Let’s get real. Thanksgiving has a way of turning into a full-blown battle royale between culinary tradition and creative chaos, doesn’t it? I mean, you spend all year wondering whether you should stick to the classics or get experimental, and then here comes November like, “Surprise! Your family just might have strong opinions!” This year, I threw caution to the wind and decided to dive headfirst into the delicious whirlpool that is the piecaken—yes, a pie. Inside a cake. Inside a pie. It’s a three-layered dessert that defies all logic and, honestly, screams “Thanksgiving is not here to mess around.”
Growing up, Thanksgiving was all about that pumpkin pie. You know the one—the one your aunt brings that has the texture of a cotton ball and tastes like a distant memory of cinnamon? Yeah, I wasn’t a fan. I used to shove it aside to make room for the pumpkin-spice-flavored everything else. And then there was this other dessert called “cake”—also often dry—served at family gatherings. If I had known about piecaken back then, I might have practiced my gratitude on a whole new level.
But enough about my sad childhood desserts—let’s eat!
### Ingredients, Unfiltered
#### What’s Really in Thanksgiving Piecaken
Now let’s break this down, ingredient by ingredient because, trust me, this concoction is as glorious as it is chaotic.
Cake Mix: I’ve got a soft spot for the classic boxed mixes. They’re reliable, quick, and they give you more time to drink wine—err, I mean, to socialize at family gatherings. But if you’re feeling ambitious, whip up a homemade vanilla or spice cake. Just don’t call me when it collapses.
Pumpkin Pie Filling: This is where the magic happens! Go for the canned stuff, don’t try to impress anyone with fresh pumpkin. No one’s got time for roasting and pureeing. And trust me, the canned filling is tried and true. Also, it makes you look super classy when you empty the can into a bowl—like, “Look at me using kitchen gadgets!”
Cream Cheese: Let’s keep it real here—cream cheese was sent from the dairy gods to elevate anything from cake to bagels. You’re gonna want a full block of this creamy joy. Just don’t eat it all while you’re whisking the frosting together. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Eggs: The glue that holds our dreams—and this piecaken—together. I typically go for large eggs; apparently, medium eggs are for people who enjoy torturing themselves.
Butter: Because what is life without a little butter? I’m a fan of European-style butter. You know, the kind that comes with a price tag that makes you question your choices but has that heavenly rich flavor? Yes, please! Also, I melt it for the frosting so we can thank gravity for making it easier to spread.
Sugar: Listen, we’re going to add a lot of sugar. Diabetes? Whatever! We’re building a piecaken. The American dream of sugar and butter combined into one epic dessert.
Cinnamon: This glorious spice turns everything into a festive vibe. Sprinkle it on everything, and suddenly people believe you’re the king or queen of autumn flavors. It’s the seasoning of the gods!
Nuts (optional): I like to throw in some pecans or walnuts into the cake batter for that crunchy surprise. If you hate nuts, leave them out. I am all about offering both options.
### Let’s Talk Health (or Not)
#### Is This Even Healthy? Let’s Discuss
Oh, honey, if you’re asking if piecaken is healthy, I’m about to drop some truth bombs. Of course, it’s not healthy. This brilliant combination of cake and pie is a sugar bomb extraordinaire, and you’re going to embrace it.
Sure, there’s butter. And yes, I sleep just fine at night. I mean, what really qualifies as “healthy” anyway? Is it kale? Healthy-ish quinoa salads? Actually, who are we kidding—sometimes you just need the sugary embrace of Thanksgiving’s love child. I will not be judged for doing it all for the gram—or my own hedonistic pleasure. And if that’s toxic, then hand me a hefty slice!
### Your Grocery List
#### Here’s What You’ll Need
– 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
– 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin pie filling
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup butter, melted
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon
– 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, for added crunch)
– Whipped cream (for serving, because why not?)
*Yields: A mountain of slices that’ll feed a tiny army (or just your family, who will insist on seconds).*
### Okay, Let’s Make This
#### The Actual Cooking Part
1. **Get Your Oven Ready:** Preheat that bad boy to 350°F (175°C). Yup, we need heat to bake this beauty. Make sure your oven’s not just a fancy broiler.
2. **Prepare the Cake:** In a large bowl, mix the cake mix according to the package instructions. Add in those eggs, melted butter, and maybe pretend to whisk like a professional chef. Bonus points if you wear a ridiculous apron for effect.
3. **Incorporate the Nuts:** If using, toss in your chopped nuts. This is the moment of truth—decide how crunchy you want your piecaken. I usually go for a good mix; no one wants a mouthful of crunchy confusion.
4. **Grease Your Pans:** Get those 9-inch round cake pans ready. Spray them with something non-stick, or go old-school and butter the pans. If you don’t have enough butter left, just ask yourself how much do you really love this piecaken?
5. **Layer It Up:** Pour half the cake mix into the first pan, then pour in your pumpkin pie filling, and top it off with the remaining cake batter. Did you follow that? It should go cake—filling—cake, so act like you know what you’re doing!
6. **Baking Time:** Slide those pans in the oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. Don’t panic if this looks messy—it’s supposed to be an adventure! Your kitchen will smell like fall and you’ll feel as fancy as a turkey in a tuxedo.
7. **Cool It Down:** Once your pies are beautifully golden, bring them out, and let them cool completely before you attempt to frost them. This is critical. No one wants a melted frosting disaster.
8. **Make the Frosting:** Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and melted butter, and keep mixing until your frosting is creamy and perfect. Add a splash of vanilla for the glam factor.
9. **Assemble Your Creation:** Level off the tops of your cooled cakes (trust me, it makes layering easier). Place one cake layer atop a serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting, and repeat until you finish with the top layer. Slather that frosting everywhere—it’s your time to shine.
10. **Final Frosting Touches:** Decorate the top of your piecaken with whatever craziness you feel like. I usually add pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce, because, hello, we’re in full extravagance mode!
### Bonus Tips You Didn’t Ask For
#### Side Notes & Sassy Hacks
– **Substitutions:** Don’t have cake mix? Fear not! You can make a basic vanilla or spice cake from scratch. Just stick to a basic recipe—sometimes I can’t be bothered and am just happy to have made it to Thanksgiving dinner with my sanity (mostly) intact.
– **Frosting Fun:** Don’t stop with cream cheese frosting. You can also go full geek mode and make maple frosting, or even chocolate buttercream. It’s your piecaken; experiment away!
– **Serving Size:** If you’re like me, you may want to slap slices onto plates for everyone at the table before they can ask for a second helping. Just bear in mind that leftovers can be a double-edged sword. One minute, you’re eating piecaken for breakfast; the next minute, your jeans are teetering on a tightrope.
– **Preserved Glory:** Leftover piecaken can be stored in the fridge, but good luck keeping it for long. It’s a bit like keeping a secret—you’re gonna want to share it, and quickly!
### Final Words of (Culinary) Wisdom
If you try making this Thanksgiving piecaken, I want to hear about it! Trust me; you’re bound to have a story (or ten) from this culinary experiment. Between nearly setting your kitchen on fire, or spilling flour everywhere like a scene from a food-related disaster movie, it’s bound to be an adventure.
And hey, if you follow me on social media, tag me in your piecaken pictures. Or just send me a mental high-five! Let’s share the delight and chaos of this crazy holiday dessert! It’s time to eat piecaken and bask in the festive beauty of it all; you’ve totally earned it. Happy Piecaken! 🍽️
