As I prepped my kitchen for the festive season, I stumbled upon a delightful twist that has completely transformed our Thanksgiving tradition—the Thanksgiving Piecaken. Combining the lusciousness of pumpkin pie, the creamy indulgence of cinnamon cheesecake, and the fragrant warmth of spice cake, this dessert is more than just a mouthful; it’s a celebration on a plate. Not only does this layered beauty impress every guest with its stunning presentation, but it also allows for convenient store-bought shortcuts if you’re pressed for time. Enjoying this decadent dessert means you can unwind while treating your loved ones to a heavenly experience that they’ll remember long after the holidays have passed. Are you ready to elevate your Thanksgiving dessert game? Why is Piecaken the Ultimate Holiday Dessert? Indulgent Layers: The Thanksgiving Piecaken beautifully combines pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake into a single show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress! Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Guests will be captivated by its stunning appearance and rich flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Time-Saving Options: With potential store-bought shortcuts, you can whip up this masterpiece without the stress, allowing more time to enjoy the festivities. Flavor Explosion: The harmonious blend of spiced cake, creamy cheesecake, and classic pumpkin pie offers a deliciously festive experience that will be talked about long after the meal is finished. Versatility: Feel free to mix things up! You can swap in your favorite pies or cheesecake flavors to create a custom treat that fits your family traditions—try a Thanksgiving Turkey Herb for a delightful savory pairing. Thanksgiving Piecaken Ingredients For the Cheesecake Layer • Cream Cheese (3 x 8 oz packages) – Opt for full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture. • Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup) – Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor profile. • All-Purpose Flour (3 tbsp + 2/3 cup) – Provides stability for the cheesecake; gluten-free options work too! • Vanilla Extract (1 tsp + 2 tsp) – Using pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. • Ground Cinnamon (2 tsp + 3/4 tsp + 1/2 tsp for frosting) – Adds warmth; Saigon cinnamon gives a robust taste. • Heavy Whipping Cream (1/2 cup + 3-4 tbsp for frosting) – This ingredient ensures a rich texture; coconut cream can be a dairy-free alternative. • Eggs (2 large) – These add structure; substitute with applesauce for a vegan option. For the Spice Cake Layer • Baking Powder (1/2 tsp) – Essential for making the cake rise beautifully. • Ground Ginger (1/2 tsp), Nutmeg (1/2 tsp), Ground Cloves (1/4 tsp), Allspice (1/4 tsp) – These spices create that classic spicy flavor beloved in fall desserts. • Butter (1/4 cup + 12 oz) – Provides richness; margarine works too for a dairy-free variation. • Brown Sugar (1/3 cup, packed) – Adds depth and moisture to the cake. • Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp) – Keeps the cake moist; melted coconut oil is a great substitute. • Milk (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) – This adds moisture; almond milk can be used for a gluten-free option. For the Assembly • Store-Bought Pumpkin Pie (1, 9-inch) – Simplifies your setup while still delivering classic flavors. • Powdered Sugar (5 cups) – Sweetens the frosting; adjust according to your sweetness preference. This Thanksgiving Piecaken is a festive delight that not only pleases the palate but also makes your holiday preparations a breeze! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Piecaken Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth for about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and flour, mixing well. Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and heavy whipping cream, blending until creamy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring a smooth mixture. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 200°F (95°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes. The edges should set but the center will slightly jiggle. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool gradually for 30 minutes before chilling it in the fridge overnight. Step 2: Bake the Spice Cake Layer While the cheesecake chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) again and grease a 9-inch cake pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and spices until combined. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Add the vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just smooth. Pour this spiced batter into the greased pan and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before refrigerating it overnight. Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting To create a delightful frosting for your Thanksgiving Piecaken, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until it’s fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and mix until incorporated. Then add the ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, whipping the mixture until it becomes light and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired. Set your frosting aside for assembly later. Step 4: Assemble the Piecaken Once your layers are fully chilled and set, it’s time to assemble the Thanksgiving Piecaken. Carefully trim each layer with a serrated knife to ensure they are uniform in size. Place the cheesecake layer upside down on a serving stand or plate. Evenly spread a layer of frosting on top of the cheesecake, then place the spice cake layer on top. Frost the top of the spice cake, then trim the crust off the store-bought pumpkin pie and place it directly on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting for a beautiful finish. Step 5: Chill and Decorate After the cake is fully assembled, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set. Once set, you can smooth out any uneven frosting and decorate as desired with additional cinnamon or even festive sprinkles. Slice and serve your Thanksgiving Piecaken chilled to reveal its decadent layers, impressing friends and family alike! How to Store and Freeze Thanksgiving Piecaken Room Temperature: Keep the Thanksgiving Piecaken at room temperature for up to 2 hours during gatherings. After that, refrigerate any leftovers to maintain freshness. Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover cut edges with plastic wrap to help retain moisture. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the whole piecaken tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Reheating: If you prefer warm slices, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it chilled for a refreshing taste. What to Serve with Thanksgiving Piecaken? Delight your guests with expertly curated sides and drinks that elevate the Thanksgiving Piecaken experience to new heights. Whipped Cream: The light, airy texture adds a velvety finish to each slice, making every bite of the Piecaken even more indulgent. Consider flavored options like vanilla or cinnamon for an extra touch! Spiced Apple Cider: Warm, fragrant, and festive, this drink pairs perfectly with the autumnal flavors of the Piecaken. It offers a cozy, comforting experience while enhancing the spice notes of the dessert. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this sweet, buttery sauce over each piece for an indulgent touch that enhances the rich layers of cheesecake, pie, and cake in the Piecaken. It’s pure decadence! Cranberry Sauce: A tart contrast to the sweetness of the Piecaken, this vibrant side brightens up the plate while adding seasonal flair. The zingy flavor refreshes the palate beautifully. Pecan Pie Bars: Continue the dessert festivity with these rich, buttery bars that mirror the flavors of the Piecaken. The crunchy texture offers a delightful contrast to its softness. Pumpkin Spice Latte: For a chic coffee pairing, serve this creamy, spiced drink alongside your Piecaken. The warm spices create a fantastic flavor bridge that ties in the dessert’s components. Maple Pecan Ice Cream: Smooth and creamy, this ice cream complements the Piecaken with its nutty sweetness. It adds another layer of texture that your family will love! Indulging in these harmonious sides will turn your Thanksgiving celebration into an unforgettable feast! Make Ahead Options The Thanksgiving Piecaken is ideally suited for meal prep, making your holiday a little less hectic. You can prepare the cheesecake and spice cake layers up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake them, let them cool, and then refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble. This helps set their textures perfectly while also saving time on the big day. The frosting can be made up to 3 days ahead, stored in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness. When it’s time to put everything together, just let the layers come to room temperature, frost, and stack them with the store-bought pumpkin pie. This way, you can enjoy an impressive dessert with minimal last-minute effort, all while keeping it just as delicious as when freshly made! Thanksgiving Piecaken Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with your Thanksgiving Piecaken—there’s plenty of room for delicious tweaks! Pecan Pie Swap: Replace the pumpkin pie layer with pecan pie for a nutty, rich twist. This variation brings a delightful crunch that complements the creaminess beautifully. Chocolate Cheesecake: Use chocolate cream cheese to create a deliciously decadent chocolate cheesecake layer, perfect for chocolate lovers! The blend of flavors will delight your taste buds. Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the entire piecaken accessible to everyone. This way, no one misses out on the festivities! Cream Cheese Frosting: Try a cream cheese frosting instead of heavy buttercream for a tangy and lighter feel—deliciously balanced and perfect for the layers! Seasoned Whipped Cream: Top your piecaken with cinnamon or pumpkin-spiced whipped cream for an extra festive touch. It adds a light texture that enhances the richness of the dessert. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top before serving. The sweet and buttery flavor will elevate your piecaken to new heights. Fruit Fillings: Add a layer of fresh blueberries or raspberries between the layers for a tart contrast to the rich cheesecake and cake. This twist will offer a refreshing burst in every bite. Store-Bought Shortcuts: If you’re short on time, consider using a ready-made cheesecake layer or a different store-bought pie. They can simplify your process while still keeping it delicious. Perhaps even pair it with a Thanksgiving Turkey Herb for a well-rounded feast! Enjoy exploring these variations while giving your Thanksgiving Piecaken your own personal touch! Expert Tips for Thanksgiving Piecaken Chill Overnight: Allow the cheesecake and spice cake layers to chill overnight for smooth slicing and better flavor integration. Uniform Layers: Trim your layers to ensure they fit perfectly; uneven layers can lead to a wobbly structure. Test for Doneness: For the cheesecake, the center should be slightly jiggly. Overbaking can lead to an undesirable texture. Non-Stick Spray: Use a non-stick spray in your springform pan to ensure easy removal and avoid tearing the cheesecake layer. Store-Bought Options: Embrace store-bought pumpkin pie to save time; just be sure to trim the crust for clean assembly in the Thanksgiving Piecaken. Decorative Touches: Consider garnishing with cinnamon dust or seasonal fruits on top for an extra festive look! Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe FAQs What type of cream cheese should I use? You should opt for full-fat cream cheese for the richest and creamiest texture in the cheesecake layer. Light or low-fat varieties may result in a less stable cheesecake that doesn’t hold its shape well. How should I store leftover Thanksgiving Piecaken? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cover any cut edges with plastic wrap to keep them fresh and moist. If left out, be cautious after 2 hours at room temperature; it’s best to refrigerate to maintain quality. Can I freeze the Thanksgiving Piecaken? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the entire Piecaken tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results. What if my cheesecake layer cracks during baking? If your cheesecake cracks, don’t worry! This can happen if it’s overbaked or baked at too high a temperature. To avoid this in the future, ensure the center is slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven. Cooling it gradually in the oven also helps. If it cracks, you can cover it with frosting during assembly, making it a part of the design! Is there a dairy-free option for the Piecaken? Yes, you can definitely create a dairy-free Thanksgiving Piecaken! Use coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream, replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and substitute the butter with margarine. For the eggs, you can use 1/4 cup of applesauce to keep it vegan-friendly. Can I use a different type of pie instead of pumpkin? Absolutely! Feel free to swap the pumpkin pie for a pecan or apple pie, or even experiment with chocolate or berry pies. Just keep in mind the weight differences, as heavier pies should be placed at the bottom of your Piecaken structure for stability. Thanksgiving Piecaken: Indulge in a Festive Flavor Explosion Experience the Thanksgiving Piecaken, a delightful combination of pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake—a festive flavor explosion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cheesecake Layer24 oz Cream Cheese Opt for full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.0.5 cup Granulated Sugar Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor profile.0.67 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides stability for the cheesecake; gluten-free options work too!3 tsp Vanilla Extract Using pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.5.25 tsp Ground Cinnamon Adds warmth; Saigon cinnamon gives a robust taste.0.5 cup Heavy Whipping Cream This ingredient ensures a rich texture; coconut cream can be a dairy-free alternative.2 large Eggs These add structure; substitute with applesauce for a vegan option.For the Spice Cake Layer0.5 tsp Baking Powder Essential for making the cake rise beautifully.0.5 tsp Ground Ginger Creates that classic spicy flavor beloved in fall desserts.0.5 tsp Nutmeg Creates that classic spicy flavor beloved in fall desserts.0.25 tsp Ground Cloves Creates that classic spicy flavor beloved in fall desserts.0.25 tsp Allspice Creates that classic spicy flavor beloved in fall desserts.12 oz Butter Provides richness; margarine works too for a dairy-free variation.0.33 cup Brown Sugar Adds depth and moisture to the cake.1 tbsp Vegetable Oil Keeps the cake moist; melted coconut oil is a great substitute.0.33 cup Milk This adds moisture; almond milk can be used for a gluten-free option.For the Assembly1 9-inch Store-Bought Pumpkin Pie Simplifies your setup while still delivering classic flavors.5 cups Powdered Sugar Sweetens the frosting; adjust according to your sweetness preference. Equipment 9-inch springform pan9-inch cake panMixing BowlWhiskserrated knife Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Thanksgiving PiecakenPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth for about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and flour, mixing well. Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and heavy whipping cream, blending until creamy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring a smooth mixture. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 200°F (95°C) and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes. The edges should set but the center will slightly jiggle. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool gradually for 30 minutes before chilling it in the fridge overnight.While the cheesecake chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) again and grease a 9-inch cake pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and spices until combined. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Add the vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just smooth. Pour this spiced batter into the greased pan and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before refrigerating it overnight.To create a delightful frosting for your Thanksgiving Piecaken, beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until it’s fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and mix until incorporated. Then add the ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, whipping the mixture until it becomes light and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired. Set your frosting aside for assembly later.Once your layers are fully chilled and set, it's time to assemble the Thanksgiving Piecaken. Carefully trim each layer with a serrated knife to ensure they are uniform in size. Place the cheesecake layer upside down on a serving stand or plate. Evenly spread a layer of frosting on top of the cheesecake, then place the spice cake layer on top. Frost the top of the spice cake, then trim the crust off the store-bought pumpkin pie and place it directly on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting for a beautiful finish.After the cake is fully assembled, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set. Once set, you can smooth out any uneven frosting and decorate as desired with additional cinnamon or even festive sprinkles. Slice and serve your Thanksgiving Piecaken chilled to reveal its decadent layers, impressing friends and family alike! Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 6gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesChill overnight for smoother slicing and flavor integration. Trim layers for uniformity. Test for doneness by checking the jiggle of the cheesecake center. Use non-stick spray to facilitate removal of the cheesecake layer. Embrace store-bought pumpkin pie for convenience, ensuring a clean assembly. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
