If you are looking to truly wow your guests this holiday season, the Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe is your ultimate showstopper. This decadent dessert stacks three beloved classics—pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and spice cake—into one glorious creation that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Every bite brings together warm spices, buttery pecans, and creamy sweetness all layered with a luscious cream cheese frosting, turning your Thanksgiving table into a celebration of indulgence and tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe calls for surprisingly straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in balancing flavors, textures, and that signature holiday charm. From the rich, nutty pecan pie to the spiced warmth of the cake layer and the smooth cream cheese frosting, every component combines to create magic.
- 1 (9-inch) pumpkin pie (fully baked and cooled): The cozy, spiced pumpkin provides the perfect autumnal base with velvety texture.
- 1 (9-inch) pecan pie (fully baked and cooled): Sweet, crunchy pecans add a delightful contrast and nutty richness to the layers.
- 1 box spice cake mix (plus eggs, oil, water): Spiced cake adds height, moistness, and a warm flavor that ties the pies together.
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (softened): Provides a creamy base for the frosting and helps balance sweetness.
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds tangy smoothness to the frosting for rich, luscious coverage.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreading consistency.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting with a fragrant, classic vanilla note.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances flavors and brightens the frosting taste.
- Optional garnishes like chopped pecans or pie crust crumbles: Adds texture and festive decoration.
How to Make Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Cake Batter and Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly. Following the box directions, mix your spice cake batter by combining the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water. This step is crucial because your batter will act as the support blanket that gently embraces each pie.
Step 2: Layer the Pumpkin Pie
Pour half of your prepared batter into one of the pans, creating a smooth base layer. Carefully center the cooled pumpkin pie over the batter, making sure it stays intact. Then, spoon the remaining batter gently over the top, ensuring the pie is fully encased. This technique locks in the pumpkin’s moist spices during baking.
Step 3: Layer the Pecan Pie
Repeat the process in the second pan using the pecan pie. Pour half the batter in the pan, nestle the pecan pie in the middle, then cover it completely with the rest of the batter. This seal lets the pecan pie layer bake inside the spiced cake, melding rich gooeyness and crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake both pans for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Don’t rush this moment—fully baked cake layers will provide the structure needed to hold these heavy pies. Once done, allow the cakes to cool completely within their pans so they set firmly.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake layers cool, whip up the frosting by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating everything until light and fluffy. This frosting wraps the Piecaken in a creamy, tangy blanket that perfectly balances the richness inside.
Step 6: Assemble and Frost the Piecaken
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Carefully stack the second cake layer, then cover the entire “cake” with the remaining frosting. For that wow factor, sprinkle chopped pecans or pie crust crumbles on top before chilling the assembled Piecaken for at least an hour to firm up and make slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and texture by sprinkling chopped pecans or pie crust crumbs over the frosting. This adds an extra layer of crunch and a festive touch that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Though the Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe is a rich dessert, serving it alongside a light scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple drizzle of caramel sauce takes the indulgence up a notch without overpowering the layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices with fresh whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. For a fun twist, present the Piecaken on a wooden cutting board surrounded by seasonal fruits like cranberries and apple slices, making it the centerpiece of your holiday dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Piecaken tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Due to the rich layers and frosting, it stays fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying well beyond Thanksgiving day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, the fully frosted Piecaken freezes beautifully. Just wrap it securely with heavy-duty foil and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, bring slices to room temperature before serving so the cream cheese frosting softens slightly and the flavors bloom. Reheating in a microwave is not recommended as it can alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pies for the Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin and pecan pies work wonderfully and add a personal touch. Just make sure they are fully baked and completely cooled before layering in the cake batter.
Is it necessary to freeze the pies before baking?
Freezing the pies for about 30 minutes before embedding helps them hold their shape during baking, but it is optional. It’s a handy tip if you want a neater slice and firmer layers.
How many servings does the Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe make?
This recipe yields about 12 generous slices, perfect for sharing with family and friends during your holiday feast.
Can I substitute the spice cake mix with a homemade recipe?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite homemade spice cake batter. Just ensure the batter is similar in consistency and bakes well in a 9-inch pan.
How rich is the Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe?
It is definitely a celebratory dessert that’s rich and filling. Small slices are recommended to savor all the layers without feeling overindulgent.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe that brings together beloved holiday flavors in a fun and unexpectedly elegant way. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to impress your guests, this dessert blends tradition and creativity into every single slice. Give it a try and watch your Thanksgiving gathering turn into a sweet celebration remembered for years to come!
Print
Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This over-the-top Thanksgiving dessert combines three holiday classics in one showstopping treat: pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and spice cake, all layered together and finished with a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s a fun and indulgent way to serve the best of the season in one impressive slice.
Ingredients
Pie Layers
- 1 (9-inch) pumpkin pie (fully baked and cooled)
- 1 (9-inch) pecan pie (fully baked and cooled)
Spice Cake Layer
- 1 box spice cake mix
- Ingredients required on box: eggs, oil, water
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped pecans
- Pie crust crumbles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Make Spice Cake Batter: Prepare the spice cake batter according to the package directions, using the specified eggs, oil, and water.
- Assemble Pumpkin Pie Cake Layer: Pour half of the spice cake batter into one pan. Gently place the fully cooled pumpkin pie in the center and cover it with more batter until it’s completely encased.
- Assemble Pecan Pie Cake Layer: Repeat the process in the second pan with half of the remaining batter and the pecan pie, fully encasing the pie in batter.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Bake both pans for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before handling.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat the mixture until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Piecaken: Place one cake layer on a cake plate and spread frosting generously on top. Stack the second cake on top and frost the entire outside of the assembled cake.
- Decorate and Chill: Garnish with chopped pecans or pie crust crumbles as desired. Chill the completed piecaken for at least one hour before slicing to ensure easier cutting and better flavor melding.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought pies for convenience and flavor preference.
- For extra structure and ease in layering, freeze the pies for 30 minutes before embedding them in the cake batter.
- This dessert is very rich, so small slices are recommended to satisfy guests without overwhelming them.
