Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake

This Pepperoni Pizza Layer Cake is a jaw-dropping twist on pizza night built for big appetites and fun gatherings. Rather than making just one pizza, you stack up two hearty crusts and load every layer with melty cheese, savory ground beef, and crispy pepperoni, all wrapped in golden crust. It is such a party centerpiece and slices up beautifully for a crowd.

Ingredients

• Pre-made pizza crusts: They keep structure sturdy and let you build your cake easily Choose firm and not too thin crusts for best results

• Pizza sauce: Delivers classic tangy flavor and helps glue the layers Look for a thick rich sauce for better hold

• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives creaminess and that perfect cheese pull Opt for a whole milk mozzarella if you can

• Pepperoni slices: Adds classic zesty punch and crisp edges when baked Choose large slices for dramatic look

• Cooked ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and texture Season well for depth

• Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings extra richness and color Use sharp cheddar for the most flavor

• Extra mozzarella cheese: For the final gooey topping

• Fresh basil or parsley: Makes it fresh and bright right before serving Use fresh and green leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through stirring to break up the meat and letting any pink bits fade away Be patient as the browning builds flavor Drain off excess fat and season the beef evenly with salt and pepper Once cooked let the beef cool a bit

Build the First Layer:

Line your baking dish with the first pizza crust Make sure it fits snug with the edges touching the dish Then spread half the pizza sauce in an even layer across the crust Use a back of a spoon to make sure there are no bare spots Top with half the mozzarella cheese Sprinkle across for an even blanket Add half the cooked beef and a single layer of pepperoni slices Each bite should get some of everything

Add the Second Layer:

Carefully place the second crust over the first stack Gently press down to help it settle evenly Spread the rest of the pizza sauce right to the edges Scatter over the remaining mozzarella and the rest of the ground beef Next add another layer of pepperoni Top this layer with shredded cheddar cheese for a bubbly golden top

Bake to Perfection:

Bake the assembled pizza cake in a preheated oven at 400°F Watch for the cheese on top to melt fully and for the crust edges to take on a golden brown look This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes but ovens vary so check at 15 minutes

Final Cheese Topping and Finish:

Sprinkle extra mozzarella over the hot pizza cake Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden brown This step makes your top extra gooey and appetizing

Rest and Garnish:

Let your pizza layer cake cool for at least ten minutes This helps everything settle and makes neat slices easier Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley right before bringing to the table

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Storage Tips

Leftover pizza layer cake keeps well in the fridge for up to three days Wrap slices tightly or store in an airtight container Reheat in a toaster oven or covered in a low oven to re-crisp the crust and melt the cheese Microwaving works for speed but the crust will soften

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter version Swap the pepperoni for cooked sausage or extra veggies Make it vegetarian with just cheese mushrooms spinach and olives Always use a rich pizza sauce for structure

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad to keep things balanced Try a big platter of roasted veggies on the side This makes a festive lunch or dinner centerpiece Cut into smaller squares for an appetizer at parties

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Cultural and Historical Context

Deep-dish layered pizza riffs on vintage Italian-American pizza pies often loaded with meats cheeses and multiple textures Chicago’s famous stuffed pizzas inspired this recipe My spin is all about family style hearty comfort and plenty to share

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different meats besides pepperoni and beef?

Absolutely! Try sausage, ham, or even cooked chicken for different flavors and textures.

→ What other cheeses work well in this dish?

Mozzarella and cheddar are classic, but provolone, fontina, or gouda can also add richness and melt beautifully.

→ Are homemade pizza crusts necessary?

Store-bought crusts work perfectly and make assembly quicker; however, homemade dough offers extra flavor if you prefer.

→ How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Use pre-cooked crusts and avoid overloading with sauce or fillings that release excess moisture during baking.

→ Can I add vegetables to the layers?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives add more flavor and color to each bite.