Thanksgiving Piecaken

Name: Thanksgiving Piecaken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree; 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 pie crust; 1 cup pecan halves; 1 cup light corn syrup; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 pie crust

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your Thanksgiving dessert game with this show-stopping Thanksgiving Piecaken! Combining the rich flavors of a decadent chocolate cake with layers of pumpkin and pecan pies, this impressive dessert will leave your guests in awe. Perfectly crafted for the holidays, the Piecaken is a delightful fusion that captures the essence of Thanksgiving in every slice.

Created by

Kayla Monroe

Last updated on 2025-12-02T09:25:32.461Z

This Thanksgiving Piecaken will surely wow your guests, making it the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table. The harmony of flavors and textures creates an unforgettable dining experience.

A Celebration of Flavors

The Thanksgiving Piecaken is truly a celebration of flavors, combining the beloved elements of Thanksgiving into a single, magnificent dessert. The rich chocolate cake offers a moist and decadent foundation that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices of pumpkin pie and the sweet nuttiness of pecan pie. Each slice is a journey through the tastes of the season, making it an unforgettable addition to your holiday table.

This unique dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also serves as a conversation starter among guests. Its multi-layered presentation is visually stunning, inviting everyone to take a closer look. The combination of textures—from the soft cake to the creamy pumpkin filling and crunchy pecans—adds to the overall indulgence, creating an experience that’s both delicious and memorable.

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

The Piecaken is an excellent choice for holiday gatherings, as it can easily serve a crowd. Whether it’s a family feast or a Friendsgiving, this dessert will impress, taking center stage among other traditional treats. Its towering layers look impressive yet can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivities with your loved ones.

Moreover, the Piecaken can be customized to suit your flavor preferences. You can modify the fillings or experiment with different cake flavors based on your guests' tastes. This flexibility makes it an adaptable dessert that can fit into any holiday theme, ensuring that everyone will find something they appreciate within its layers.

Storage and Serving Tips

After preparing your Piecaken, proper storage will help maintain its deliciousness. Slice and refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to four days. When ready to serve, you can enjoy the Piecaken chilled or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. For an extra touch, consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside each slice.

To cater to a larger group, cut smaller portions as the Piecaken is quite rich. You can also create a dessert platter that includes coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful pairing. This way, you ensure that everyone will leave with a sweet smile, making your Thanksgiving celebration even more special.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Pumpkin Pie Layer

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pie crust

Pecan Pie Layer

1 cup pecan halves
1 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pie crust

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans (9-inch). Prepare the pumpkin pie layer and bake it in a separate pie dish according to package instructions.

Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water until the batter is well-combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the chocolate cake batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely.

Prepare Pecan Pie Layer

In a mixing bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the pecans. Pour this mixture into a pie crust and bake according to pie crust instructions until set.

Assemble the Piecaken

Once the layers are cooled, place one chocolate cake layer on a serving dish. Spread the pumpkin pie layer on top, followed by the second chocolate cake layer. Finally, add the pecan pie layer on top.

Frost as desired and serve.

Baking Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect Piecaken requires attention to detail, especially when baking each layer. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and keep an eye on baking times. The chocolate cake should be moist but not undercooked, while both the pumpkin and pecan pie layers should be fully set to hold their shapes when assembled. Using room temperature ingredients can also help create a smoother batter.

When it comes to assembling, gently layering each component is key to avoiding any crumbling. Consider chilling the layers slightly before stacking them, which can make handling easier. A simple frosting or glaze can help to seal everything together and add a touch of elegance to your final presentation.

Why Pumpkin and Pecan?

Pumpkin and pecan pies are staples of Thanksgiving traditions, and incorporating these flavors into a Piecaken honors those cherished recipes while introducing a modern twist. Pumpkin brings warmth with its spice notes like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a sense of comfort. Pecan, on the other hand, adds a contrasting sweetness and a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall experience of each bite.

By merging these flavors with a layer of chocolate cake, the Piecaken reaches a new level of depth, pleasing varied palates. It pays homage to classic Thanksgiving flavors while providing a unique option that can captivate even the most discerning dessert enthusiasts.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the layers a day in advance and assemble them the day you plan to serve.

→ What if I don't like pecans?

You can substitute walnuts or omit the pecan pie layer completely.