Imagine a dish that combines the cheesy, saucy goodness of pepperoni pizza with the visual impact of a towering cake. Welcome to the world of the Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake! This fun, mouthwatering recipe is perfect for pizza lovers and will surely be the talk of your next party or family gathering.
Let’s dive into the details of this unique and crowd-pleasing recipe that’s ready to wow your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake is like taking pizza to the next level. Instead of making individual pizzas or serving flat slices, you’ll be stacking layers of pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni to create a “cake” that is not only visually stunning but packed with flavor. Each slice of this cake is like a mini pizza all its own, with gooey cheese and savory pepperoni in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this delicious pizza cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dough (You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough):
4 pizza dough balls (enough for four 10-inch pizzas)
Flour (for dusting)
For the Layers:
2 cups pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1½ cups sliced pepperoni (or more if desired)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Olive oil (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
If using store-bought pizza dough, let it rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to work with. If making your own dough, prepare it according to your recipe and divide it into 4 equal portions. Set each dough ball aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You’ll be baking the pizza cake in a round springform pan, so grease the pan lightly with olive oil and set it aside.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into circles slightly smaller than your springform pan (about 9-10 inches in diameter). You want each layer of pizza dough to fit snugly inside the pan, so aim for a good fit.
Step 4: Pre-Bake the Dough
Pre-baking the dough helps ensure that each layer holds up in the final cake. Place each dough circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 6-8 minutes until the dough starts to puff and lightly brown. Once baked, set aside to cool slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Layer Cake
First Layer: Place one of the pre-baked pizza dough circles at the bottom of your greased springform pan. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese, add a few slices of pepperoni, and dust with a bit of Parmesan cheese.
Second Layer: Add another pre-baked dough circle on top of the first. Repeat the same process: sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Third Layer: Repeat again with the third pre-baked dough circle, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
Top Layer: Place the final dough circle on top. For the last layer, spread a bit more sauce, but be extra generous with the mozzarella and pepperoni to create that final “pizza” look on top. Sprinkle with garlic powder and oregano for extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza Cake
Place the assembled pizza cake in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to melt, bubble, and turn golden brown, and the entire “cake” should be heated through. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Let It Cool Slightly and Slice
Once baked, remove the pizza cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Carefully run a knife around the edges to ensure nothing is sticking, then release the springform pan.
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