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Christmas Piecaken

This Christmas piecaken is the perfect combination of pecan pie, vanilla bean cheesecake, and red velvet cake. It’s an over-the-top Christmas dessert that is sure to impress!
4.49 from 85 votes
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 2 hours
Additional Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 4 hours
Servings 14 servings

Ingredients

For Cheesecake Layer:

For Pecan Pie Layer:

  • 1 9-inch premade pie crust
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1-1/2 cups pecans chopped

For Red Velvet Cake:

For Frosting:

  • 2 pounds unsalted butter room temperature
  • 6-8 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon optional
  • 4-6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Cheesecake Layer:

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later. 
  • In a small bowl mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
  • Mix together until well combined.
  • Press firmly into the bottom and sides of the prepared pan.
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the crust is just lightly toasted.
  • Let cook while you prepare the cheesecake batter.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese for 2-3 minutes or until smooth and there are no lumps. 
  • Gradually add in the sugar and flour and mix until well combined. 
  • Add the vanilla bean paste and mix until just combined. 
  • Add in the heavy cream and start on low speed and slowly increase to high and mix for 1 minute.
  • Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix for 30 seconds to one minute to make sure there are no lumps. 
  • Add the eggs last, one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. 
  • Pour the batter into the springform pan and gently tap on the counter 5-6 times to release any air bubbles. 
  • Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
  • Reduce heat, without opening the oven door, to 200 degrees F. and cook for an additional 50-55 minutes or until the center slightly shakes. (Like Jell-o, it shouldn’t look watery) 
  • Turn off the heat and let the cheesecake set in the oven with the door closed for 30 minutes.
  • Then slightly crack the oven door and let the cheesecake slowly cool for about 15 minutes. 
  • Remove from the oven and allow to come to room temperature.
  • Place in the refrigerator overnight. 

Pecan Pie layer: 

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9-inch aluminum pie dish with non-stick spray, set aside.
  • Roll your refrigerated pie crust to about a 12-inch circle and place it in the pie dish. Cut off any extra dough. 
  • Place the crust in the refrigerator as you prepare the filling. 
  • Add corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter into a medium saucepan.
  • Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and both sugars are completely melted. 
  • Remove from heat and add in the vanilla extract. 
  • Let the sugar mixture cool slightly.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
  • Slowly pour the eggs into the slightly cooled sugar mixture while vigorously whisking to combine. (Pro tip: If you see bits of scrambled egg in your mixture, just run through a strainer and you will be good to go) 
  • Spread out the pecans on the bottom of the pie crust and carefully pour the sugar mixture over the pecans. 
  • Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes or until the center slightly jiggles but the outside is set. 
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
  • Refrigerator overnight.

Cake Layer: 

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9-inch cake pan with non-stick spray and dust with flour, set aside. 
  • Add the egg, vegetable oil, buttermilk, granulated sugar, vinegar, and vanilla extract into the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment.
  • Whisk on high speed until combined. 
  • In a smaller mixing bowl mix together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
  • Add flour mixture to the wet mixture and slowly whisk until fully combined.
  • Add the red food coloring and mix until you get the desired color. 
  • Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. 
  • Allow to cool to room temperature and then turn out onto cling wrap and wrap well.
  • Place in the refrigerator overnight. 

Frosting: 

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, add the butter.
  • Mix on high speed for 1-2 minutes or until the butter is smooth and fluffy. 
  • Reduce the speed to low and add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, fully incorporating after each addition.
  • Add the cinnamon and mix until just combined. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and give a quick mix. 
  • Next, add the vanilla and heavy cream and mix on high speed for 1-2 minutes or until you have a “whipped” consistency. 

Assembly: 

  • Remove the pecan pie from the pie dish and if desired remove any extra crust and place it on a cake stand or serving plate.
  • Top with about 3/4 cup frosting and smooth evenly. 
  • Top with the cheesecake layer and top with about 3/4 cup frosting and smooth. 
  • Finally, place the cake layer on top and smooth half of the remaining buttercream over the entire cake filling any holes in the layers. (It does not have to be pretty; the point is to fill the cracks and seal in the crumbs) 
  • Place the cake in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes or until the buttercream slightly hardens. 
  • Smooth the remaining buttercream over the cake and pipe a border around the top if desired.
  • Top with crushed pecans and serve.

Notes

  • You want to prepare each layer at LEAST one day before you plan to assemble. Each layer must be set completely before stacking.
  • I found it was easier to use an aluminum pie pan when baking so I could just cut off the pan to remove the pie instead of trying to remove it from a traditional glass pie dish. 
  • I also cut off the extra crust from the pie before stacking, I found this was easier to stack and frost, but it is a personal preference. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 2481kcal | Carbohydrates: 437g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 86g | Saturated Fat: 42g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 39g | Cholesterol: 247mg | Sodium: 257mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 415g
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas cake, christmas cheesecake, christmas dessert, christmas pie, christmas piecaken, piecaken
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