Thanksgiving Piecaken: A Nutty Pumpkin and Pecan Pie Cake Hybrid Recipe
Introduction
The Thanksgiving Piecaken is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and classic cake into one layered masterpiece. It’s perfect for holiday celebrations when you want to wow your guests with a unique and indulgent treat.

Ingredients
- 1 prepared pumpkin pie
- 1 prepared pecan pie
- Cake batter enough for 2 cake layers (your choice of flavor)
- Frosting of your choice (buttercream or cream cheese works well)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
- Step 2: Pour half of the cake batter evenly into each cake pan.
- Step 3: Carefully place the pumpkin pie on top of the batter in one pan, and the pecan pie on top of the batter in the other pan. The pies will bake inside the cake layers.
- Step 4: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake (not the pie) comes out clean. Allow the cake layers with the pies to cool completely.
- Step 5: Once cooled, layer the pumpkin pie cake and pecan pie cake on top of each other. If desired, you can add frosting between the layers for extra moisture and flavor.
- Step 6: Frost the outside of the stacked pies and cakes evenly. Chill the finished piecaken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set the frosting and flavors.
Tips & Variations
- Use store-bought pies for convenience or homemade to add a personal touch.
- Try different cake flavors like spice cake or chocolate to complement the pies.
- Add chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra texture and flavor.
Storage
Store the piecaken covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator prior to serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pies in the piecaken?
Yes, you can swap pumpkin and pecan pies for other favorites like apple or cherry pie, depending on your taste preferences.
How do I prevent the cake from overbaking while baking with the pies?
Baking at a moderate temperature and checking with a toothpick helps ensure the cake layers cook through without drying out. Cover the top with foil if the cake is browning too quickly.
PrintThanksgiving Piecaken: A Nutty Pumpkin and Pecan Pie Cake Hybrid Recipe
A decadent Thanksgiving Piecaken that layers a rich pumpkin pie and a sticky pecan pie inside moist cake layers, then frosts and chills for a show-stopping dessert combining the best of pies and cake.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Pie
- 1 9-inch prepared pumpkin pie
For the Pecan Pie
- 1 9-inch prepared pecan pie
For the Cake Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Bake Cake Layers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the cake batter evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely in pans.
- Assemble Piecaken: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Carefully place the pumpkin pie on top of the first cake layer. Next, place the pecan pie on top of the pumpkin pie. Finally, top with the second cake layer, forming a stacked layered dessert with pies in the middle.
- Frost the Piecaken: Prepare the frosting by beating softened butter until creamy, then gradually adding powdered sugar alternated with heavy cream. Stir in vanilla extract. Spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top and sides of the assembled piecaken.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the fully assembled and frosted piecaken for at least 2 hours to set. Slice carefully to serve portions with visible layers of pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and cake.
Notes
- Ensure pies are fully baked and cooled before assembling.
- Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the piecaken cleanly.
- Customize with different pie flavors or cake types if desired.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Thanksgiving dessert, piecaken, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, layered cake, holiday dessert

