Pizza Cake is a tall, layered pizza baked in a springform pan with several rounds of dough, pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and savory seasonings. Each slice reveals multiple cheesy layers surrounded by a golden pizza crust.

This fun recipe is ideal for birthdays, game day, family movie nights, or casual weekend dinners. It takes a little more assembly than a regular pizza, but using refrigerated pizza dough keeps the process practical for beginner cooks.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Fun presentation: The tall layers make it more exciting than an everyday pizza.
Family-friendly: It uses familiar pizza flavors that both children and adults enjoy.

Easy to customize: Change the meat, cheese, sauce, or vegetables.
Great for sharing: One pizza cake makes eight filling slices.

Equipment Needed

9-inch springform pan
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Pastry brush
Small mixing bowl
Spoon or offset spatula
Aluminum foil
Serrated knife or sharp chef’s knife

Ingredients List

For the Pizza Layers

3 tubes refrigerated pizza dough, about 13.8 ounces each
2 cups thick pizza sauce
4 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded provolone or Italian cheese blend

6 ounces sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

For the Pan and Crust

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal, optional
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Toppings

Chopped fresh basil
Extra grated Parmesan
Warm pizza sauce for dipping
Crushed red pepper flakes

Timing & Servings

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8

How to Make Pizza Cake Step by Step

Step 1: Bake the inner pizza crusts

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Unroll two tubes of pizza dough. Cut four 8-inch circles from the dough, gently rerolling the scraps when needed.
Place the circles on the prepared baking sheets and prick them several times with a fork. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, until set but still pale and flexible.

Transfer the crusts to a wire rack and let them cool while you prepare the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the springform pan

Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
Brush the inside of a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil. Sprinkle the bottom lightly with cornmeal if desired.
Unroll the third tube of pizza dough. Press it across the bottom and up the sides of the pan, allowing a small amount to extend above the rim.

Patch any thin areas with leftover dough from the baked crusts. The dough should form one continuous outer shell without large gaps.

Step 3: Prepare the cheese and seasonings

In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
In a second small bowl, mix the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.

Set aside about 1 cup of the cheese mixture for the top of the pizza cake.

Step 4: Build the pizza layers

Spread about 1/3 cup of pizza sauce over the dough at the bottom of the pan.
Add one baked crust, another thin layer of sauce, a portion of the cheese mixture, several pepperoni slices, and a light sprinkle of seasoning.

Repeat the process with the remaining baked crusts. Keep each sauce layer thin so the finished pizza cake does not become watery.
Finish with sauce, the reserved cheese, pepperoni, and a small amount of seasoning on top.

Step 5: Seal and bake

Fold the dough extending above the pan inward to create a raised crust around the top.

Mix the melted butter with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and brush it over the exposed crust.
Place the springform pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any melted cheese or sauce.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the outside crust is deep golden and the cheese on top is bubbling. Loosely cover the top with foil if it browns before the side crust is fully cooked.

Step 6: Rest and remove from the pan

Transfer the pizza cake to a heat-safe surface and let it rest in the pan for 15 minutes.
Run a thin knife around the inside edge to loosen any melted cheese. Carefully release and remove the outer ring of the springform pan.
If the sides still look pale or soft, return the pizza cake to the oven without the ring for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Slice and serve

Transfer the pizza cake to a cutting board or serving platter.
Sprinkle the top with fresh basil, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Use a sharp serrated knife or chef’s knife to cut it into eight wedges. Serve warm with additional pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips for the Best Pizza Cake

Use thick pizza sauce

A thin or watery sauce can soak into the dough and make the layers difficult to slice.

Choose a thick prepared pizza sauce, or simmer a loose sauce for several minutes before using it.

Partially bake the inner crusts

Raw dough placed between the fillings may remain soft or undercooked.

A short pre-bake gives the inner layers enough structure while keeping them flexible.

Use low-moisture mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella releases a large amount of liquid as it melts.

Low-moisture shredded mozzarella creates a more stable filling and helps the pizza cake hold its shape.

Keep the layers even

Divide the sauce, cheese, and pepperoni before assembling if that makes layering easier.

Even portions ensure that every slice contains a similar amount of filling.

Do not overfill with sauce

More sauce may seem appealing, but excess moisture can create soggy crusts.

Spread a thin coating over every layer and serve extra sauce on the side.

Patch the outer crust carefully

Check the bottom and sides for thin areas before adding the filling.

Small holes can allow sauce and cheese to leak into the pan.

Bake on a sheet pan

Springform pans can occasionally allow butter, sauce, or melted cheese to escape.

A rimmed baking sheet protects the oven and makes the hot pan easier to move.

Check the side crust

The top may brown before the thick outer crust finishes cooking.

Cover the top loosely with foil and continue baking until the sides look golden and firm.

Let it rest before slicing

The hot cheese and sauce need time to settle.

Cutting immediately may cause the layers to slide apart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not use uncooked dough rounds between the pizza layers.
Avoid using fresh mozzarella without draining it thoroughly.
Do not spread a thick layer of sauce over every crust.

Avoid stretching the outer dough so thin that holes form.
Do not remove the springform ring immediately after baking.
Avoid cutting the pizza cake before it has rested.
Do not use a dull knife, which may press down and separate the layers.

Variations to Try

Meat Lovers Pizza Cake

Add cooked Italian sausage, chopped bacon, and sliced ham along with the pepperoni.

Drain the meat well before layering to prevent extra grease.

Supreme Pizza Cake

Add thinly sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, olives, and cooked sausage.

Sauté watery vegetables before using them.

Margherita Pizza Cake

Use mozzarella, Parmesan, tomato sauce, and fresh basil.

Add the basil after baking so it remains fresh and green.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Cake

Replace the pizza sauce with thick barbecue sauce.

Layer with chopped cooked chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, and thinly sliced red onion.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Cake

Toss cooked shredded chicken with Buffalo sauce.

Use mozzarella and cheddar, then serve the finished pizza cake with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Hawaiian Pizza Cake

Layer the pizza with chopped ham and well-drained pineapple pieces.

Pat the pineapple dry before adding it to reduce excess moisture.

Vegetable Pizza Cake

Use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, onions, and olives.

Cook the vegetables first so they do not release water inside the cake.

White Pizza Cake

Replace the tomato sauce with a mixture of ricotta, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.

Add spinach, chicken, or mushrooms if desired.

Extra-Cheesy Pizza Cake

Use a mixture of mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan.

Avoid using only very soft cheeses, which may make the layers unstable.

Spicy Pizza Cake

Use spicy pepperoni, hot Italian sausage, jalapeño slices, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Serve with spicy pizza sauce or hot honey.

Serving Suggestions

Pizza Cake is rich and filling, so serve it with a lighter side dish.

A simple green salad with Italian dressing helps balance the cheese and pepperoni.
Caesar salad, cucumber tomato salad, or chopped antipasto salad also works well.
For a family dinner, add roasted broccoli, green beans, zucchini, or garlic-seasoned vegetables.

Warm marinara, ranch dressing, garlic butter, and cheese sauce can be served as dips.
For game day, pair smaller slices with chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, vegetable sticks, or potato wedges.
At a birthday party, serve the pizza cake as the main dish with fruit, salad, and a simple dessert.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Make-Ahead

The inner pizza crusts can be baked one day ahead.

Let them cool, stack them with parchment paper between each layer, and store them in an airtight container.

The cheese can be shredded and the toppings prepared one day ahead.

For the best crust texture, assemble the complete pizza cake shortly before baking.

Refrigerator Storage

Allow leftovers to cool completely.

Wrap individual slices or place them in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Store extra dipping sauce separately.

Freezing Instructions

Pizza Cake can be frozen after baking.

Allow it to cool completely, then cut it into individual slices.

Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place the portions in a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thawing

Transfer frozen slices to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight.

They can also be reheated directly from frozen, although they will need additional cooking time.

Reheating in the Oven

Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.

Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, removing the foil during the final few minutes.

Frozen slices may need 20 to 25 minutes.

Reheating in the Air Fryer

Heat individual slices at 325°F for 5 to 7 minutes.

Check the center before serving, since thick pieces may need a little longer.

Reheating in the Microwave

Place one slice on a microwave-safe plate.

Heat for 45 seconds, then continue in 20-second intervals until warm.

The microwave is quick, but the crust will be softer than when reheated in an oven or air fryer.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 690
Fat: 34g
Carbs: 62g
Protein: 33g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1510mg

Pizza Cake

Pizza Cake is a fun and hearty layered dish made with pizza dough, savory meats, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings baked into a tall, sliceable "cake." It's a crowd-pleasing recipe that's perfect for parties, game days, family dinners, or special celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35

Cook Time 45

Resting Time 15

Total Time 1 35

Course uncategorised

Cuisine American, italian-american

Servings 8 people

Calories 690 kcal

Equipment

9-inch springform pan
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Rolling Pin
Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Cutting board
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Pastry brush
Small mixing bowl
Spoon or offset spatula
Aluminum foil
Serrated knife or sharp chef’s knife

Ingredients

For the Pizza Layers

3 tubes refrigerated pizza dough about 13.8 ounces each
2 cups thick pizza sauce
4 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded provolone or Italian cheese blend
6 ounces sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional

For the Pan and Crust

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal optional
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Toppings

Chopped fresh basil
Extra grated Parmesan
Warm pizza sauce for dipping
Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the inner pizza crusts

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Unroll two tubes of pizza dough. Cut four 8-inch circles from the dough, gently rerolling the scraps when needed.
Place the circles on the prepared baking sheets and prick them several times with a fork. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, until set but still pale and flexible.

Transfer the crusts to a wire rack and let them cool while you prepare the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the springform pan

Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F.
Brush the inside of a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil. Sprinkle the bottom lightly with cornmeal if desired.
Unroll the third tube of pizza dough. Press it across the bottom and up the sides of the pan, allowing a small amount to extend above the rim.

Patch any thin areas with leftover dough from the baked crusts. The dough should form one continuous outer shell without large gaps.

Step 3: Prepare the cheese and seasonings

In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
In a second small bowl, mix the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.

Set aside about 1 cup of the cheese mixture for the top of the pizza cake.

Step 4: Build the pizza layers

Spread about 1/3 cup of pizza sauce over the dough at the bottom of the pan.
Add one baked crust, another thin layer of sauce, a portion of the cheese mixture, several pepperoni slices, and a light sprinkle of seasoning.

Repeat the process with the remaining baked crusts. Keep each sauce layer thin so the finished pizza cake does not become watery.
Finish with sauce, the reserved cheese, pepperoni, and a small amount of seasoning on top.

Step 5: Seal and bake

Fold the dough extending above the pan inward to create a raised crust around the top.

Mix the melted butter with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and brush it over the exposed crust.
Place the springform pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any melted cheese or sauce.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the outside crust is deep golden and the cheese on top is bubbling. Loosely cover the top with foil if it browns before the side crust is fully cooked.

Step 6: Rest and remove from the pan

Transfer the pizza cake to a heat-safe surface and let it rest in the pan for 15 minutes.
Run a thin knife around the inside edge to loosen any melted cheese. Carefully release and remove the outer ring of the springform pan.
If the sides still look pale or soft, return the pizza cake to the oven without the ring for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Slice and serve

Transfer the pizza cake to a cutting board or serving platter.
Sprinkle the top with fresh basil, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Use a sharp serrated knife or chef’s knife to cut it into eight wedges. Serve warm with additional pizza sauce for dipping.

Keyword Pizza Cake

FAQs

What is Pizza Cake?

Pizza Cake is a tall, layered pizza baked in a cake or springform pan. It contains several crust layers separated by sauce, cheese, meat, or vegetables.

Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes. You will need about 3 pounds of prepared pizza dough. Divide it between the outer crust and four thin inner rounds.

Why is the dough inside my Pizza Cake undercooked?

The inner dough rounds may not have been partially baked, or too much sauce may have been added. Pre-bake the rounds and keep the sauce layers thin.

Can I make Pizza Cake without a springform pan?

A deep 9-inch cake pan can work, but removing the finished pizza will be more difficult. Line the pan well and leave enough parchment overhang to help lift it out.

Conclusion

Pizza Cake turns familiar pizza ingredients into a tall, layered meal with crisp crust, melted cheese, sauce, and pepperoni in every slice. The preparation takes a little longer than a standard pizza, but the finished presentation makes it useful for parties and special family dinners.