Description

Thanksgiving Piecaken is a decadent layered dessert that combines the creamy richness of a cinnamon-spiced cheesecake, a moist spiced cake, and a classic pumpkin pie all stacked and frosted with a luscious cinnamon buttercream. This unique dessert offers a festive way to celebrate Thanksgiving by serving multiple traditional flavors in one impressive cake.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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 large egg
1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pumpkin Pie Layer

1 (9-inch) store-bought pumpkin pie

Buttercream 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

Instructions

Prepare Cheesecake Layer: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese until smooth (5-6 minutes). Gradually add sugar and flour, mixing well. Mix in vanilla and cinnamon until just combined. Slowly beat in heavy cream starting on low, then high speed for 1 minute. Scrape bowl and mix again for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating after each. Pour batter into pan and tap to release air bubbles. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 200°F and bake 30-35 minutes more until center jiggles slightly. Turn off oven, crack door, and cool 15 minutes. Remove, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.
Prepare Cake Layer: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch cake pan with shortening and dust with flour. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. In mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla; combine well. Add half the flour mixture and mix until no dry spots remain. Add milk and mix. Add remaining flour and mix fully. Scrape bowl and mix again if needed. Pour batter into pan and bake 15-17 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool to room temperature, then wrap in cling wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Prepare Buttercream Frosting: In mixer, beat butter and cream on high speed 1-2 minutes until fluffy. Reduce speed and gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, incorporating fully after each addition. Add cinnamon and mix briefly. Add vanilla and heavy cream; beat on high for 1-2 minutes until whipped and smooth.
Assemble the Piecaken: Trim each layer to similar size. Remove cheesecake from springform pan and flip onto cake stand, peel off parchment. Spread about ¾ cup frosting on top and smooth. Place cake layer on cheesecake and top with ¾ cup frosting, smoothing evenly. Remove pumpkin pie from pan, trim crust to match size of other layers carefully. Cover entire stacked cake with half the remaining frosting, filling cracks. Refrigerate 20-30 minutes to set frosting. Smooth remaining frosting over entire cake and pipe a decorative border if desired. Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Notes

Be sure to bring all dairy ingredients to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth batter.
Do not open the oven door when reducing the temperature for the cheesecake layer to avoid cracking.
Wrap and refrigerate cake layers overnight for easier slicing and assembly.
Trim layers carefully for a neat, uniform stack.
If desired, pipe decorative borders with remaining frosting for a professional finish.
Use a springform pan for the cheesecake to simplify removal.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Thanksgiving piecaken, layered pumpkin pie cake, cinnamon cheesecake, holiday dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, spiced cake, buttercream frosting