Thanksgiving Piecaken
This Thanksgiving piecaken is a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin pie, creamy cinnamon cheesecake, and moist spice cake. Perfect for any festive gathering, this over-the-top treat will impress your guests with its unique layers and delightful taste. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or any special occasion, this piecaken adds a touch of extravagance to your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor – The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spice creates a warm and inviting flavor profile.
- Layered Appeal – Each layer offers a different texture and taste, making every bite an adventure.
- Perfect for Celebrations – This dessert is ideal for Thanksgiving and other festive gatherings, sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Make Ahead Option – Prepare parts of the cake in advance to save time on the day of your celebration.
- Impressive Presentation – The striking layers make it visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools is essential for creating this delicious Thanksgiving piecaken. Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer – Ensures ingredients are well combined and fluffy, especially when dealing with cream cheese.
- 9-inch round cake pans – Provides the perfect shape for layering the piecaken while allowing even baking.

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 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 Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Cheesecake Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat until smooth.
- Add flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, heavy whipping cream, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Pour equal amounts into prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until set in the center.
- Allow cooling completely before removing from pans.
Step 3: Create the Spice Cake Layer
- In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
- In a separate bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
- Beat in eggs one at a time followed by milk until combined.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4: Assemble Your Piecaken
Once everything is cooled:
1. Place one layer of spice cake on a serving plate.
2. Top with one layer of cheesecake followed by the store-bought pumpkin pie.
3. Add another layer of cheesecake topped by the second spice cake layer.
Step 5: Make Frosting
In a large bowl:
1. Beat softened unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar; mix until fluffy.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and optional cinnamon; adjust consistency with heavy whipping cream if needed.
Step 6: Frost Your Piecaken
Spread frosting over the top and sides of your assembled piecaken for an attractive finish.
Now you have an impressive Thanksgiving Piecaken that is sure to wow everyone at your next gathering!
How to Serve Thanksgiving Piecaken
Thanksgiving Piecaken is a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and spice cake. Serving it right can elevate your holiday gathering. Here are some delightful ways to present this decadent treat.
Individual Slices
- Serve each guest a slice on a decorative plate for a personal touch.
- Garnish with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Layered Dessert Cups
- Crumble the piecaken into cups for an easy-to-eat option.
- Layer with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.
Family Style Platter
- Present the entire piecaken on a large platter for a communal feel.
- Add fresh fruits like berries or slices of apple around it for color and freshness.
With Ice Cream
- Pair slices of piecaken with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- The creamy texture complements the richness of the piecaken beautifully.
How to Perfect Thanksgiving Piecaken
Creating the perfect Thanksgiving Piecaken requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out fantastic.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps achieve a smooth batter and better blending of flavors.
- Don’t skip chilling: Allow the cheesecake layer to set in the fridge before adding other layers for better structure.
- Measure accurately: Precise measurements lead to consistent results; use kitchen scales if possible.
- Experiment with spices: Adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger levels according to your taste preferences.
- Keep it moist: Brush cake layers with fruit juice or simple syrup if they seem dry after baking.
Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Piecaken
Pairing side dishes with Thanksgiving Piecaken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options.
-
Roasted Vegetables
A mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes adds color and nutrition. -
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comforting flavors that balance the sweetness of piecaken. -
Green Bean Almondine
Crisp green beans tossed with toasted almonds offer a crunchy contrast to the soft dessert. -
Cranberry Sauce
A tart cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of piecaken, enhancing its flavor profile beautifully. -
Stuffing
Savory stuffing made with herbs and vegetables provides a hearty accompaniment that complements dessert well. -
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows create a delightful harmony with the flavors in piecaken. -
Cornbread Muffins
Light and fluffy cornbread muffins add sweetness while making for great finger food alongside dessert. -
Pumpkin Soup
A warm pumpkin soup as an appetizer sets the stage perfectly for your Thanksgiving feast focused on pumpkin flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Thanksgiving piecaken, it’s easy to overlook some details. Avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Bold ingredient choices: Using the wrong type of cream cheese can affect the texture. Always choose full-fat, softened cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling.
- Bold overmixing batters: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Bold skipping chilling time: Not chilling the cheesecake layer can cause it to be too soft. Allow it to chill fully before layering for best results.
- Bold neglecting oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can result in uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right heat.
- Bold inadequate cooling: Cutting into your piecaken too soon can lead to messy slices. Allow it to cool completely before serving for clean slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Thanksgiving piecaken in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Thanksgiving Piecaken
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The piecaken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Thanksgiving Piecaken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake slices wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat covered slices on medium power for 30 seconds or until warm, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thanksgiving Piecaken?
Thanksgiving piecaken is a festive dessert that combines multiple layers of pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and spice cake into one delicious treat.
How do I customize my Thanksgiving Piecaken?
You can customize your Thanksgiving piecaken by adding different flavors of cheesecake or using alternative spices according to your preference.
Can I make Thanksgiving Piecaken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them the day before serving. Just store everything properly in the refrigerator.
What should I serve with my Thanksgiving Piecaken?
Pair your Thanksgiving piecaken with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Final Thoughts
The Thanksgiving piecaken is an impressive dessert that brings together beloved flavors in one stunning presentation. It’s versatile enough to adapt with different flavors and fillings, encouraging you to experiment and make it uniquely yours. Try this recipe this holiday season!
Thanksgiving Piecaken
Impress your guests this holiday with our delicious Thanksgiving Piecaken! A delightful blend of pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and spice cake awaits you.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 packages cream cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 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
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 store-bought pumpkin pie
- 12 ounces unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (cold)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- For the cinnamon cheesecake layer, beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in flour, vanilla, cinnamon, heavy cream, and eggs until combined. Divide batter between pans and bake for approximately 30 minutes. Cool completely.
- For the spice cake layer, whisk flour, baking powder, and spices in one bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy; add oil and vanilla. Incorporate eggs one at a time followed by milk. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Bake in prepared pans for about 30–35 minutes.
- Assemble by layering spice cake, cheesecake, and store-bought pumpkin pie in alternating layers.
- For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Incorporate vanilla and adjust consistency with cold heavy cream if needed before spreading over the assembled piecaken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg