Thanksgiving Piecaken

This Thanksgiving Piecaken is the ultimate dessert to wow your guests! Combining pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake, it’s a delightful treat that can make any occasion special. Whether for Thanksgiving dinner or a festive gathering, this piecaken stands out with its layers of flavor and texture. It’s a fun way to celebrate the season with a unique twist on traditional desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: The layered look of the piecaken makes it a showstopper for any holiday table.
• Delicious Flavor Combinations: Enjoy the harmony of pumpkin, cheesecake, and spice in every slice.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebration where dessert is a must!
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This dessert combines beloved flavors that everyone will appreciate and enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Thanksgiving Piecaken, gather your tools before starting. Having everything ready will make your baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch round cake pans: Essential for creating perfectly shaped layers of cake and cheesecake.
• Electric mixer: Makes blending ingredients quicker and easier, ensuring a smooth batter for your cheesecake and cake layers.
• Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and spreading frosting evenly on your piecaken.

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 Baking Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, heavy whipping cream, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour this mixture into one prepared cake pan. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Spice Cake Layer

1. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
2. In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Add vegetable oil, vanilla extract, egg, milk, and mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour the spice cake batter into the second prepared cake pan.

Step 4: Bake Layers

Bake both layers in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool Layers

Allow both layers to cool completely in their pans before removing them.

Step 6: Assemble Your Piecaken

Once cooled:
– Place one layer of spice cake on your serving platter.
– Add the store-bought pumpkin pie on top of this layer.
– Spread an even layer of cheesecake on top of the pumpkin pie.
– Top with your second layer of spice cake.

Step 7: Make Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
– Beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing.
– Add vanilla extract and optional cinnamon; mix until fluffy. Adjust consistency with cold heavy whipping cream if needed.

Step 8: Frost Your Piecaken

Spread frosting over the entire assembled piecaken for a beautiful finish.

Now it’s time to slice up your stunning Thanksgiving Piecaken! Enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Serve Thanksgiving Piecaken

Thanksgiving Piecaken is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and spice cake into one stunning dish. It is perfect for impressing your guests and can be served in various ways to enhance the experience.

Individual Slices

• Serve individual slices topped with whipped cream for a classic presentation.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra touch of flavor.

With Ice Cream

• Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream to balance the sweetness.
• The contrast between the warm piecaken and cold ice cream creates a delightful texture.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for a rich addition.
• This adds another layer of sweetness and complements the spices in the piecaken.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Serve with fresh berries or sliced fruits like apples or pears for a refreshing contrast.
• The tartness of the fruit cuts through the richness of the dessert.

How to Perfect Thanksgiving Piecaken

To ensure your Thanksgiving Piecaken turns out perfect, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cream cheese and fresh spices for the best flavor.
• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature to avoid lumps in your cheesecake layer.
• Layer Evenly: When assembling, make sure each layer is spread evenly to create balanced slices.
• Cool Completely: Allow the piecaken to cool completely before serving. This helps it set properly and makes it easier to slice.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours after assembly for better slicing and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Piecaken

Serving side dishes alongside Thanksgiving Piecaken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes roasted with herbs adds color and nutrition.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and pair well with rich desserts like piecaken.
3. Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish adds crunch with its crispy onion topping while being a festive favorite.
4. Stuffing: Flavorful stuffing made with herbs complements the spices in the piecaken nicely.
5. Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce balances the sweetness of the piecaken with its bright flavors; consider serving it on the side.
6. Apple Salad: A fresh apple salad featuring greens, nuts, and a light dressing offers a refreshing contrast to heavy desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes will ensure your Thanksgiving Piecaken turns out perfect. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:

• Ignoring ingredient temperatures – Using cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy cheesecake. Always let cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can make your cake dense. Mix just until combined for a lighter texture.
• Skipping the cooling time – Cutting into the piecaken too soon can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.
• Not measuring accurately – Incorrect measurements can affect the taste and texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Using low-quality store-bought pie – A subpar pumpkin pie can impact the overall flavor. Choose a high-quality, store-bought option or consider making your own.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep slices separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Thanksgiving Piecaken

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Thanksgiving Piecaken

• Oven – Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Thanksgiving Piecaken:

What is Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Thanksgiving Piecaken is a delightful dessert that layers pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and spice cake into one impressive dish.

Can I use homemade pumpkin pie?

Absolutely! Using homemade pumpkin pie can enhance the flavor of your Thanksgiving Piecaken.

How do I customize my Thanksgiving Piecaken?

You can add different spices or even fruits like cranberries between layers for added flavor.

How long does Thanksgiving Piecaken last?

When stored properly, it lasts about 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Is there a vegan version of Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Yes! Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk in the cake layers.

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Piecaken is not only visually stunning but also combines comforting flavors that everyone will love. You have plenty of options for customization based on personal preferences; feel free to experiment with different spices and layers. Give this recipe a try this holiday season!