Ah, Thanksgiving—the time of year when we gather with loved ones, overindulge in delicious food, and inevitably engage in lively debates over whether or not cranberry sauce should be a thing. Now, if you’ve ever wanted to be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner, I have just the recipe for you: the infamous Thanksgiving Piecaken! Yes, you heard that right—a cake and a pie all rolled into one fabulous dessert.
I stumbled upon this recipe a few years back when I was looking to elevate my dessert game. Imagine my delight when I realized that I could enjoy pumpkin pie and moist brown sugar cake all at once! It’s like Thanksgiving on a plate, and let me tell you—this flavor combo is a legit showstopper. Not only does it look stunning, but the taste? Oh, it’s like a warm hug from your grandma!
What’s in Thanksgiving Piecaken?
Pumpkin Puree: The heart and soul of the pie filling! I prefer using canned pumpkin puree (like Libby’s) for its ease and consistent flavor, but feel free to roast and puree your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Brown Sugar: We’re using this in both the pumpkin filling and the cake to add that lovely caramel flavor. You can never go wrong with brown sugar during the holidays!
Eggs: A baker’s best friend! Eggs help bind everything together and add moisture to both the cake and the pie filling.
Heavy Cream: Because everything is better with a splash of cream, right? This ingredient adds richness to the filling and frosting.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the entire dessert. I’m a big fan of Nielsen-Massey’s vanilla for its robust flavor.
Spices: We’re talking cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger! These festive spices turn ordinary ingredients into something magical and cozy.
All-Purpose Flour: It’s the foundation of our cake. You could use cake flour for a lighter texture, but I like the sturdiness of all-purpose flour for this robust dessert.
Unsalted Butter: Remember to use softened unsalted butter for a rich flavor without the extra saltiness that can alter the balance of flavors.
Powdered Sugar: This is the secret to achieving the smooth and fluffy spiced frosting that will blanket our Piecaken.
Whipped Cream and Ground Cinnamon: These are your finishing touches that elevate the entire dessert and add that wow factor. Don’t skimp on these!
Is Thanksgiving Piecaken Good for You?
Alright, let’s be real—this isn’t exactly a health food! But hey, it’s Thanksgiving. The *spiced frosting* kisses the cake with decadence while the *pumpkin filling* offers a tad of fiber and vitamin A thanks to the *pumpkin puree*. Just keep in mind that the *heavy cream*, while delicious, does ramp up the calorie count. Moderation is key, my friends! If you want a lighter version, consider using lighter whipped toppings or Greek yogurt as a garnish.
Ingredients
– For the Pumpkin Pie Filling:
– 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp salt
– For the Brown Sugar Cake:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/4 tsp salt
– For the Spiced Frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– For Garnish:
– Whipped cream
– Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
This recipe serves about 10-12 thankful pie lovers.
How to Make Thanksgiving Piecaken?
1. **Prepare the Pumpkin Pie Filling**:
– In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix with enthusiasm until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
2. **Make the Brown Sugar Cake**:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
– In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—that’s going to be the base of our cake!
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk like it’s your best friend.
– In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—no one likes a tough cake!
– Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. **Prepare the Spiced Frosting**:
– In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and happy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg, beating until smooth and fluffy.
4. **Assemble the Piecaken**:
– Place one layer of the brown sugar cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of that glorious pumpkin pie filling on top.
– Place the second layer of brown sugar cake on top of the pumpkin filling.
– Frost the top and sides of the cake with the spiced frosting. Go wild; be proud!
5. **Garnish**:
– Top the Piecaken with dollops of whipped cream and sprinkle with ground cinnamon because we want it to look as fabulous as it tastes!
Sweet Tips for the Thanksgiving Piecaken
– For a more festive presentation, consider adding crushed pecans or even mini marshmallows on top of the whipped cream. It gives a lovely crunch and a touch of whimsy!
– This Piecaken can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before serving to let all those flavors meld beautifully.
– If you’re feeling cheeky, serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a real treat!
If you’re looking to impress your family and friends this holiday season, the Thanksgiving Piecaken is just the ticket. I promise you; it will become a cherished tradition in your meals, just like the endless debates over the turkey’s moistness! Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! Happy baking!
