Thanksgiving Piecaken

Thanksgiving Piecaken is the ultimate holiday dessert mashup that brings together all the flavors of fall in one towering, show-stopping creation. Imagine a moist spice cake layered with rich cinnamon cheesecake and a smooth pumpkin pie—all held together with luscious buttercream frosting. It’s an ambitious dessert, but the payoff is pure joy: a slice that delivers the taste of Thanksgiving in every decadent bite. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or just want to impress your guests with something unforgettable, this piecaken is your golden ticket to dessert greatness. Let’s break it down, step by step.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Piecaken

Here’s everything you need to make this epic Thanksgiving dessert, broken down by each layer:

🎂 Cheesecake Layer

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 large eggs

🍰 Spice Cake Layer

• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon milk

🥧 Pumpkin Pie Layer

• 1 (9-inch) store-bought pumpkin pie

🧁 Frosting

• 12 oz unsalted butter (3 sticks), softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 3–4 tablespoons cold heavy whipping cream

Instructions

How to Make Thanksgiving Piecaken

Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll create a stunning dessert that’s as delicious as it is impressive.

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and coat with non-stick spray.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth (5–6 minutes).
4. Mix in sugar and flour until combined.
5. Add vanilla and cinnamon, then blend in whipping cream gradually on high speed until smooth.
6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
7. Pour into the pan, tap to remove air bubbles.
8. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, then reduce to 200°F and bake for 30–35 minutes more.
9. Turn off oven, crack door, and cool cheesecake inside for 15 minutes.
10. Bring to room temp, then refrigerate overnight.

2. Bake the Spice Cake Layer

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
3. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and spices together.
4. In a stand mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
5. Mix in oil, egg, and vanilla.
6. Add half the flour mixture, then milk, then remaining flour—mixing well after each addition.
7. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 15–17 minutes.
8. Cool completely, then wrap and refrigerate overnight.

3. Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. Cream butter on high speed until fluffy (1–2 minutes).
2. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low.
3. Add cinnamon (optional), vanilla, and cream.
4. Beat on high for 1–2 minutes until whipped and smooth.

4. Assemble the Piecaken

1. Trim cheesecake and cake layers so they are flat and equal in diameter.
2. Place cheesecake on a cake stand, top with ¾ cup frosting.
3. Add spice cake layer, frost with another ¾ cup frosting.
4. Remove store-bought pumpkin pie from the dish. Trim crust to fit.
5. Gently place pie on top of cake, then frost entire piecaken with half the remaining buttercream.
6. Chill for 20–30 minutes to set.
7. Frost final layer and pipe a decorative border if desired.
8. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve.

Recipe Details & Nutrition Facts

this recipe

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: ~45 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
• Cook Time: ~1 hour (varies by oven)
• Chill Time: Overnight for best structure
• Total Time: ~1 day (including chill time)
• Servings: 12–14 generous slices

Nutrition Facts (Per serving — approx. 1 slice)

Note: Values are estimates and can vary depending on brands and portion sizes.

• Calories: 351 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 67mg
• Sugar: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Vitamin A: 959 IU
• Calcium: 47mg
• Iron: 1mg

Tips & Variations / FAQs

🎯 Pro Tips for Success

• Chill each layer overnight before assembly to ensure stability.
• Use a serrated knife to trim layers evenly for a professional look.
• For cleaner slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe between cuts.
• When assembling, use a cake ring or acetate strip for cleaner layering (optional but helpful).

🔄 Variations

🥧 Pie Options

• Pecan pie: Heavier than pumpkin—place it on the bottom layer for structural support.
• Apple pie: Best used in the middle to avoid sogginess.
• Sweet potato pie: Similar to pumpkin, swap easily without adjusting placement.

🍰 Cheesecake Flavors

• Try vanilla bean, maple, or chocolate swirl for a twist.
• If skipping cinnamon, balance the flavor with spiced frosting or a spiced cake.

🎂 Cake Alternatives

• A chocolate cake layer adds a richer base—pairs well with pumpkin and cheesecake.
• For a milder touch, vanilla or yellow cake works too.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Do not freeze once assembled—the textures may separate.
• Can be made 2 days in advance if stored properly.

🙋‍♀️ FAQs

Can I use store-bought components?
Absolutely. To save time, use a store-bought pie, boxed spice cake mix, or even a pre-made cheesecake. Just be sure everything is fully chilled before layering.

What size pan do I need?
All components should be baked in 9-inch round pans to ensure uniform stacking.

Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, with GF flour substitutes and a gluten-free pie. Watch for cross-contamination.

Thanksgiving Piecaken

This Thanksgiving Piecaken is a decadent, layered dessert combining a rich cinnamon cheesecake, fluffy spice cake, and a classic pumpkin pie—all stacked together and frosted with a creamy buttercream. It’s the ultimate showstopper for your holiday table, blending all your favorite fall desserts into one unforgettable bite. Perfect for impressing guests and creating a new Thanksgiving tradition, this recipe is worth every step.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 351

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Cheesecake Layer
• 3 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 large eggs
• Spice Cake Layer
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp allspice
• ¼ cup butter softened
• ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp milk
• Pumpkin Pie Layer
• 1 9-inch store-bought pumpkin pie
• Buttercream Frosting
• 12 oz unsalted butter softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon optional
• 3 –4 tbsp cold heavy whipping cream

Equipment

• 9-inch springform pan
• 9-inch round cake pan
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Parchment paper
• Offset spatula (for frosting)
• Cake stand (optional)

Method

 

1. Make Cheesecake Layer:
2. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and whipping cream. Mix in eggs last. Bake at 350°F for 10 mins, then 200°F for 30–35 mins. Chill overnight.
3. Make Spice Cake:
4. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Cream butter and sugar, then add oil, egg, vanilla, and dry mix alternately with milk. Bake at 350°F for 15–17 mins. Cool and refrigerate overnight.
5. Make Buttercream Frosting:
6. Whip butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually. Mix in cinnamon (optional), vanilla, and cream until smooth and whipped.
7. Assemble:
8. Trim layers evenly. Stack cheesecake, cake, and pumpkin pie with buttercream between. Frost fully and chill. Finish with final layer of buttercream and garnish with cinnamon.

Notes

Chill all layers before assembling for best results.

For cleaner cuts, use a warm knife and wipe between slices.

Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

Bringing It All Together

Thanksgiving Piecaken isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration in cake form. Combining the nostalgic warmth of pumpkin pie, the richness of cheesecake, and the cozy spice of fall cake, this showstopper will have your guests talking long after the plates are cleared. While it takes a bit of planning and patience, the end result is absolutely worth it. Whether you make every layer from scratch or use a few store-bought shortcuts, this piecaken is bound to become a new holiday tradition.