If you have ever wished you could enjoy all the best parts of a pizza stacked high and sliced like a cake, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake Recipe. It cleverly layers tender, lightly baked dough rounds with luscious pizza sauce, bubbling mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and plenty of spicy pepperoni, creating a fun, shareable dish that feels like a party on your plate. This recipe is not only a showstopper at any gathering but also an irresistible treat for pizza lovers who enjoy a twist on the classic. With every bite, you get layers of flavor and texture that bring the magic of a pizzeria straight to your kitchen in a delightfully novel way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake Recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the dough giving structure and bite, the cheeses providing melty richness, or the pepperoni adding that signature punch of flavor and color.
- 3 cans refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz each): The perfect base that’s easy to work with and creates soft, golden crust layers.
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce: Adds tangy, zesty moisture that keeps each layer flavorful and moist.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic stretchy, cheesy appeal.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty contrast that balances the mozzarella.
- 1 ½ cups sliced pepperoni: Provides a savory, slightly spicy kick through every layer.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings herbal notes for added depth and aroma.
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil: Essential for greasing your pan to ensure easy cake removal.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Rounds
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a deep 6-inch cake pan or a springform pan to make sure your pizza cake will come out without any stickiness. Next, roll out your refrigerated pizza dough and use a round cutter or a bowl to cut out six perfect 6-inch rounds. Bake these dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 5–6 minutes, just until they turn lightly golden but are not fully cooked yet. This step gives your layers a head start without overbaking, so they stay soft and chewy inside the cake.
Step 2: Layer the Cake
Here’s where the magic begins! Place one pre-baked dough round into the bottom of your prepared pan. Spread a few tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese right on top. Add a layer of sliced pepperoni to bring that bold flavor in each bite. Repeat the layering with every dough round, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni until you reach the top. For the very last layer, pile on extra cheese and pepperoni for a cheesy and pepperoni-packed crown that makes the cake truly irresistible.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle Italian seasoning across the top of your stacked masterpiece for that final flourish of flavor. Loosely cover your pan with foil, which helps keep the moisture in during baking. Bake the cake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling everywhere. This slow bake melds all the ingredients together into one incredibly delicious savory cake that’s as stunning as it is tasty.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
After baking, allow your pizza layer cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps it set so that it holds together when you remove it from the pan. Carefully take it out—if you used a springform pan, this is a breeze—and slice it up just like a regular cake. The neat layers reveal themselves beautifully, making every slice a mini celebration of pizza goodness.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake Recipe to the next level, consider garnishing with freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. These add freshness and a hint of spice that brightens the rich, cheesy layers. A drizzle of garlic butter or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top just before serving can also bring an extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
This cake is so rich and filling it can easily stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, refreshing salad balances the meal perfectly. Think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to cleanse the palate or a classic Caesar salad to echo those Italian flavors. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter would also complement this dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun with the Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake Recipe. Serve it on a vibrant platter to showcase the layers, or slice it into individual mini cakes for parties. You can even wrap slices in parchment paper and tie with twine for a grab-and-go pizza experience that guests will adore. This layered take on pizza always sparks curiosity and conversation, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake Recipe, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, place parchment paper between slices if stacking portions. Reheat slices gently to maintain their texture.
Freezing
You can also freeze individual slices of this pizza cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. When you want a tasty treat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, the best method is to pop a slice in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also use a toaster oven or a skillet on low heat to bring back that fresh-from-the-pizzeria texture without drying out the dough.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just make sure to roll it out evenly and bake the rounds until they’re lightly golden as directed.
What if I’m not a fan of pepperoni?
This recipe is super versatile. Swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage, mushrooms, peppers, or any favorite toppings to customize it your way.
Will this recipe work with gluten-free pizza dough?
Yes, using a gluten-free dough should work fine. Just keep an eye on baking times as gluten-free doughs can behave differently and may need slight adjustments.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the pepperoni and add extra cheese or your choice of veggies like spinach, olives, or roasted peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
Is a springform pan necessary?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended. A springform pan makes it so much easier to remove your pizza layer cake without damaging the beautiful layers. If you don’t have one, just be extra careful greasing and removing the cake from a deep cake pan.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so delightful about the Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake Recipe that makes it a standout on any table. Whether you’re serving it for a fun family dinner, a friend-filled party, or just craving a unique spin on pizza night, this recipe delivers big on flavor and visual appeal. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to impress everyone with this stunning, layered pizza cake that tastes just as joyful as it looks!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake is a fun and impressive twist on classic pizza, featuring multiple layers of crispy pizza crusts stacked with rich pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and savory pepperoni slices. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for parties or family dinners when you want a delicious and visually striking main course.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 3 cans refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz each)
Pizza Sauce & Toppings
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a deep 6-inch cake pan or springform pan with nonstick spray or oil.
- Roll and Bake Dough Rounds: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough and cut out six 6-inch rounds. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5–6 minutes each, until they are lightly golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Layer the Pizza Cake: Place one prebaked dough round in the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread a few tablespoons of pizza sauce evenly over the crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then layer with pepperoni slices. Repeat this process, stacking all six dough rounds with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni layers.
- Add Final Topping and Seasoning: After the last layer, add extra mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni on top. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the top layer for added flavor.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the assembled cake with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the layers to meld and cheeses to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Slice: Let the pizza layer cake cool for 10 minutes to set. Carefully remove it from the pan and slice it like a cake to serve.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite toppings such as cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- For thinner layers, roll the dough out slightly thinner before cutting and baking.
- Using a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cake without damaging the layers.
