Buzz
The Christmas PieCaken features a base of pecan pie, a middle layer of eggnog cheesecake, and a top layer of red velvet cake, all united with amaretto buttercream frosting and crowned with cherry pie filling. Zac Young/PieCakenIs it necessary to combine two types of pie within a cake and smother it in buttercream? Not at all. Yet, the sheer joy it brings is reason enough. What better justification do we need than the bliss of sugar overload? Enter the PieCaken.
"The PieCaken is the ultimate symbol of indulgence for indulgence's sake," says Katina Talley, owner and head baker at Sweet Magnolia's Bake Shop in Omaha, Nebraska. "Besides taking half a day to prepare, the PieCaken is also about efficiency. It's the fastest way to enjoy all your favorite desserts and end up in a delightful food coma." If that doesn't convince you to try it, nothing will.
But how did this quirky holiday dessert come to be, and where can you find one? Now is the perfect time to dive into the world of the PieCaken — from its beginnings and components to how you can snag one for your festive celebrations. Here's everything you need to know about the PieCaken.
History of the PieCaken
Back in 2015, renowned New York pastry chef Zac Young and his team set out to craft a dessert that could rival the turducken, giving birth to the PieCaken. After sharing images of his creation on Instagram, fans quickly clamored to order it. The PieCaken soon became a viral hit, inspiring countless imitations in bakeries and home kitchens nationwide.
What exactly goes into this decadent treat? The PieCaken combines the finest holiday flavors and textures: The Christmas PieCaken, available for a limited time, layers pecan pie, eggnog cheesecake, and red velvet cake, all tied together with amaretto buttercream and crowned with cherry pie filling. This 8-inch (20-centimeter) dessert weighs nearly 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) and can serve 12 to 16 people.
Where Can You Get One?
Not up for making this extravagant dessert yourself? Don’t worry, dessert lovers. You can order one of Young’s PieCakens from Goldbelly for $99, delivered straight to your door. And if you’re craving one after the holidays, options like the Summertime Red, White and Blueberry PieCaken, the St. Patcaken, and the Mother’s Day PieCaken are available.
If you’re feeling ambitious and want to make one from scratch, be ready for a full day in the kitchen. Begin by baking a pecan pie (or save time with a store-bought one). Next, prepare the cheesecake and let it chill. Then, whip up the cherry pie topping and bake the red velvet cake. Finish with the amaretto buttercream before assembling and frosting the PieCaken. For detailed instructions, ingredients, and tips, check out Young’s step-by-step recipe.
If your family can’t finish this massive Christmas cake, no worries. Leftover Christmas PieCaken can be frozen for up to three months or refrigerated for a week. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap.
