Thanksgiving Piecaken

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your family and friends this Thanksgiving, the Thanksgiving Piecaken is just what you need! This delightful creation combines three beloved desserts into one: pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake. It’s truly an over-the-top treat that will have everyone raving. I love making this dessert not just for Thanksgiving, but also for family gatherings and special occasions. It’s a delicious way to celebrate!

What makes this Thanksgiving Piecaken so special is how it brings together different flavors and textures in one bite. The creamy cheesecake perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin pie, all nestled between layers of moist spice cake. Trust me, once you serve this at your holiday table, it will become an instant favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive Layering: This dessert looks gorgeous when sliced, showcasing its beautiful layers of pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and cake.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of flavors. It’s a wonderful conversation starter!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the piecaken in advance so you can enjoy more time with your family on the big day.
• Deliciously Decadent: Each bite is rich and satisfying, making it a perfect indulgence for your holiday feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this fabulous Thanksgiving Piecaken, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these up, and let’s get baking!

For the 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 the Pumpkin Layer

• 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)

Variations

This Thanksgiving Piecaken is wonderfully flexible! You can customize it to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.

• Change the Flavor: Swap out pumpkin pie for apple or pecan pie if those are more your family’s favorites.
• Add Some Chocolate: Incorporate chocolate chips into the spice cake layer for a delicious twist.
• Switch Up the Frosting: Use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for added richness.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Thanksgiving Piecaken

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Then add in the flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, heavy whipping cream, and eggs. Mixing these ingredients well creates a creamy cheesecake base that’s full of flavor.

Step 2: Bake the Cheesecake Layer

Pour the cheesecake mixture into a greased springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until set in the center. Let it cool completely before removing from the pan; this step is vital for preventing cracks in your cheesecake.

Step 3: Make the Spice Cake Batter

In another bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, ground spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice—along with softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add in vegetable oil, vanilla extract, egg, and milk gradually until everything is well combined. This batter will be moist and fragrant!

Step 4: Assemble Your Layers

Once both layers are cooled completely, it’s time to assemble! Start with a layer of spice cake on a serving platter. Then carefully place the cooled cheesecake on top of it followed by a layer of store-bought pumpkin pie. Finish with another layer of spice cake if you like—it adds even more deliciousness!

Step 5: Whip Up Your Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and optional cinnamon for extra flavor. If needed, adjust consistency with cold heavy whipping cream.

Step 6: Frost Your Piecaken

Spread your delicious frosting generously over the top and sides of your assembled Thanksgiving Piecaken. This final touch not only makes it look beautiful but adds an extra layer of sweetness to each slice.

Now you’re ready to serve this stunning Thanksgiving Piecaken! Enjoy each bite as you celebrate with loved ones around your table!

Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Piecaken

Creating a Thanksgiving Piecaken may seem daunting, but with a few handy tips, you’ll be on your way to an impressive dessert centerpiece!

• Prep in Advance: Make your cheesecake filling and spice cake layers a day ahead. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes assembly much easier.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients.

• Use a Water Bath: When baking the cheesecake layer, place it in a water bath. This prevents cracking and keeps the cake moist, resulting in a creamy texture.

• Chill Before Serving: After assembling the piecaken, let it chill in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This helps the layers set nicely and makes cutting easier.

• Customize Your Layers: Feel free to experiment with different flavors for your spice cake or add additional spices to the cheesecake to make it uniquely yours!

How to Serve Thanksgiving Piecaken

Serving your Thanksgiving Piecaken can be just as exciting as making it! Here are some creative ideas to present this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness and complements the rich flavors of the piecaken.
• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce adds sweetness and an eye-catching touch.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top makes for an aromatic finish that enhances its festive appeal.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes provide a savory contrast to the sweet piecaken.

• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds brightness and balances out the rich flavors of your dessert perfectly.

• Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds create a crunchy and vibrant side that complements both main courses and desserts alike.

• Stuffing: A flavorful stuffing made with herbs and vegetables will round out your Thanksgiving meal beautifully, offering hearty textures alongside the sweet piecaken.

With these serving suggestions, your Thanksgiving Piecaken will not only be a showstopper but will also harmonize beautifully with all the other wonderful dishes on your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Thanksgiving piecaken is a delightful dessert that not only impresses with its layers but also makes for fantastic meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to store it and keep it fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the piecaken to cool completely at room temperature.
• Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For best results, slice pieces as needed rather than cutting the whole cake at once.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Label the container with the date for your records.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best texture, avoid freezing the whipped cream topping separately.

Reheating

• Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium heat or until warm.
• Alternatively, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind as you prepare your Thanksgiving piecaken!

Can I make Thanksgiving Piecaken without cream cheese?

Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative or a blended tofu mixture for a dairy-free version.

How long does Thanksgiving Piecaken last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, your Thanksgiving piecaken will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If frozen, it can last for about 2 months.

Can I use homemade pumpkin pie instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade pumpkin pie recipe, feel free to use it in place of a store-bought option.

What can I serve with Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Pair your Thanksgiving piecaken with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special treat!

Is there a gluten-free option for this Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving piecaken is more than just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt celebration of flavors that brings joy and warmth to any holiday gathering. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it! Dive into this delicious layered treat and create lasting memories around your table. Happy baking!