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Thanksgiving Piecaken

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.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Cheesecake Layer
  • 24 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 Layer
  • 0.5 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 Assembly
  • 1 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 pan
  • 9-inch cake pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • serrated knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Piecaken
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Notes

Chill 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.

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