Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg dances through my kitchen, a delightful idea sparks: the Thanksgiving Piecaken. This show-stopping dessert combines the best of three worlds, marrying the spiced goodness of pumpkin pie, the creamy allure of cinnamon cheesecake, and the comforting warmth of spice cake into one layered wonder. Not only is this indulgent treat a feast for the eyes, but it’s also surprisingly manageable to whip up, making holiday baking way more fun! Imagine the joy in watching guests’ faces light up as they sink their forks into this fusion of flavors—definitely a crowd-pleaser perfect for elevating your Thanksgiving table! Are you ready to impress with this unique dessert twist? Why is Thanksgiving Piecaken a Must-Try? Decadence in Every Bite: The Thanksgiving Piecaken perfectly combines rich pumpkin pie, creamy cinnamon cheesecake, and warmly spiced cake for a slice of pure heaven. Visually Stunning: Its multi-layered appearance will captivate your guests, making it a standout centerpiece at any holiday gathering. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This showstopper is sure to impress everyone at your table—from kids to grandparents—with its unique flavor profile. Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is manageable even for beginner bakers. Don’t forget to check out my tips on easy Thanksgiving desserts to help you streamline your festive cooking! Versatile Variations: Love chocolate? You can easily swap the spiced cake for a rich chocolate version. The options are endless! Thanksgiving Piecaken Ingredients For the Cheesecake Layer • Cream Cheese – 3 (8-ounce) packages; ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing. • Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup; adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese. • All-Purpose Flour – 3 tablespoons; provides structure for the cheesecake. • Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon; enhances flavor. • Ground Cinnamon – 2 teaspoons; adds warmth and flavor. • Heavy Whipping Cream – 1/2 cup; contributes richness. • Large Eggs – 2; acts as a binding agent for the cheesecake. For the Spice Cake Layer • All-Purpose Flour – 2/3 cup; serves as the base structure. • Baking Powder – 1/2 teaspoon; acts as a leavening agent. • Ground Cinnamon – 3/4 teaspoon; infuses warm flavor. • Ground Ginger – 1/2 teaspoon; enhances spiciness. • Nutmeg – 1/2 teaspoon; adds a classic spice note. • Ground Cloves – 1/4 teaspoon; deepens flavors. • Allspice – 1/4 teaspoon; a warming spice blend. • Butter – 1/4 cup, softened; adds richness and moisture. • Brown Sugar – 1/3 cup, packed; gives depth of flavor. • Vegetable Oil – 1 tablespoon; maintains moisture. • Pure Vanilla Extract – 1/2 teaspoon; for extra flavor. • Large Egg – 1; crucial for binding. • Milk – 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon; adds moisture to the cake. For the Pumpkin Pie Layer • Store-Bought Pumpkin Pie – 1 (9-inch); offers convenience and seasonal flavor. For the Frosting Layer • Unsalted Butter – 12 ounces, softened; serves as the base for buttercream. • Powdered Sugar – 5 cups; adds sweetness and structure. • Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons; for enhanced flavor. • Ground Cinnamon (optional) – 1/2 teaspoon; adds a lovely spice note to frosting. • Heavy Whipping Cream – 3-4 tablespoons, cold; ensures fluffiness in frosting. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Make sure you gather these Thanksgiving Piecaken ingredients to create your delightful layered dessert masterpiece! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Piecaken Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a large mixing bowl, blend 3 packages of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup heavy cream, mixing thoroughly. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes until the edges are firm but the center has a slight jiggle. Let it cool before transferring to the fridge overnight. Step 2: Make the Spice Cake Layer While the cheesecake cools, preheat your oven again to 350°F and grease an 8-inch round cake pan. In a bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and your selection of spices: 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice. In another bowl, cream 1/4 cup softened butter with 1/3 cup packed brown sugar until fluffy. Incorporate 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 large egg, and 1/3 cup milk, alternating with the dry ingredients. Pour into the pan and bake for 15–17 minutes, then cool before refrigerating overnight. Step 3: Whip Up the Frosting To prepare the buttery frosting for your Thanksgiving Piecaken, beat 12 ounces of softened unsalted butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in 5 cups of powdered sugar, ensuring no lumps remain. Add in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and, if desired, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth. Finally, pour in 3–4 tablespoons of cold heavy whipping cream and beat until fluffy and spreadable. Set aside for assembly. Step 4: Assemble the Piecaken Once your layers are fully cooled and settled in the fridge, it’s time to assemble the Thanksgiving Piecaken. Trim the edges of the cheesecake and spice cake to create uniform layers. Start by placing the cheesecake layer on a serving plate, topping it with a layer of the buttercream frosting. Next, add the spice cake layer, frost again, and finally place the pumpkin pie (trimmed to size if necessary) as the top layer. Frost the entire cake lavishly with the remaining buttercream frosting. Step 5: Final Chill and Serve After you’ve frosted your beautiful Thanksgiving Piecaken, cover it lightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the layers set and flavors meld together. Before serving, bring it to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture. Slice this decadent dessert and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors from the creamy cheesecake, spiced cake, and classic pumpkin pie that are sure to impress your holiday guests! Make Ahead Options Preparing the Thanksgiving Piecaken ahead of time is a fantastic way to streamline your holiday baking and save precious time on the big day! You can make the cheesecake and spice cake layers up to 48 hours in advance; simply follow the baking instructions, allow them to cool completely, and then refrigerate them covered to maintain their freshness and texture. The buttercream frosting can also be made up to 3 days ahead—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and rewhip before using. When you’re ready to assemble the piecaken, layer your cheesecake on the bottom, frost, add the spice cake, frost again, and top with the pumpkin pie to create your stunning dessert. This way, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert with minimal last-minute effort—just as delicious and even more convenient! What to Serve with Thanksgiving Piecaken? Elevate your holiday feast by pairing delightful sides and drinks with this stunning dessert that merges flavors and textures. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich and buttery, these potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the sweet layers of piecaken. Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with almonds for a crunchy, nutty bite that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce complements the piecaken’s flavors, adding a pop of color and zest to your plate. Whipped Cream: Fluffy whipped cream creates a luscious topping that echoes the buttercream frosting while adding a light texture. Autumn-Spiced Tea: Pair your piecaken with a warm cup of spiced tea, bringing a cozy, aromatic element to your dessert experience. Pecan Pie: Serve a slice of traditional pecan pie alongside for those who crave more nutty sweetness during the holiday. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool, velvety layer that enhances the richness of your piecaken. These pairings promise to enhance your Thanksgiving celebration, allowing flavors to dance together in a memorable meal. How to Store and Freeze Thanksgiving Piecaken Fridge: Keep any leftover Thanksgiving Piecaken tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container; it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Freezer: If you want to store the piecaken for a longer period, slice it and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: To enjoy frozen slices, thaw them overnight in the fridge. For a warm treat, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds on low power. Assembly Note: If you freeze the piecaken before frosting, frost it after thawing for the best texture and flavor experience. Expert Tips for Thanksgiving Piecaken Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure all your ingredients, especially cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature. This ensures a smooth batter and prevents lumps in your Thanksgiving Piecaken. Chill Time Matters: Don’t rush the cooling process. Let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating overnight. This helps it firm up, making it easier to layer. Uniform Sizes: For a neater assembly, ensure all of your layers are trimmed to the same diameter. This will make your finished piecaken look more polished and professional. Avoid Overmixing: When mixing your batters, especially the cheesecake layer, mix just until combined. Overmixing can introduce air and lead to cracking as it cools. Frosting Technique: Apply a thin layer of frosting as a crumb coat first, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes, then frost completely. This helps to seal in any crumbs and achieve a clean finish. Flavor Variation: Consider experimenting with flavored cheesecakes or different spices in the spice cake to put your personal touch on this Thanksgiving Piecaken. Thanksgiving Piecaken Variations & Substitutions Get ready to personalize your Thanksgiving piecaken with these delightful twists that will tickle your taste buds! Chocolate Cake: Swap out the spice cake for a rich chocolate cake for an indulgent twist. The deep chocolate flavor beautifully complements the sweet pumpkin layer. Flavored Cheesecake: Consider using flavored cheesecakes like vanilla bean or peppermint for a fun seasonal twist! Imagine a creamy mint cheesecake layered with spiced cake—perfect for holiday cheer. Pre-Made Options: Save time by using store-bought pumpkin pie or cheesecake. This gives you an effortless route without sacrificing flavor, letting you enjoy the holiday spirit with less stress. Nut-Free Version: You can easily create a nut-free piecaken by avoiding any nut-based ingredients in your cakes and frosting. Focus on wholesome, comforting flavors that everyone can enjoy. Cream Cheese Frosting: For a change, use cream cheese frosting to top your piecaken for an extra tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with both the spice and pumpkin layers. Spicy Kick: Spice it up even more by adding a pinch of cayenne to your spice cake or cheesecake layer! Just a hint will elevate the warmth and excite the palate. Fruit Addition: Layer fresh fruit like cranberry or apple slices between layers for a tangy contrast. The acidity will brighten the overall flavor profile—truly a celebration of fall! Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free flour in the cake and cheesecake layers for a festive treat that everyone at your table can enjoy. No one will miss the gluten with all those delicious flavors! Your changes can make this Thanksgiving piecaken truly unique—don’t hesitate to experiment and find a version that your whole family will love! For additional dessert ideas, check out my favorite easy Thanksgiving desserts you can whip up to accompany this festive treat! Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting cream cheese? Absolutely! When selecting cream cheese for your Thanksgiving Piecaken, look for products that are labeled “full-fat” or “regular” rather than low-fat or whipped options. These varieties provide the best texture for your cheesecake layer. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before you start mixing; this helps to create a smoother batter without any lumps. How should I store leftovers of Thanksgiving Piecaken? You’ll want to ensure that your piecaken stays fresh! Wrap any leftover Thanksgiving Piecaken tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge; it will maintain its deliciousness for up to 4 days. For optimal freshness, avoid cutting into it until you’re ready to serve—exposing more surface area can lead to quicker spoilage. Can I freeze Thanksgiving Piecaken? Certainly! To freeze your Thanksgiving Piecaken, slice it into individual portions, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and cover with aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the flavors intact. You can freeze the piecaken for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds if desired. What if my cheesecake layer cracks while baking? Very! If you notice cracks in your cheesecake layer, don’t fret. This can be a common occurrence when baking cheesecakes. To help prevent this in the future, avoid overmixing your batter and ensure you’re using room temperature ingredients. One effective trick is to bake the cheesecake in a water bath. Simply place your springform pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water while baking. This helps maintain even heat and moisture! Is the Thanksgiving Piecaken suitable for people with allergies? Absolutely! For individuals with allergies, it’s important to adapt the recipe accordingly. For example, if someone in your family is dairy-free, you could substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free butter in the frosting. Additionally, check all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free if you’re catering to those with gluten sensitivities. Always inform guests about any potential allergens in your dish! How do I know when the spice cake layer is done baking? The spice cake layer is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. As a rule of thumb, keep an eye on it after the 15-minute mark, checking every minute until it’s baked through. Remember, your cake should spring back when gently pressed, indicating that it’s perfectly baked! With these Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe FAQs, you’re all set for a delightful baking experience. Happy baking! Decadent Thanksgiving Piecaken: A Layered Dessert Marvel The Thanksgiving Piecaken is a layered dessert marvel combining pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spice cake, making it a crowd-pleaser for your holiday table. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes minsChill Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 3 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 550 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Cheesecake Layer3 packages cream cheese ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing1/2 cup granulated sugar adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese3 tablespoons all-purpose flour provides structure for the cheesecake1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances flavor2 teaspoons ground cinnamon adds warmth and flavor1/2 cup heavy whipping cream contributes richness2 large eggs acts as a binding agent for the cheesecakeSpice Cake Layer2/3 cup all-purpose flour serves as the base structure1/2 teaspoon baking powder acts as a leavening agent3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon infuses warm flavor1/2 teaspoon ground ginger enhances spiciness1/2 teaspoon nutmeg adds a classic spice note1/4 teaspoon ground cloves deepens flavors1/4 teaspoon allspice a warming spice blend1/4 cup butter adds richness and moisture1/3 cup brown sugar gives depth of flavor1 tablespoon vegetable oil maintains moisture1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for extra flavor1 large egg crucial for binding1/3 cup + 1 milk adds moisture to the cakePumpkin Pie Layer1 9-inch store-bought pumpkin pie offers convenience and seasonal flavorFrosting Layer12 ounces unsalted butter serves as the base for buttercream5 cups powdered sugar adds sweetness and structure2 teaspoons vanilla extract for enhanced flavor1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds a lovely spice note to frosting3-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream ensures fluffiness in frosting Equipment 9-inch springform pan8-inch round cake panMixing bowlWhiskHand Mixer Method Cheesecake LayerPreheat oven to 350°F, grease a 9-inch springform pan. Blend softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and heavy cream, mixing thoroughly. Beat eggs in one at a time. Pour into pan and bake for 40-45 minutes. Let cool, then refrigerate overnight.Spice Cake LayerPreheat oven to 350°F, grease an 8-inch round cake pan. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and spices in one bowl. In another bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add oil, egg, and milk alternately with dry ingredients. Pour into pan and bake for 15-17 minutes. Cool and refrigerate overnight.FrostingBeat softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add vanilla and cinnamon if desired. Pour in cold heavy cream and beat until fluffy and spreadable. Set aside.AssemblyTrim edges of cheesecake and spice cake. Place cheesecake on serving plate, top with frosting, then add spice cake and frost again. Place pumpkin pie on top and frost entire cake with remaining buttercream.Final ChillCover and refrigerate frosted piecaken for at least 2 hours to set flavors. Bring to room temperature before serving. Slice and enjoy! Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 7gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 20IUCalcium: 4mgIron: 8mg NotesEnsure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Chill the cheesecake completely before refrigerating overnight, and consider flavor variations in the spice cake or cheesecake layers. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
