecake layers, enhancing every bite!

Now you’re all set to impress your guests with this extraordinary Thanksgiving piecaken! Enjoy every moment as you create lasting memories around your holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving Piecaken is not only a showstopper but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, which will save you stress on the big day.

Storing Leftovers

• Cover any leftover piecaken with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best texture, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole piecaken tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To defrost, place in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the piecaken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to avoid over-browning.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious Thanksgiving Piecaken.

Can I make Thanksgiving Piecaken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the different layers in advance and assemble them closer to serving time. This makes hosting much easier.

What is a Thanksgiving Piecaken?

The Thanksgiving Piecaken is a delightful fusion dessert that combines pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake into one stunning layered creation. It’s perfect for impressing your guests!

How do I store leftovers of Thanksgiving Piecaken?

To store leftovers, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days.

Can I freeze Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Yes! You can freeze slices of your piecaken. Just wrap them well before freezing, and they will stay good for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this incredible Thanksgiving Piecaken as much as I do! It’s truly a special dessert that brings together flavors we love during the holiday season. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll be amazed by your baking skills. Happy baking and Happy Thanksgiving!