The Best Ever Thanksgiving Piecaken : A Dessert Masterpiece You Have to Try

Posted on September 28, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

Thanksgiving Piecaken is the dessert mash-up that’s taken the holiday table by storm. Imagine layering your favorite Thanksgiving pies like pumpkin and pecan inside a rich spice cake, finishing it off with velvety frosting and seasonal toppings. Yes, it’s exactly as indulgent as it sounds—and it’s become a modern classic among Thanksgiving dinner desserts.

If you’re tired of choosing between cake and pie, now you don’t have to. This pie cake recipe is for food lovers who believe the holiday should be all about family, gratitude, and yes—sweets on top of sweets.

Whether you’re hosting a big family feast or attending a Friendsgiving, this Thanksgiving layer cake will steal the spotlight. Keep reading to find out how to make one from scratch, why it’s gone viral, and how you can adapt it to your own traditions.

What Is a Thanksgiving Piecaken?

A Piecaken is exactly what it sounds like: a pie baked inside a cake. Originally popularized by celebrity baker Zac Young, the Piecaken combines three beloved holiday pies—typically pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie—stacked and layered inside or between spice cakes or pound cakes. The entire dessert is then frosted and decorated with all the flair of a wedding cake.

Think of it as the turducken of desserts: complex, excessive, and unbelievably delicious.

Why Thanksgiving Piecaken Is the Best Ever Thanksgiving Dessert

Still wondering if this Frankenstein creation belongs on your holiday table? Here’s why Thanksgiving Piecaken is truly one of the best ever Thanksgiving desserts:

It’s the Ultimate Showstopper: No dessert on earth gets reactions like a Piecaken. It’s Instagram-worthy and unforgettable.
It Saves Oven Space: Bake your pies ahead, layer them up in one dessert—boom, done!
It Combines Classic Flavors: Pumpkin, apple, and pecan pie—wrapped in rich cake? Yes, please!
It Feeds a Crowd: With multiple layers and slices, it’s perfect for big families and potlucks.

Want a simpler but still festive dessert idea? Try these Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles for bite-sized bliss.

Piecaken Origins: From Viral Trend to Thanksgiving Staple

The Piecaken has roots in Southern traditions of baking pies inside cakes, but it gained internet fame in 2015 when Zac Young’s version appeared on TV and quickly sold out online. Since then, people have made their own spin-offs using everything from turkey pumpkin pie pairings (yes, savory-sweet versions exist!) to cookie pie cakes and beyond.

It’s the ultimate in holiday innovation—and now, it’s making its way into healthy homemade recipes too with low-sugar, gluten-free, and vegan versions.

Thanksgiving Piecaken Recipe: How to Make This Layered Wonder at Home

Want to make your own Piecaken masterpiece? Here’s how.

Ingredients (Serves 14–16)

For the Cake Layers:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the Pies (store-bought or homemade):

1 9-inch pumpkin pie
1 9-inch pecan pie
1 9-inch apple pie

Want to bake your pies from scratch? Pair this dessert with our Apple Crisp with Oatmeal for homemade flair.

For the Frosting:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
8 oz cream cheese
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional toppings: candied pecans, pie crust crumbles, whipped cream

Step-by-Step Instructions for Assembling the Perfect Piecaken

Step 1: Bake the Cakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans. Prepare your cake batter by creaming together the butter and sugar, then adding eggs one at a time. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk into the wet ingredients. Pour into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and set. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare or Chill the Pies

If using homemade pies, ensure they’re fully cooled and firm. If using store-bought, pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes so they slice cleanly.

Step 3: Layer the Cake and Pies

Level your cake layers. On a cake board or stand, place one cake layer, then top with your first pie (pumpkin works great here). Add a generous layer of frosting.

Repeat with the second pie and another cake layer. Finally, top with the third pie and smooth a final layer of frosting over the entire cake.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Use your cream cheese frosting to cover the entire Piecaken. Smooth it out, then decorate with pie crust crumbs, whipped cream, or even slices of leftover pie on top.

Want to practice your decorating skills? Try these adorable Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl as a warm-up.

Top Tips for Building a Showstopping Piecaken

Chill Your Pies: Cold pies are easier to stack and won’t fall apart under pressure.
Use a Sturdy Cake Base: A dense cake like spice cake or pound cake works best.
Anchor with Dowels: Use straws or wooden dowels to prevent leaning.
Go Light on Frosting Between Layers: Too much can cause sliding.

Want more clever baking ideas? These Pumpkin Twists are a fantastic choice for practicing layering skills.

Fun Variations for Thanksgiving Cake Flavors

The beauty of the Piecaken is its flexibility. You can get creative with your combinations:

Chocolate lovers? Use Pumpkin Brownies as the base.
Cinnamon fans? Add a swirl of Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls to your frosting.
Savory-sweet hybrid? Try layering with a crustless Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancake.

Looking for more Thanksgiving cake flavors? Incorporate cranberry filling, maple buttercream, or spiced applesauce for an autumn twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead:

Bake your cakes and pies 1–2 days in advance.
Assemble the Piecaken the day before serving.
Keep chilled overnight to allow layers to set.

Storage:

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Thanksgiving Piecaken

As rich as the Piecaken is, it pairs beautifully with lighter sides or drinks like:

And for the kids, pair a slice with Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups at your holiday brunch the next morning!

Common Piecaken Mistakes to Avoid

Stacking hot pies or cakes — Always cool everything fully.
Using light cake layers — Stick with denser cakes for stability.
Skipping chill time — Chill layers before stacking to avoid slippage.
Overfilling with frosting — More is not always better here!

FAQs About Thanksgiving Piecaken

Can I use mini pies instead of full-sized?
Yes! This works well for smaller gatherings. Just adjust cake sizes to match.

Do I need special pans?
Not necessarily. Standard 9-inch cake pans work. You’ll need a tall cake carrier or box for storage though!

Can I make a gluten-free version?
Absolutely. Just substitute with your favorite GF cake and pie recipes.

Is this a healthy dessert?
It’s definitely a treat! But you can lighten it up with low-sugar frosting, whole grain crusts, and smaller portions.

What are the best cake and pie combinations?
Pumpkin pie + pecan pie + spice cake is a traditional win. But apple pie with a cinnamon cake and maple frosting? A dream.

Final Thoughts: Should You Make a Piecaken This Thanksgiving?

If you’re looking to impress, indulge, and celebrate the season with something over-the-top and unforgettable, then yes—Thanksgiving Piecaken is the dessert for you. It combines nostalgia, creativity, and pure comfort food magic into every single bite.

From your family’s favorite pies to your most festive cakes, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to play with layers, textures, and flavors—and make it uniquely your own.

Ready to try it? Be sure to tag your creation, share with loved ones, and subscribe for more quick cooking recipes and holiday inspiration!

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