Thanksgiving Piecaken

This Thanksgiving Piecaken is a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake into one stunning dessert. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, this dessert is sure to be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast. The unique layers and rich flavors will impress your guests, making it a memorable addition to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: The layered design makes this dessert a showstopper at any gathering.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: Enjoy the best of three beloved desserts in one bite.
• Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive celebration.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components ahead of time to save effort on the big day.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the spices or use different flavored cakes based on your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create this stunning Thanksgiving Piecaken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Speed up mixing cream cheese and batter for a smooth texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for perfect recipe results.
• Spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients gently without deflating your batter.

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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 Cinnamon 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 the Cinnamon Cheesecake Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and flour. Beat until smooth. Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, heavy whipping cream, and eggs. Mix until well combined.

Step 2: Bake the Cinnamon Cheesecake Layer

Pour the cheesecake mixture into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until set. Let it cool completely before removing it from the pan.

Step 3: Make the Spice Cake Layer

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. In a separate bowl, mix softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Add vegetable oil, vanilla extract, egg, and milk; blend well. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Spice Cake Layer

Pour the spice cake batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cooling before removing from the pan.

Step 5: Assemble Your Thanksgiving Piecaken

Begin with placing the store-bought pumpkin pie as your base layer on a serving platter. Carefully add a layer of spice cake followed by the cooled cheesecake layer on top. Repeat if desired for additional height.

Step 6: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Add vanilla extract and optional cinnamon; mix until fluffy. Adjust consistency with heavy whipping cream as needed.

Step 7: Frost Your Piecaken

Spread frosting evenly over the top and sides of your assembled piecaken using a spatula or knife for decoration.

Now you have an extraordinary Thanksgiving Piecaken ready to wow your guests! Enjoy every delicious slice!

How to Serve Thanksgiving Piecaken

Serving Thanksgiving Piecaken is all about presentation and pairing it with the right accompaniments. This decadent dessert can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile centerpiece for your holiday table.

Individual Slices

• Serve each slice on its own, allowing guests to appreciate the layers of pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and spice cake.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness and a touch of sweetness.

Pair with Coffee

• Offer a side of hot coffee or espresso to balance the dessert’s sweetness and enhance flavors.

A la Mode

• Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top for an extra indulgent treat that melts into the warm cake.

Fruit Garnish

• Decorate each plate with fresh berries or thinly sliced fruit to add color and freshness to the serving.

How to Perfect Thanksgiving Piecaken

Perfecting your Thanksgiving Piecaken ensures that it will be the talk of the holiday gathering. Here are some tips to achieve a show-stopping dessert.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
• Layer Carefully: When assembling, take your time to layer evenly for a beautiful presentation when cut.
• Chill Between Layers: Chill each layer before adding the next to help maintain structure and prevent mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light one.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust spices and sweetness according to your preference before baking for a personalized flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Piecaken

Pairing your Thanksgiving Piecaken with delicious side dishes can balance the meal. Here are some great options that complement this rich dessert perfectly.

1. Roasted Vegetables
   A colorful medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds depth to your table.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting contrast to the sweetness of piecaken.

3. Green Bean Almondine
   Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds offer crunch and freshness alongside the rich dessert.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole
   A sweet side dish topped with crunchy pecans harmonizes beautifully with the flavors in piecaken.

5. Stuffing or Dressing
   Savory stuffing made with herbs complements both savory and sweet dishes on your table.

6. Cranberry Sauce
   Tart cranberry sauce provides a bright pop of flavor that balances well against the creamy piecaken layers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Thanksgiving Piecaken, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final result. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the cream cheese softening: Failing to soften cream cheese can lead to a lumpy cheesecake layer. Always allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can alter the texture and flavor of your dessert. Invest in a good kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too vigorously can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake layer. Mix just until combined for a smooth and creamy result.

• Neglecting oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot can cause the cake layers to bake unevenly. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures.

• Ignoring cooling times: Rushing the cooling process can lead to a mushy piecaken. Allow each layer to cool completely before assembling for best results.

• Forgetting decoration options: A piecaken is visually stunning, so don’t skip on decorations! Use whipped cream, nuts, or seasonal fruits for a beautiful presentation.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It’s best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Thanksgiving Piecaken

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Thanksgiving Piecaken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 15-20 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30 seconds, checking frequently.

• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Thanksgiving Piecaken:

What is Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Thanksgiving Piecaken is a layered dessert featuring pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake. It’s perfect for making a statement at your holiday table!

Can I make Thanksgiving Piecaken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers ahead and assemble them on the day you plan to serve. This allows flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time.

How do I customize my Thanksgiving Piecaken?

You can switch out flavors by using different fillings like pecan pie or chocolate mousse instead of pumpkin or cheesecake. Get creative with your favorite desserts!

Is there a gluten-free option for Thanksgiving Piecaken?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I use homemade pumpkin pie instead of store-bought?

Yes! Feel free to use your favorite homemade pumpkin pie recipe if you prefer fresher ingredients and flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Piecaken is an impressive dessert that combines three beloved treats into one delicious masterpiece. It’s versatile enough to customize according to your preferences, making it suitable for any celebration. Don’t hesitate—give this delightful recipe a try and wow your guests this holiday season!