Name: Pizza Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 cans refrigerated classic pizza crust (such as Pillsbury™); 1½ cups organic pizza sauce (from a 15-ounce can); 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup pepperoni slices; 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for brushing crust)

Pizza Cake is the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines everyone’s two favorite treats: pizza and cake! This showstopping creation features layers of pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings stacked high and baked to golden perfection. It’s what happens when Friday night pizza meets celebration cake, and the result is absolutely delicious.

Perfect for birthdays, game days, or just when you want to impress your family with something fun and different, this Pizza Cake delivers all the flavors you love about pizza in a playful, sliceable form that’s sure to bring smiles to the table.

Why You’ll Love This

It’s a conversation starter – no one can resist talking about (and photographing) a Pizza Cake!
Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings in each layer
Perfect for feeding a group with different topping preferences
Uses simple ingredients you’d find in any regular pizza recipe
Makes ordinary pizza night extraordinary without complicated techniques

Ingredients

2 cans refrigerated classic pizza crust (such as Pillsbury™)
1½ cups organic pizza sauce (from a 15-ounce can)
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup pepperoni slices
1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for brushing crust)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
Measure the diameter of your tall-sided ovenproof pan. The recipe is designed for a 6-inch diameter pan with 4-inch high sides, but you can adjust for different size pans. Line the pan with cooking parchment paper, allowing the ends to extend above the sides of the pan to create handles for easy removal later.
Unroll one can of pizza dough onto a work surface and press it out into a thin layer. Using a round cutter or tracing around a plate, cut out three 6-inch rounds from the dough. Place these rounds on a cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes until partially cooked but not browned. Remove from the cookie sheet to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Unroll the second can of pizza dough. Cut two additional 6-inch rounds from the long edge of the dough, leaving the opposite side untouched for the outer wall. Place these rounds on a cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes. Remove and cool completely on a rack.
From the remaining dough (the piece left after cutting the two rounds), cut a long strip that's at least ½ inch wider than the height of your pan. Carefully line the inside edge of the parchment-lined pan with this strip of dough, allowing ½ inch to hang over the outside edge of the pan, leaving the bottom open. Pinch the seam where the ends meet to seal it into a continuous ring.
Place one of the partially baked crust rounds in the bottom of the pan, inside the dough wall. Spread approximately ¼ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Add some pepperoni slices and sprinkle with about ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, ensuring the cheese reaches the edges (as it melts, it will help adhere to the next layer).
Continue layering with three more partially baked crusts, each followed by sauce, pepperoni, and cheese. Build up to create a total of four interior layers. For the top layer, place the final crust over the cheese, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese and arrange the remaining pepperoni on top to create a decorative finish.
Carefully fold the overhanging dough from the wall over the top layer of the pizza cake, creating a raised crust edge that seals in all the layers. Press gently to adhere the dough to the top layer.
Place the assembled pizza cake in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough around the pizza cake is fully cooked and golden brown. To test doneness, carefully lift the pizza cake using the parchment paper handles to check that the outer wall is cooked through.
Once completely baked, remove from the oven and allow the pizza cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the layers set for easier slicing. Carefully lift the pizza cake out of the pan using the parchment paper handles. If desired, brush the outer crust with melted butter for extra flavor and shine. Use a sharp knife to cut into wedges, just as you would slice a cake.

Tips & Variations

Make it vegetarian with layers of mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and onions
Try different cheese combinations like provolone, cheddar, or gouda between layers
For a stuffed crust effect, wrap string cheese pieces in the edges of each dough layer
If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking
Prepare components ahead of time and assemble just before baking for an easier process
For a dessert version, use sweet pizza dough, Nutella, marshmallows, and fruit toppings

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pizza Cake with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a complete feast, add some garlic knots or breadsticks on the side and offer extra warm pizza sauce for dipping.

This dish is perfect with a selection of Italian sodas for kids or a robust red wine for adults. Consider setting out small bowls of crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and dried oregano so everyone can customize their slice.

Notes

The cake is done when the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C) and the top is golden brown
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through
If using homemade dough, let it rise completely before assembling the cake

FAQs

Can I make Pizza Cake without a springform pan?
Yes, you can use a deep cake pan or casserole dish, but line it with parchment paper with overhang to help lift the cake out after baking.

Can I prepare Pizza Cake in advance?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.

Why is my Pizza Cake doughy in the middle?
This usually happens if the oven temperature is too high or the cake is too thick. Try lowering the temperature and extending the baking time.

Can I freeze Pizza Cake?
Yes! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month and reheat from frozen at 350°F until hot throughout.

Pizza Cake

Recipe by Feel Tasty

🖨️ Print 📌 Pin

Servings8

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Calories460 kcal

Ingredients

2 cans refrigerated classic pizza crust (such as Pillsbury™)
1½ cups organic pizza sauce (from a 15-ounce can)
3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup pepperoni slices
1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for brushing crust)

Steps

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
Measure the diameter of your tall-sided ovenproof pan. The recipe is designed for a 6-inch diameter pan with 4-inch high sides, but you can adjust for different size pans. Line the pan with cooking parchment paper, allowing the ends to extend above the sides of the pan to create handles for easy removal later.
Unroll one can of pizza dough onto a work surface and press it out into a thin layer. Using a round cutter or tracing around a plate, cut out three 6-inch rounds from the dough. Place these rounds on a cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes until partially cooked but not browned. Remove from the cookie sheet to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Unroll the second can of pizza dough. Cut two additional 6-inch rounds from the long edge of the dough, leaving the opposite side untouched for the outer wall. Place these rounds on a cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes. Remove and cool completely on a rack.
From the remaining dough (the piece left after cutting the two rounds), cut a long strip that's at least ½ inch wider than the height of your pan. Carefully line the inside edge of the parchment-lined pan with this strip of dough, allowing ½ inch to hang over the outside edge of the pan, leaving the bottom open. Pinch the seam where the ends meet to seal it into a continuous ring.
Place one of the partially baked crust rounds in the bottom of the pan, inside the dough wall. Spread approximately ¼ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Add some pepperoni slices and sprinkle with about ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, ensuring the cheese reaches the edges (as it melts, it will help adhere to the next layer).
Continue layering with three more partially baked crusts, each followed by sauce, pepperoni, and cheese. Build up to create a total of four interior layers. For the top layer, place the final crust over the cheese, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese and arrange the remaining pepperoni on top to create a decorative finish.
Carefully fold the overhanging dough from the wall over the top layer of the pizza cake, creating a raised crust edge that seals in all the layers. Press gently to adhere the dough to the top layer.
Place the assembled pizza cake in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough around the pizza cake is fully cooked and golden brown. To test doneness, carefully lift the pizza cake using the parchment paper handles to check that the outer wall is cooked through.
Once completely baked, remove from the oven and allow the pizza cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the layers set for easier slicing. Carefully lift the pizza cake out of the pan using the parchment paper handles. If desired, brush the outer crust with melted butter for extra flavor and shine. Use a sharp knife to cut into wedges, just as you would slice a cake.