Thanksgiving Piecaken

Name: Thanksgiving Piecaken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pre-baked pie crust; 2 cups apple filling; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the ultimate dessert fusion with this Thanksgiving Piecaken, a delightful blend of cake and pie for the perfect holiday treat. Layers of moist cake are expertly crafted to encapsulate your favorite pie flavors, creating a stunning centerpiece that will wow your guests. This innovative dessert is sure to be a conversation starter at your Thanksgiving feast, combining the best of both worlds in one delicious slice.

Created by

Georgia Lane

Last updated on 2025-11-25T13:58:28.772Z

The Thanksgiving Piecaken is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Imagine slicing into a moist cake only to reveal a delicious pie nestled within. Your guests will be amazed!

A Cherished Holiday Tradition

The Piecaken represents a delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving desserts, merging two beloved favorites into one spectacular dish. As family and friends gather around the table, this dessert serves not only as a sweet finale to your meal but also as a conversation starter. The delightful contrast between the moist cake and flavorful pie filling is sure to appeal to everyone’s taste buds, making it a perfect addition to any holiday celebration.

This innovative dessert melds the best elements of cake and pie, bringing a creative touch to your Thanksgiving feast. It invites guests to share stories and traditions tied to both cake and pie, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness that embodies the Thanksgiving holiday. By serving a Piecaken, you are not only providing a new flavor experience but also creating memories that your loved ones will cherish for years to come.

Perfect for Any Taste

One of the remarkable aspects of the Thanksgiving Piecaken is its versatility. While the recipe incorporates apple filling, you can easily customize it to include your favorite pie flavors. Consider swapping in pumpkin, pecan, or cherry pie fillings based on seasonal preferences or family favorites. This adaptability ensures that each Piecaken can be uniquely tailored, appealing to various palates and dietary needs.

Additionally, the texture contrast of a moist cake enveloping the pie layer enhances the overall experience of every slice. Guests will love digging into the layers to discover the delicious combination. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream, this dessert can be modified to suit all tastes, making it an instant hit.

Creating Lasting Memories

The Piecaken is more than just a dessert; it's a vessel for storytelling and interaction. As each person takes their slice, fond memories of past Thanksgiving celebrations come flooding back, rekindling shared jokes and laughter that echo around the table. The way each layer combines flavors mirrors the way family and friends blend their lives together during the holiday, making this dessert a meaningful centerpiece.

In addition to its sentimental value, the Piecaken is perfect for capturing beautiful family photos. Its eye-catching appearance can be the highlight of your Thanksgiving spread, allowing you to document the joy and love present during your gathering. By serving the Piecaken, you create an experience that transcends the meal itself and fosters deeper connections among your loved ones.

Ingredients

Cake Layer

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pie Layer

1 pre-baked pie crust
2 cups apple filling
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Frosting

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to check your pantry for these ingredients before starting!

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk and vanilla.

In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Assemble the Pie

Spread the apple filling into the pre-baked pie crust and sprinkle with cinnamon and lemon juice.

Bake the Piecaken

In a greased cake pan, pour a layer of cake batter. Place the pie layer on top of the batter, then pour the remaining batter over the pie. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Frosting

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Frost the top and sides of the cooled Piecaken.

Let the Piecaken cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Thanksgiving Piecaken, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream to enhance the flavors further. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the moist cake and spiced pie, creating a delightful harmony of tastes. Additionally, drizzling caramel or chocolate sauce on top can elevate the presentation while adding a touch of indulgence to every slice.

For a garnish, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few apple slices on top of the whipped cream to highlight the pie component of the dessert. This will not only enhance the flavor but also give your Piecaken an appealing, festive look that will impress your guests.

Storage Tips

Storing any leftover Piecaken is easy; wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. The dessert will maintain its flavor and moisture for up to three days, allowing you to savor every last bite. Before serving leftovers, consider warming individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds; this will revive the cake's moistness and reinvigorate the pie filling.

If you want to make your Piecaken ahead of time, you can freeze it before frosting. Make sure to wrap it securely and store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving. This method will save you time on the day of the celebration while still delivering a fantastic dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

One common question is whether the Piecaken can be made gluten-free. Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it can be enjoyed by those with dietary restrictions. Just keep in mind to check that all other ingredients, such as the pie crust and filling, are also gluten-free.

Another question that often arises is about scaling the recipe. If you're hosting a larger gathering, consider making multiple Piecakens or using larger cake pans to accommodate more guests. This dish can easily be multiplied, so you can spread joy and sweetness across a bigger table, allowing everyone to enjoy this unique holiday treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different pie filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite pie flavors.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Piecaken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.