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This pizza cake transforms an ordinary family pizza night into a spectacular event that will have everyone talking. Perfect for birthdays, game days, or whenever you want to impress, this towering creation delivers all the flavors of pizza in a fun, sliceable format that's as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.
I first created this pizza cake for my son's 10th birthday when he couldn't decide between pizza and cake. The look on his face when I brought this to the table was priceless, and now it's requested for every special occasion in our house.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza crust delivers consistent results and saves time, but you can substitute homemade dough for a more artisanal flavor
- Organic pizza sauce provides the perfect tangy base, look for one with minimal added sugar for authentic flavor
- Shredded mozzarella cheese creates those classic stretchy pizza pulls, freshly grated melts more evenly than pre-shredded varieties
- Pepperoni slices add spicy flavor and that classic pizza look, choose thinly sliced varieties for best results
- Melted butter for brushing the crust gives a beautiful golden finish and rich flavor, European style butter works exceptionally well
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and positioning your rack in the center. Line your tall sided pan with parchment paper, creating handles that extend above the sides for easy removal later. Having everything organized before you start makes assembly much more manageable.
- Create Your Crust Rounds
- Unroll and press out your pizza dough on a clean work surface. Using a round cutter or plate as a template, cut five 6 inch rounds total from both cans of dough. Partially bake these rounds for 8 minutes until just set but not browned. This prebaking step ensures your interior layers cook properly and prevents a doughy center.
- Form The Outer Wall
- From the remaining dough after cutting your rounds, create a long strip slightly wider than your pan height. Line the inside of your parchment covered pan with this strip, allowing a half inch to hang over the edge. Pinch the seam where the ends meet to form a continuous ring. This wall will contain all your delicious layers.
- Layer The Components
- Start with a prebaked crust in the bottom of your pan. Add sauce, pepperoni, and cheese, making sure the cheese reaches the edges to help bind the layers. Continue building layers using the remaining crusts, sauce, pepperoni and cheese. For the final layer, create a decorative topping with cheese and pepperoni.
- Seal And Bake
- Fold the overhanging dough from the wall over the top layer, creating a raised edge that seals everything inside. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the outer wall is fully cooked and golden brown. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before removing from the pan using the parchment handles. Brush with melted butter if desired for extra flavor.
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My favorite part of making this pizza cake is watching guests do a double take when they realize what they're looking at. My daughter once declared it was like getting five pizzas in one slice, which is pretty accurate. The way the cheese stretches between layers when you pull a slice away is pure food magic.
Storage And Reheating
This pizza cake stores surprisingly well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap individual slices tightly in foil or place in airtight containers. To reheat, avoid the microwave which will make the crust soggy. Instead, place slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. The crust will recrisp and the cheese will remelt beautifully.
Creative Variations
Transform this recipe by creating themed layers for a truly personalized experience. Try a vegetarian layer with bell peppers, mushrooms and olives, followed by a meat lovers layer with sausage and bacon. You could even include a dessert layer on top with Nutella and strawberries for a sweet ending. Just remember that wet ingredients should be well drained to prevent soggy layers.
Serving Suggestions
Present your pizza cake on a cake stand for maximum visual impact. Serve with a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, garlic butter, or additional warm pizza sauce. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing makes the perfect accompaniment, cutting through the richness of the pizza cake with fresh, peppery flavors.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different toppings in my pizza cake?
Absolutely! While the original uses pepperoni, each layer can be customized with different toppings. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, ground sausage, or different cheese varieties between layers. Just be mindful not to overload with wet ingredients that might prevent proper cooking.
- → What type of pan works best for making a pizza cake?
A springform pan is ideal as its removable sides make serving easier. Alternatively, any oven-safe pan with 4-inch high sides will work, but line it with parchment paper extending above the edges to create handles for easy removal. The recipe is designed for a 6-inch diameter pan but can be adjusted for different sizes.
- → Why do you pre-bake the crust rounds?
Pre-baking ensures the interior crusts cook properly. Without this step, the inner layers might remain doughy while the outer crust becomes overdone. The partial baking creates structural integrity for each layer while allowing the final bake to properly melt the cheese and blend the flavors.
- → Can I prepare pizza cake in advance?
You can pre-bake the individual crust rounds up to a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. The complete assembly is best done just before the final baking. If needed, you could assemble a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking, but allow extra baking time if cooking from cold.
- → How do I know when my pizza cake is fully cooked?
The pizza cake is done when the outer wall crust is golden brown and fully cooked through. To check, carefully lift using the parchment handles and examine the side crust. The top should have melted cheese with slightly bubbling sauce. A total baking time of 20-25 minutes at 400°F is typically sufficient.
- → What's the best way to slice and serve pizza cake?
Allow the pizza cake to rest for 5 minutes after baking so the layers set. Remove from the pan using the parchment handles, then use a sharp knife to cut wedges as you would a traditional cake. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor experience.