Description
The Thanksgiving Piecaken is a decadent, multi-layered dessert combining pumpkin pie, pecan pie, spice cake, and cheesecake, all brought together with creamy frosting for a show-stopping treat perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Layers
- 1 pumpkin pie
- 1 pecan pie
- 1 spice cake (8-inch round)
- 1 cheesecake (8-inch round, baked or no-bake)
Frosting & Decorations
- 3 cups whipped frosting (stabilized whipped cream or cream cheese frosting)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional, for base)
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
- 1⁄4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Pies: Prepare the pumpkin pie and pecan pie ahead of time. Let them cool completely and refrigerate until firm to ensure they hold their shape when stacked.
- Bake Spice Cake: Bake the spice cake in an 8-inch round pan. Allow it to cool completely to avoid melting the frosting when assembled.
- Set Cheesecake: Prepare the cheesecake layer and chill until fully set, providing a firm base for stacking.
- Whip Frosting: Whip the frosting until stiff peaks form, ensuring it is stable enough to hold the layers together.
- Start Assembly: Place the pecan pie at the bottom as the base layer, then spread a layer of frosting evenly over it to help bind the layers.
- Add Cheesecake Layer: Stack the chilled cheesecake on top of the pecan pie, then add another layer of frosting to secure it.
- Place Spice Cake: Add the spice cake layer on top of the cheesecake, followed by a generous layer of frosting to keep everything intact.
- Top with Pumpkin Pie: Carefully place the pumpkin pie as the topmost layer and cover the entire piecaken with a thick, even layer of frosting over the top and sides for a smooth finish.
- Decorate: Garnish the piecaken with chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and drizzle caramel sauce over the top if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Chill the completed piecaken for 2–4 hours in the refrigerator to allow the layers and frosting to set properly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure all pies and cake layers are fully cooled and chilled to prevent frosting from melting.
- Use stabilized whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for best results as it holds shape better.
- Optional graham cracker crumbs provide a nice texture contrast on the base or as decoration.
- The caramel drizzle and chopped pecans add extra flavor and a festive look.
- This dessert is best served chilled and within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Use a sharp serrated knife to slice through the multiple layers cleanly.
