Thanksgiving Piecaken: The Ultimate Festive Delight
Thanksgiving Piecaken: A Festive Dessert Delight
The Thanksgiving Piecaken is a unique and delicious dessert that combines two beloved holiday treats into one stunning masterpiece. Layering rich cheesecake and moist cake with a classic pumpkin pie, this dessert will impress your family and friends, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Imagine the delighted reactions when you slice into this dessert and reveal the beautiful layers inside.
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons to try the Thanksgiving Piecaken. Firstly, it brings together three favorite dishes: cheesecake, cake, and pumpkin pie, offering a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Secondly, it’s visually impressive and bound to be a conversation starter at your holiday gathering. Lastly, the combination of spiced pumpkin, creamy cheesecake, and rich frosting creates a delectable dessert that stands out on any table.
How to Make Thanksgiving Piecaken
It’s easier than it looks! Follow this simple guide to create your own Thanksgiving Piecaken and wow your guests.
Ingredients
Here’s a clear list of all the ingredients you will need to make your Thanksgiving Piecaken:
-
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
-
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
-
Base:
- 1 (9-inch) store-bought pumpkin pie (premade/storebought)
-
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)
Directions
-
Cheesecake Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add the eggs, mixing until just combined. Set aside.
-
Cake Layer:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and allspice.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, egg, and milk.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just mixed, then set aside.
-
Bake the Layers:
- Grease and line a baking dish. Pour half of the cake batter into the dish, then pour the cheesecake mixture over it.
- Finally, pour the remaining cake batter on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
-
Assemble the Piecaken:
- Trim each layer to equal size if needed. Place the baked cake layer on a serving platter.
- Add the store-bought pumpkin pie on top of the cake layer.
- Top with another layer of your cake, frosting the top and sides generously with buttercream.
-
Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Piecaken
To serve your Thanksgiving Piecaken, slice it into wedges and plate with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can add a festive touch.
How to Store Thanksgiving Piecaken
To store any leftovers, cover the piecaken tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you may freeze individual slices but ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Thanksgiving Piecaken
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Feel free to adjust the spices in the cake layer to suit your taste preferences.
- Decorate the top with seasonal fruits or nuts for added flair.
Variations
Consider swapping out the pumpkin pie layer for pecan pie or apple pie for a delicious twist. You can also experiment with different frosting flavors, such as cream cheese or chocolate.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the Thanksgiving Piecaken ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake and cheesecake layers a day in advance and assemble it just before serving.
Q2: Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Q3: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Enjoy creating and sharing your Thanksgiving Piecaken with loved ones this holiday season! This dessert will surely become a cherished tradition at your Thanksgiving celebrations.
Thanksgiving Piecaken
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
- 3 packages 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 large 2 large eggs
Cake Layer
- 2/3 cup 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon milk
Base
- 1 9-inch pie 1 (9-inch) store-bought pumpkin pie (premade/storebought)
Frosting
- 12 ounces 12 ounces unsalted butter (softened, 3 sticks)
- 5 cups 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) Optional for additional flavor
- 3-4 tablespoons 3-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (cold)
Instructions
Cheesecake Layer
- In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add the eggs, mixing until just combined. Set aside.
Cake Layer
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and allspice.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Mix in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, egg, and milk.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just mixed, then set aside.
Bake the Layers
- Grease and line a baking dish. Pour half of the cake batter into the dish, then pour the cheesecake mixture over it.
- Finally, pour the remaining cake batter on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely.
Assemble the Piecaken
- Trim each layer to equal size if needed. Place the baked cake layer on a serving platter.
- Add the store-bought pumpkin pie on top of the cake layer.
- Top with another layer of your cake, frosting the top and sides generously with buttercream.
Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
