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.
Transfer the pizza cake to a serving plate, slice it just like a traditional cake, and serve warm!
Tips for the Best Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake
- Use parchment paper: Lining the springform pan with parchment paper can help prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the cake.
- Customize your layers: You can easily swap out pepperoni for other toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Add as many toppings as you’d like between the layers!
- Make ahead: You can pre-bake the dough circles ahead of time and store them, making assembly quicker when you’re ready to bake the cake.
Variations to Try
- Meat Lover’s Pizza Cake: Add layers of sausage, bacon, and ham between the dough for a hearty twist.
- Veggie Pizza Cake: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers for a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious.
- Four Cheese Pizza Cake: Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan for a rich, cheesy indulgence.
The Perfect Pairings
Serve your pepperoni pizza layer cake with these tasty side dishes for a complete meal:
- Garlic bread: A side of warm garlic bread complements the pizza cake perfectly.
- Caesar salad: A crisp salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich layers of pizza.
- Marinara sauce: Serve a side of marinara sauce for dipping each slice of pizza cake.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Party Dish
The Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake is a fun and impressive dish that’s guaranteed to delight both kids and adults. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a game night, or just looking for a creative twist on traditional pizza, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. With its multiple layers of cheese, sauce, and pepperoni, every bite feels like a new experience, and the “cake” presentation adds an extra touch of excitement to the meal.
Try it at your next gathering, and watch as it becomes the star of the table!