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A delicious Thanksgiving piecaken, the ultimate dessert combining pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and cake, is showcased as the featured image.

ULTIMATE Thanksgiving Piecaken Dessert

This show-stopping dessert combines the best of Thanksgiving pies – pumpkin, apple, and pecan – baked inside layers of moist spiced cake and covered with creamy frosting. It's a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and the ultimate Thanksgiving indulgence.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 800

Ingredients
  

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 unbaked 9-inch pie crusts store-bought or homemade
  • 6 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • 3 (9-inch) pie pans
  • 3 (9-inch) cake pans
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowls (large, medium, small)
  • Whisk
  • Electric Mixer (stand or hand-held)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Serrated knife
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Serving plate or cake stand
  • Oven
  • Wooden skewers (optional, for support)
  • Grease and flour for pans

Method
 

  1. **Pumpkin Pie:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, 2 eggs, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Pour the mixture into one unbaked pie crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. Let cool completely.
  2. **Apple Pie:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat. Pour the apple mixture into one unbaked pie crust. Dot with 2 tablespoons butter. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let cool completely.
  3. **Pecan Pie:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the pecan halves in the bottom of one unbaked pie crust. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture over the pecans. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Let cool completely.
  4. **Spiced Cake:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the remaining 3 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix! Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  5. **Frosting:** In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  6. **Assemble:** Level the cakes: Use a serrated knife to carefully trim the tops of the cakes so they are flat. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Frost the top of the cake layer. Carefully place the pecan pie on top of the frosted cake layer. Frost the top of the pecan pie with a generous layer of frosting. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted pecan pie. Frost the top of the cake layer. Carefully place the apple pie on top of the frosted cake layer. Frost the top of the apple pie with a generous layer of frosting. Place the third cake layer on top of the frosted apple pie. Frost the entire piecaken with the remaining frosting. Get creative! You can swirl the frosting, add decorative sprinkles, or even drizzle with caramel sauce.
  7. Chill the piecaken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together.

Notes

For best results, make the pies a day ahead to save time. Ensure all components (pies and cakes) are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the frosting from melting. If the cake layers seem dry, brush them with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until sugar dissolves) before frosting. Store leftover piecaken tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent leaning, insert wooden skewers into the piecaken for support while chilling, especially if it is very tall. The crusts can be brushed with melted chocolate after baking to prevent them from getting soggy.