Thanksgiving Piecaken

The Thanksgiving Piecaken is a dessert like no other, a true showstopper that combines three classic pies baked inside moist layers of cake. Each slice reveals a decadent surprise: pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and apple pie hidden within vanilla cake, all frosted together with a creamy buttercream finish. It’s a dessert that not only tastes incredible but also turns heads the moment it’s placed on the table.

This over-the-top creation is perfect for the holidays when indulgence is part of the celebration. The Piecaken saves you from the impossible decision of choosing just one dessert by giving you all three in a single bite. It’s rich, festive, and guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you’re impressing family or surprising guests, the Piecaken is the ultimate finale to a memorable holiday meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Pies:

• 1 (9-inch) pecan pie, fully baked

• 1 (9-inch) pumpkin pie, fully baked

• 1 (9-inch) apple pie, fully baked

For the Cake Layers:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened

• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 5 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups buttermilk

For the Frosting:

• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened

• 8 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 4–6 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 10-inch round cake pans.

2. Prepare the cake batter by whisking together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.

4. Alternately add the dry mixture and buttermilk until a smooth batter forms.

5. Spread a thin layer of batter in the bottom of each prepared cake pan.

6. Place one baked pie (pecan, pumpkin, and apple) into the center of each pan, then cover with more batter until fully encased.

7. Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.

8. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth and fluffy.

9. Carefully remove each cake-pie layer from its pan. Stack the three pie-filled cakes with frosting between each layer.

10. Frost the entire outside of the cake and decorate as desired.

Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours
Kcal: 720 kcal | Servings: 16 servings

Thanksgiving Piecaken: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Experience

When it comes to Thanksgiving, there are two things that often dominate the dessert table: pies and cakes. Pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie have always been holiday classics, while layer cakes often make their way to family gatherings as well. But what if you didn’t have to choose? What if you could enjoy both pie and cake in one dessert that not only looks impressive but also delivers unforgettable flavor? Enter the Thanksgiving Piecaken a whimsical, over-the-top creation that layers three pies inside three cakes, stacking them together for a showstopping finale.

This dessert is more than just food; it’s a celebration of indulgence and creativity. The Piecaken has gained fame in recent years as the ultimate Thanksgiving mashup, combining multiple beloved desserts into one towering masterpiece. It’s not just a sweet treat, but also a conversation starter, a photo-worthy centerpiece, and the perfect symbol of abundance during the holidays.

The Story Behind the Piecaken

The concept of a “piecaken” may sound wild, but it has become a beloved culinary trend. Much like the infamous “turducken” (a chicken stuffed into a duck, stuffed into a turkey), the Piecaken takes things to a whole new level of festive extravagance. The idea is simple: bake fully prepared pies inside cake layers, then stack those layers into one gigantic dessert.

The trend was popularized by pastry chef Zac Young, who created a Thanksgiving Piecaken that went viral. Since then, food bloggers, chefs, and home bakers have experimented with their own versions, making it a modern holiday tradition for adventurous bakers. The beauty of the Piecaken is that it’s customizable, you can switch out pies, change the cake flavors, or even try unique frostings to suit your family’s taste.

Why the Piecaken Works

At first glance, baking a pie inside a cake may seem like an overload of flavors and textures. Surprisingly, it works brilliantly. Each element contributes something unique:

• Pumpkin Pie brings its smooth, spiced custard filling that feels like Thanksgiving in every bite.

• Apple Pie adds a fruity, tart, and cinnamon-rich layer of comfort.

• Pecan Pie delivers sweetness, crunch, and a nutty contrast to balance out the other pies.

• Vanilla Cake Layers act as the perfect canvas, surrounding each pie with light and fluffy sweetness.

• Buttercream Frosting ties everything together with a creamy finish.

When combined, you get a layered dessert where every slice tells a story. One bite may start with the nutty pecan filling, followed by the warmth of pumpkin spice, then ending with the cozy sweetness of baked apples. It’s like eating three desserts at once but in harmony.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Piecaken

Since the Piecaken is such a monumental dessert, it requires a bit of planning. Here are some pro tips to ensure success:

1. Use Fully Baked Pies – Don’t try to bake raw pies inside the cake batter. They should be cooled, set, and ready to handle the additional baking time inside the cake layers.

2. Choose Sturdy Pies – Pumpkin, pecan, and apple work best because they hold their structure. Avoid pies with overly soft or runny fillings.

3. Go Big on Cake Pans – You’ll need deep pans (10-inch round recommended) to fit a whole pie plus cake batter.

4. Cool Completely Before Stacking – Each cake-pie layer needs time to firm up before assembling. Rushing could cause a leaning tower instead of a neat stack.

5. Generous Frosting is Key – Buttercream helps bind everything together and adds stability to the towering dessert.

6. Chill Before Slicing – Refrigerating for at least an hour before serving makes slicing much easier, preventing the layers from crumbling.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best things about the Piecaken is its versatility. You can get creative with flavor pairings and design your own holiday version:

• Chocolate Lovers’ Piecaken: Swap vanilla cake for chocolate cake, use chocolate cream pie, peanut butter pie, and brownie pie inside.

• Christmas Piecaken: Try a red velvet cake layered with peppermint pie, eggnog pie, and cranberry pie.

• Fruit Lovers’ Piecaken: Use strawberry pie, blueberry pie, and peach pie layered with lemon cake.

• Mini Piecakens: Instead of one massive cake, make smaller versions with mini pies baked into cupcake-sized cakes. Perfect for individual servings.

Serving the Piecaken

When the Piecaken makes its grand appearance at the table, expect jaws to drop. The height, the frosting, and the anticipation of cutting into it all add to the excitement. Serve it on a sturdy cake stand to emphasize its grandeur.

To slice, use a long serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Each serving will be large (this dessert is indulgence at its peak), so consider cutting thinner slices than you would with a normal cake. A small piece is usually more than enough since every bite is packed with richness.

Pairing it with coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk helps balance the sweetness. For adults, pairing with a dessert wine, bourbon, or spiced rum can create a cozy holiday vibe.

Why You Should Make a Piecaken This Thanksgiving

The holidays are about creating memories, sharing joy, and sometimes, going over the top. The Piecaken checks all those boxes. It’s not just about dessert; it’s about celebration. Imagine the laughter and surprise when you cut into the cake and reveal the hidden pies inside. Children love the magic of it, and adults can’t help but marvel at the creativity.

While it requires more effort than a standard pie or cake, the payoff is worth it. The Piecaken transforms your dessert table into an event all on its own. It’s a centerpiece that will have people talking about Thanksgiving long after the holiday is over.

A Dessert for Bold Bakers

If you love experimenting in the kitchen and enjoy making dishes that impress, the Piecaken is your dream project. It challenges your baking skills but rewards you with a creation unlike anything else. Best of all, it brings together the best of both worlds: pie and cake. No longer do you have to pick between classic holiday desserts, you can have it all.

Conclusion

The Thanksgiving Piecaken is more than just a dessert, it’s a tradition in the making. Combining pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies with fluffy cake and creamy frosting, this towering creation captures the spirit of the holiday: abundance, joy, and indulgence. It represents the best of what Thanksgiving is about sharing food, celebrating family, and making memories around the table.

So, if you’re looking to surprise your guests, give them something unforgettable, and embrace the festive season in style, the Piecaken is the perfect choice. One slice is enough to make everyone thankful.