Simple Pizza Cake: The Ultimate Recipe and Baking Guide

Simple pizza cake, a culinary creation that’s as fun to make as it is to devour, is about to become your new favorite centerpiece! Forget boring sheet pizzas; we’re talking layers of cheesy, saucy goodness stacked high to resemble a magnificent cake. Imagine slicing into this savory masterpiece, revealing layers of pepperoni, mozzarella, and a perfectly baked crust. It’s a guaranteed showstopper at any gathering.

While the exact origins of the simple pizza cake are shrouded in mystery (likely born from a late-night craving and a desire for maximum pizza enjoyment!), its spirit embodies the Italian-American love affair with comfort food. It takes the communal joy of sharing a pizza and elevates it to a celebratory level. Think of it as the pizza equivalent of a birthday cake – a symbol of happiness and deliciousness.

People adore this dish for its sheer novelty and customizable nature. Who can resist layers of warm, melted cheese and their favorite pizza toppings? Beyond the visual appeal, the taste is undeniably satisfying. The combination of crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, and savory toppings creates a symphony of flavors that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble, making it a perfect option for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend project with the family. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable pizza creation!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pizza Dough:
• 3 3/4 cups (470g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• For the Pizza Sauce:
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Filling & Toppings:
• 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 (3.5 ounce) package pepperoni slices
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil for brushing
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is crucial for a light and airy pizza cake!

Making the Pizza Sauce:

1. Sauté the Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I usually add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.

Preparing the Fillings:

1. Cook the Sausage: If you haven’t already, cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until they release their moisture and start to brown.

Assembling the Pizza Cake:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch springform pans. This will ensure that the pizza cakes release easily after baking.
2. Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough in half. Then, divide each half into two equal portions. You should have four equal portions of dough.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough into a 9-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to one of the prepared springform pans. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, creating a crust.
4. Add the First Layer of Filling: Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough in the pan. Sprinkle with 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese, 1/4 of the cooked sausage, 1/4 of the sautéed vegetables, and 1/4 of the pepperoni slices.
5. Repeat Layers: Roll out the second portion of dough and place it on top of the first layer of filling in the pan. Repeat the layering process: pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, sausage, vegetables, and pepperoni.
6. Repeat for the Second Pizza Cake: Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining two portions of dough and the remaining fillings in the second springform pan.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of both pizza cakes.
8. Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the edges of the crusts with olive oil. This will help them brown nicely in the oven.

Baking the Pizza Cakes:

1. Bake: Bake the pizza cakes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Cool Slightly: Let the pizza cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before releasing them from the springform pans.
3. Serve: Carefully remove the sides of the springform pans. Transfer the pizza cakes to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and pepperoni and add more vegetables, such as spinach, olives, or artichoke hearts.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or sprinkle some on top of the pizza cakes before baking.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The pizza dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
• Freezing Instructions: Baked pizza cakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Crust Thickness: For a thinner crust, roll the dough out a bit thinner. For a thicker crust, use slightly less flour when kneading.
• Herb Infused Dough: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried Italian herbs to the dough when mixing for an extra layer of flavor.
• Garlic Butter Crust: After baking, brush the crust with garlic butter for an extra indulgent touch. Simply melt butter with minced garlic and a pinch of salt.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, garlic butter, or pesto.
• This pizza cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Conclusion:

This simple pizza cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, a conversation starter, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From its surprisingly easy construction to its customizable layers of cheesy, saucy goodness, it’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to devour. Forget ordering takeout; this homemade masterpiece will redefine your pizza nights!

Why is this a must-try? Because it takes the familiar comfort of pizza and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness and visual appeal. It’s perfect for birthday parties, game nights, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The layers allow for a symphony of flavors and textures that a regular pizza just can’t match. Plus, the sheer novelty of a pizza cake is enough to make anyone smile. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own signature pizza cake.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Italian: Stick with the basics – pepperoni, mozzarella, and a rich marinara sauce. Add some fresh basil for a touch of elegance.
* Veggie Delight: Load it up with your favorite vegetables – mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, and spinach. A pesto base would be a fantastic addition.
* Meat Lover’s Dream: Go all out with sausage, bacon, ham, and ground beef. Don’t forget the extra cheese!
* Hawaiian Twist: Embrace the sweet and savory combination of ham and pineapple.
* Spicy Fiesta: Add some jalapeños, chorizo, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a fiery kick.
* Gourmet Option: Try using different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or goat cheese. Add some caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or sun-dried tomatoes for a sophisticated flavor profile.

For serving, I recommend slicing the pizza cake into wedges, just like a regular cake. You can serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or a fresh salad to balance out the richness. It’s also delicious cold, so don’t worry about leftovers!

I truly believe that this simple pizza cake will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy pizza in a whole new way. It’s more than just food; it’s an experience, a memory maker, and a guaranteed conversation starter.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a pizza masterpiece! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And now, the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try this recipe? What variations did you make? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, stories, and feedback in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear about your pizza cake adventures! Let’s spread the pizza cake love! I am sure you will find that making this simple pizza cake is a rewarding and delicious experience. Happy baking!