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Thanksgiving Piecaken

Indulge in Thanksgiving Piecaken: A Layered Dessert Delight

Thanksgiving Piecaken is a stunning layered dessert combining pumpkin pie, cinnamon cheesecake, and spiced cake that will impress your guests.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Chilling Time 12 hours
Total Time 13 hours 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • springform pan
  • cake pan
  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer

Ingredients
  

For the Cheesecake Layer

  • 16 oz Cream Cheese Substitute with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Consider coconut sugar for a less refined option.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Use almond flour for a gluten-free alternative.
  • 2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Try vanilla bean paste for a more intense taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Substitute with nutmeg for a different twist.
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Whipped coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
  • 3 large Eggs Substitute with egg replacer for a vegan option.

For the Spice Cake Layer

  • 2 cup All-Purpose Flour Opt for a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
  • 2 teaspoon Baking Powder Make sure it's fresh for the best results.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1 teaspoon Allspice
  • 1/2 cup Butter Replace with unsweetened applesauce for a lower calorie option.
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar White sugar works if you're in a pinch.
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil Melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce can be used interchangeably.

For the Pumpkin Pie Layer

  • 1 pie Pumpkin Pie (store-bought) Use homemade for that personal touch.

For the Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Consider vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
  • 4 cup Powdered Sugar Swap with erythritol for a low-sugar alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use the same substitutes mentioned above.
  • 1/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Coconut cream can be a great dairy-free alternative.

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Thanksgiving Piecaken

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy, then add sugar and flour until well combined. Mix in vanilla, cinnamon, heavy whipping cream, and eggs until smooth. Pour this mixture into a prepared springform pan and bake for 40 minutes at 350°F, then reduce the temperature to 200°F and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the center slightly jiggles. Cool and refrigerate overnight.
  • Preheat your oven again to 350°F (175°C). In another mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture along with the milk until combined. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan, then refrigerate overnight to firm up.
  • In a medium bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until fluffy and pale, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing between each addition until fully combined and smooth. Pour in the vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream, continuing to beat until you achieve a light and airy frosting consistency. Set the buttercream aside at room temperature while you prepare to assemble your Thanksgiving Piecaken.
  • Carefully remove the cheesecake and spice cake layers from their pans. Trim both layers to ensure they are even and the same diameter for stacking. Place the cheesecake layer on a cake stand and spread a layer of buttercream frosting on top. Add the spice cake layer directly on top, then frost the top of that layer as well. Take the store-bought (or homemade) pumpkin pie, trim it to fit, and place it on top of the spice cake, ensuring a stable base.
  • Using the remaining buttercream, frost the entire exterior of the piecaken, smoothing out any imperfections. If desired, you can create decorative swirls or peaks for a beautiful finish. Chill the assembled piecaken in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the frosting. This helps ensure a cleaner cut when serving and enhances the flavors of the Thanksgiving Piecaken.
  • Once the frosting has set, remove the piecaken from the refrigerator. Use any leftover frosting for decorative touches, and if you'd like, sprinkle with ground cinnamon for an extra holiday flair. When ready to serve, slice carefully to reveal the gorgeous layered structure of your Thanksgiving Piecaken.

Notes

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Chill layers overnight for the best flavor and stability.
Keyword Cheesecake, holiday baking, layered dessert, Piecaken, pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving