A piecaken is a delightful dessert that combines two of the most beloved treats: pie and cake. It’s a show-stopper dessert that blends different flavors, textures, and styles into one magnificent creation. The idea is simple yet genius: bake a pie inside a cake. This innovative dessert became popular on the internet and in food circles for its over-the-top indulgence and delicious complexity. If you’re ready to learn how to make your very own piecaken, keep reading!
What Is a Piecaken?
A piecaken is a hybrid dessert that merges a pie and a cake. It consists of a pie (often a fruit or nut pie) baked inside a cake. The most famous version is a pecan pie baked inside a spice cake. However, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different pie and cake flavors, making it as creative or classic as you like. Some variations include pumpkin pie inside a vanilla cake, or apple pie nestled in a cinnamon cake.
The piecaken is often served during holiday gatherings or special occasions because of its unique and impressive look. It is a dessert that will leave everyone in awe of your baking skills.
Ingredients for a Basic Piecaken
To create your own piecaken, you’ll need a combination of ingredients for both the pie and the cake. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started.
For the Pie:
- 1 prepared pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups of pecans (or any other pie filling of your choice, such as apple or pumpkin)
- 1 cup of corn syrup
- ¾ cup of brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp of melted butter
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp of all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp of baking powder
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp of ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp of salt
- 1 cup of sugar
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of milk
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp of milk
- ½ tsp of vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Piecaken
Step 1: Prepare the Pie
The first step in creating your piecaken is to bake the pie. If you’re making a pecan pie, follow these instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the pie crust: If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, place it in a pie pan. If you’re making your own, roll it out and fit it into the pan.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and flour (if using). Stir in the pecans.
Fill the pie crust: Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared crust.
Bake the pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch. It should still have a little jiggle in the center. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and set it aside to cool. You can prepare the pie a day ahead of time if you prefer.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
While the pie cools, you can start making the cake batter.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), if it’s not already.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until everything is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 3: Prepare the Cake Pan
Now that both the pie and cake batter are ready, it’s time to prepare the cake pan.
Grease and flour your cake pan: Use a 9-inch round cake pan or a similar-sized pan. Grease the pan with butter and dust it lightly with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.
Line the pan with parchment paper: For extra insurance against sticking, you can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
Step 4: Assemble the Piecaken
Here’s the tricky part! Now that both components are ready, it’s time to assemble the piecaken.
Layer the cake batter: Spoon about half of the cake batter into the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
Add the pie: Carefully place the cooled pie into the center of the cake batter. If the pie is too large to fit, you may need to trim the edges slightly. Be gentle to avoid cracking the pie.
Top with remaining cake batter: Spoon the remaining cake batter over the top of the pie, covering it completely. Use a spatula to smooth the batter so that the pie is hidden inside.
Bake the piecaken: Place the cake pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion should come out clean. It’s normal for the piecaken to have a slight dome, so don’t worry if the top rises unevenly.
Step 5: Cool the Piecaken
Once the piecaken is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully invert the pan onto a plate or cooling rack to remove the piecaken. Allow it to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Glaze (Optional)
If you want to add a glaze to your piecaken for extra sweetness, this is a simple recipe:
Mix the glaze ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Drizzle the glaze: Once the piecaken has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can either pour it over the entire piecaken or just drizzle it on top in a decorative pattern.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Now that your piecaken is fully assembled and glazed (if you chose to add a glaze), it’s ready to serve. Slice it up just like you would a regular cake. When you cut into it, you’ll see the pie hidden inside the cake, making for a beautiful and delicious surprise.
Tips for Making the Perfect Piecaken
Use the right-sized pan: Make sure your cake pan is large enough to accommodate both the cake and the pie. A 9-inch round cake pan is ideal for most piecaken recipes.
Let the pie cool completely: Cooling the pie before inserting it into the cake batter prevents it from melting and running into the cake batter.
Try different pie and cake combinations: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your piecaken. Mix and match pies and cakes based on your flavor preferences. Try a cherry pie inside a chocolate cake or a blueberry pie inside a lemon cake.
Check the piecaken’s doneness: Because the piecaken is a layered dessert, it can take longer to bake than a standard cake. Be patient and check that the cake portion is fully set.
Conclusion
Making a piecaken may take some time and patience, but the results are absolutely worth it. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because you want to impress your friends and family, the piecaken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It combines the comfort of cake and the richness of pie into one unforgettable dessert.
With this detailed guide, you’re now ready to create your very own piecaken masterpiece. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get baking!
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