Thanksgiving Piecaken

This Thanksgiving Piecaken is the ultimate showstopper for your holiday table. Combining a rich pumpkin pie, a creamy cinnamon cheesecake, and a moist spice cake, it’s a delightful twist on traditional desserts. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or any festive occasion, this dessert will impress guests with its unique flavors and stunning presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Layers: The combination of pumpkin, cheesecake, and spice cake creates an explosion of flavors that everyone will love.
• Impressive Presentation: This dessert is not just tasty; it’s visually stunning, making it the centerpiece of any celebration.
• Versatile Treat: While perfect for Thanksgiving, this piecaken can be enjoyed at birthdays, holidays, or just because!
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and accessible ingredients, even novice bakers can create this masterpiece.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Serves 14 people, making it great for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Thanksgiving Piecaken successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment not only makes the process smoother but also ensures better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve the perfect creamy texture in your cheesecake and frosting without much effort.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking; having these will ensure your ingredients are perfectly balanced for optimal flavor.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down bowls and folding mixtures without deflating them—essential for that fluffy cheesecake layer.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

This Thanksgiving piecaken is the perfect combination of pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake. It’s an over-the-top Thanksgiving dessert that is sure to impress!

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 Assembly:

• 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)

How to Make Thanksgiving Piecaken

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure everything is at room temperature to ensure even mixing.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, heavy cream, and eggs. Beat until well combined.
3. Pour into a greased round cake pan. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 45 minutes or until set. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Spice Cake Layer

1. In another bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice), softened butter, brown sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, egg, and milk.
2. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour into another greased round cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Piecaken

Once both layers are cooled:
1. Place the spice cake on a serving platter.
2. Carefully remove the cheesecake from its pan and place it on top of the spice cake.
3. Finally, place the store-bought pumpkin pie on top of the cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Frosting Your Creation

1. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
3. Add vanilla extract and cold heavy cream; beat until fluffy and spreadable.
4. Frost generously over the entire assembled piecaken.

Now you’re ready to slice into this show-stopping Thanksgiving Piecaken! Enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Serve Thanksgiving Piecaken

Serving Thanksgiving piecaken can be a delightful experience that enhances your holiday table. This layered dessert is not only visually stunning but also offers a mix of flavors that will impress your guests.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
• Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce to elevate the sweetness.

Festive Plate Presentation

• Arrange slices on decorative plates garnished with fresh berries for a pop of color.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an aromatic touch.

Pairing with Coffee or Tea

• Offer a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea alongside each slice to complement the flavors.
• Consider serving flavored creamers for an extra indulgent touch.

Family-Style Serving

• Present the entire piecaken on a large platter for guests to help themselves.
• Provide serving utensils and encourage everyone to try a bit of everything.

How to Perfect Thanksgiving Piecaken

To ensure your Thanksgiving piecaken turns out perfectly, follow these handy tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your cream cheese and eggs to sit at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly, creating a creamy texture.
• Measure accurately: Always measure your ingredients precisely. This ensures the right balance of flavors and textures in your piecaken.
• Layer carefully: When assembling, layer each component evenly. This prevents any one flavor from overpowering the others.
• Chill before serving: Let your piecaken chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours after assembly. This allows the layers to set properly and enhances the flavor meld.
• Decorate creatively: Use seasonal decorations such as nuts or edible flowers on top for an appealing finish.

Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Piecaken

Pairing side dishes with Thanksgiving piecaken can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic, perfect for balancing sweet desserts.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy sprouts roasted with balsamic glaze offer a savory contrast to the piecaken’s sweetness.
3. Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots drizzled with maple syrup complement the fall flavors beautifully.
4. Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the dessert.
5. Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish brings a creamy texture that pairs well with all desserts, including piecaken.
6. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Filled with quinoa and dried fruits, this dish adds hearty nutrition and taste balance.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet cornbread muffins provide a comforting side that goes well with almost any dessert.
8. Sweet Potato Casserole: Topped with marshmallows, this dish echoes the sweet elements in your piecaken while offering its unique flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Thanksgiving piecaken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to avoid them.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened before mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to lumps in your cheesecake layer.

• Not measuring accurately: Baking requires precision. Use measuring cups and spoons for all ingredients to ensure the best results.

• Skipping the cooling step: Allow layers to cool completely before assembling. Skipping this step can cause the layers to slide or melt together.

• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can create a dense texture, especially in your cake layers.

• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your oven. Each layer may require different baking times, so check them often to prevent overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover piecaken in an airtight container.
• item It will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Thanksgiving Piecaken

• item Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• item Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• item Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Thanksgiving Piecaken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Thanksgiving piecaken that might help you out.

What is Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Thanksgiving piecaken is an impressive dessert that combines layers of cake, cheesecake, and pie into one show-stopping dish ideal for holiday gatherings.

How do I customize my Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Feel free to swap out flavors! You can use different types of cakes or pies, such as chocolate cake or apple pie, based on your preferences.

Can I make Thanksgiving Piecaken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare each component ahead of time and assemble them on the day you plan to serve it, saving you time during the festivities.

What should I serve with Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat that complements the rich flavors of this dessert.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving piecaken is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making it a perfect centerpiece for any holiday table. Its versatile nature allows you to customize flavors and textures according to your taste. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends this holiday season!