Thanksgiving Piecaken

Ah, Thanksgiving! The time of year when we come together, share gratitude, and inevitably overindulge in culinary delights. This year, why not bring some flair to the dessert table with a Thanksgiving Piecaken? Imagine layers of cake and cheesecake topped off with your favorite pumpkin pie—it’s like a dessert party in your mouth! 🎉

Why Make This Recipe

So, why should you dive into the world of Piecaken? Well, it’s honestly the perfect showstopper dessert for your Thanksgiving feast. You get to impress your family and friends with this multitasking dessert that combines two classics into one. Plus, who doesn’t love having their cake and pie all in one bite? 🙌 It’s a guaranteed hit, and you’ll be the MVP of Thanksgiving.

How to Make Thanksgiving Piecaken

Let’s break down how you can whip up this magical creation. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, but expect some delicious chaos in your kitchen. Here’s what you need to do:

Cheesecake Layer: Blend together cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
Cake Layer: Mix eggs, flour, baking powder, and spices to form a thick batter.
Frosting: Whip together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of heavy cream for that luscious finish.

Pro tip: Trim each layer so they fit snugly together like a well-coordinated jigsaw puzzle!

Ingredients

Here’s a comprehensive list to gather before you put on your apron:

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
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
1 (9-inch) store-bought pumpkin pie (premade/store-bought)
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)

Directions

Cheesecake Layer:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
Add the heavy cream and eggs, mixing until combined.
Pour into a greased springform pan and bake for about 45 minutes. Let it cool.

Cake Layer:

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and spices.
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar. Mix in vegetable oil, milk, and egg.
Combine with the dry ingredients until smooth.
Pour into a cake pan, bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes.

Frosting:

In a mixer, whip up the butter until fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream to achieve the right consistency.

NOTE: Before assembling, it’s wise to trim each layer so that they are approximately the same size.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Piecaken

Serve your Piecaken chilled or at room temperature. Slice it up, revealing the beautiful layers, and don’t forget a dollop of whipped cream on top. Trust me, your guests will be fighting over the last piece. Can you blame them?

How to Store Thanksgiving Piecaken

Wrap any leftovers (if there are any) in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Just be careful; it might disappear faster than you think! 😅

Tips to Make Thanksgiving Piecaken

Assemble it a day ahead to let the flavors meld together.
Use a pre-made pumpkin pie to save time and hassle.
If the layers seem uneven, don’t sweat it! Just cover those imperfections with a generous amount of frosting.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the pumpkin pie for pecan or apple pie. The possibilities are endless! Just remember, some things shouldn’t be mixed—like oil and water. You get the idea! 😉

FAQs

1. Can I make the cheesecake layer ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cheesecake up to a few days ahead and store it in the fridge.

2. Is it okay to use a different flavor of cake?
For sure! While the classic is great, chocolate cake or vanilla may also rock this dish.

3. What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?
You can substitute it with milk, but the frosting won’t be as thick. If you’re desperate, it might still work, but we don’t recommend it!

Now, go forth and conquer the dessert table with your incredible Thanksgiving Piecaken! 🥳