Thanksgiving Piecaken

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If you’ve ever found yourself torn between which dessert to choose at Thanksgiving dinner, the Thanksgiving Piecaken is your ultimate answer. This showstopping dessert combines the best of the holiday table—pumpkin pie, pecan pie, spice cake, and luscious cheesecake layers—all stacked into one glorious creation. It’s the perfect fusion of textures and flavors that turns any gathering into a festive celebration.

What makes this piecaken so special isn’t just the triple dessert combination, but the way each layer blends seamlessly into the next. With a whipped frosting that ties it all together and just the right amount of spice and sweetness, each slice offers a forkful of gratitude and indulgence. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a centerpiece.

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What Kind of Pies Should I Use for a Thanksgiving Piecaken?

The classic Thanksgiving Piecaken typically uses pumpkin pie and pecan pie as the base layers, with a spiced cake or cheesecake layered in between. These pies are firm and flavorful, making them ideal for stacking. If you want a little variation, consider sweet potato pie or even apple pie—but make sure they’re baked firm so the layers hold up.

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Ingredients for the Thanksgiving Piecaken

Pumpkin Pie
This creamy and warmly spiced classic brings the cozy, familiar fall flavor to the base of your piecaken.

Pecan Pie
The rich, nutty texture and sweet filling add a bold, sticky layer of crunch.

Spice Cake
Fragrant with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, spice cake adds soft warmth and depth between the pies.

Cheesecake Layer
Velvety and tangy, this balances the sweetness of the pies and cake, making the stack feel luxurious.

Whipped Frosting
Light and fluffy, it holds the layers together and adds a creamy contrast to the dense desserts.

Graham Cracker Crust (for the base or pie layers if baking from scratch)
This crumbly base adds texture and helps prevent sogginess when assembling the piecaken.

Optional Garnishes
Think toasted pecans, pie crumbs, whipped cream swirls, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra festive finish.

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How To Make the Thanksgiving Piecaken

Step 1: Prepare Your Pies

If baking your pumpkin pie and pecan pie from scratch, make them the day before to give them enough time to chill and firm up. You want each pie to be fully cooled before stacking. Store-bought pies work too—just ensure they’re stable and not too runny.

Step 2: Bake the Spice Cake

Use your favorite spice cake recipe or a boxed mix for convenience. Bake it in a round springform pan the same size as your pies. Let the cake cool completely before assembling.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

You can either make a no-bake cheesecake or bake one if you prefer a firmer texture. Just like the other layers, let it chill thoroughly so it holds up well during stacking.

Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Frosting

Use homemade whipped cream or stabilized whipped frosting to keep things light. Cream cheese frosting also works if you want something richer. Whip it until stiff peaks form so it holds the layers tightly together.

Step 5: Assemble the Piecaken

Start by placing the pecan pie as your base layer. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top. Add the cheesecake layer, followed by more frosting. Next comes the spice cake, then the pumpkin pie on top. Be generous with the frosting between each layer to create a soft cushion.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Frost the entire stack with whipped topping, smoothing it over the sides. Decorate the top with pie crumbs, piped frosting swirls, chopped pecans, or a caramel drizzle to match the festive vibe.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Let the assembled piecaken chill for at least 2–4 hours to firm up. This step helps with slicing cleanly and keeping the layers intact.

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How to Serve and Store the Thanksgiving Piecaken

The best way to serve a Thanksgiving Piecaken is chilled but not too cold—allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes after removing from the fridge. This softens the frosting slightly, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavor layers. Use a serrated knife to gently saw through the layers for a clean presentation.

To store leftovers, cover the piecaken tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, individual slices can be frozen—just wrap them well and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make the piecaken?

You can make the entire piecaken up to 2 days ahead. In fact, letting it chill overnight enhances the flavor melding and helps the layers set nicely.

Do I need to use homemade pies and cakes?

Not at all. Store-bought pies and cake mixes are perfectly fine and make assembly quicker. The real magic comes in layering and assembling.

Can I skip the cheesecake layer?

You can, but the cheesecake adds a luscious, creamy contrast. If skipping it, consider doubling the frosting layer or using a second spice cake for structure.

What’s the best frosting to use?

Whipped cream or stabilized whipped frosting keeps the dessert light. Cream cheese or buttercream adds richness. Avoid anything too sweet—it should balance, not overpower.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pies, cake, and crusts. Just be sure all layers are firm and cool before stacking.

How do I transport the piecaken?

Chill it completely before transporting. Use a cake carrier or box with a flat base, and place a non-slip mat underneath to prevent sliding. Drive carefully—this dessert is a tower of joy!

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Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If this Thanksgiving Piecaken got you excited about layered desserts and creative combinations, here are more showstopping ideas to bookmark next:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for a fruity-meets-creamy no-bake option.
• Triple Chocolate Banana Bread when you’re craving rich cocoa flavor with a twist.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes for bite-sized indulgence perfect for parties.
• Cheesecake Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies that combine pie and cookie in one chewy bite.
• Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies for when you want sweet, tangy, and fast.

These recipes bring the same playful, layered energy to your dessert table.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday dessert board so you can find it fast when Thanksgiving rolls around again.

And when you make your own version of this Thanksgiving Piecaken, let me know in the comments! Did you switch up the pie flavors? Go all homemade or mix in store-bought shortcuts? I love hearing how you customize it.

Share your results—and don’t forget to check out more daily creations on my Pinterest: Life with Nina Recipes.

Let’s keep dessert creative and fun every season!

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