The Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake is one of those recipes that sounds a little wild at first, but trust me, it’s a total showstopper. Imagine serving what looks like a cake, only to reveal layer after layer of pizza goodness—pepperoni, melty cheese, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly baked crusts. It’s basically a pizza lover’s dream come true, and it’s a fun twist for any gathering or party. I made it once for a friend’s birthday, and people couldn’t believe their eyes. Plus, since it uses store-bought pizza dough, it’s surprisingly easy to put together!

 

I love this recipe because it’s like the pizza version of a layer cake—each bite has all the classic pizza flavors, but stacked to create something that feels so much more indulgent. It’s a recipe you whip up when you want to wow people but don’t have the time for anything too complicated. I remember the first time I made it; the reaction when I sliced into that “cake” was priceless—half confusion, half pure excitement!

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (13.8 oz) Pillsbury™ Classic Crust Pizza Crust
• 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce (I like using Muir Glen™ organic)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 12 oz)
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for brushing the crust)

Equipment:

• 6-inch round pan (with 4-inch high sides)
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin (if needed)
• Cookie sheet
• Sharp knife

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a large cookie sheet with non-stick spray or drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prep the dough rounds: Open one can of pizza dough and press it out flat on a work surface. Cut out 3 rounds, each 6 inches in diameter (the same size as your pan). Place these rounds on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for about 8 minutes—just long enough for them to firm up. Cool them on a rack.
3. More dough rounds: With the second can of dough, cut out 2 more rounds and bake those for 8 minutes, then cool them on a rack as well.
4. Line your pan: While the rounds are cooling, line the tall-sided pan with parchment paper. Leave enough paper hanging over the edges so you can lift the cake out later. Now, take the extra dough and cut a long strip that will fit around the inside edge of the pan (about ½ inch wider than the pan’s height). Drape it along the sides, pressing to make sure it sticks.
5. Layer it up: Place one of the baked dough rounds in the bottom of the pan. Spread some pizza sauce on top, add pepperoni slices, and sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat this layering with the remaining crusts—sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and dough—until you have all the layers in place. For the top layer, just add sauce, cheese, and some decorative pepperoni slices.
6. Fold the edge: Take that overhanging strip of dough and fold it over the top, like a raised pizza crust edge.
7. Bake: Pop the whole thing in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the dough is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Let it cool for 5 minutes in the pan before lifting it out with the parchment paper. Brush the crust with a little melted butter if you want that extra shine and flavor.
8. Slice and enjoy: Cut into this masterpiece like you would a cake, and watch everyone’s eyes light up when they see the layers inside!

Tips:

• Make it extra cheesy: Use a mix of cheeses—like adding some parmesan or provolone for a flavor boost.
• Switch up the toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like mushrooms, olives, or sausage between the layers to suit your taste.
• Easy slicing: Let the pizza cake cool slightly before cutting so the layers stay intact.

Variations:

• Veggie version: Skip the pepperoni and add layers of roasted veggies like peppers, onions, and spinach.
• Meat lovers: Add bacon, sausage, or even ham for an extra meaty pizza cake.
• Spicy twist: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or jalapeños between the layers will add a nice kick.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different-sized pans? Yes! A larger pan will work, but you’ll need more dough, and the cake may be flatter. Stick to the 6-inch size for that dramatic, tall layer effect.
2. How do I store leftovers? Wrap leftover slices in foil or an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They should stay good for 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crisp.
3. Can I make this in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the pizza cake and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if it’s chilled.
4. What if I don’t have parchment paper? You can grease the pan well with olive oil, but parchment really helps lift the cake out in one piece.

Serving Suggestions:

 

Pair this pizza layer cake with a simple green salad to balance the richness, or go all out with garlic bread on the side. It’s also fun to serve with little bowls of extra marinara sauce for dipping each slice—because more sauce is always a good idea!

 

Making this Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake is like taking your pizza night to the next level. It’s a little bit of effort, but the payoff is a giant, cheesy, pepperoni-filled tower of deliciousness that’s guaranteed to impress!