International Pizza Cake Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of April. This whimsical food holiday honors the inventive fusion of two beloved dishes: pizza and cake. Whether it’s a savory, multi-layered pizza cake or a sweet dessert designed to resemble a pizza, this day is all about indulging in culinary creativity.​

History of International Pizza Cake Day

The origins of International Pizza Cake Day are a blend of legend and modern innovation. One tale suggests that during the French Renaissance, Chef François Gundermeaux crafted a cake resembling a pizza for the wedding of France’s Duke of Angoulême and Italy’s Lady Mauriello. As the story goes, Lady Mauriello’s father requested a traditional Italian pizza for the wedding meal. Unfamiliar with pizza but skilled in pastries, Chef Gundermeaux created a cake that looked like a pizza. Upon tasting the creation, the father exclaimed, “This is not pizza, this is pizza cake!” While this story adds a historical flair, its authenticity remains unverified. ​

In more recent times, the concept of the pizza cake gained popularity in 2014 when recipes for a layered, savory pizza cake began circulating online. This version involves stacking multiple layers of pizza, complete with dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings, baked together to create a cake-like appearance. ​

Why is International Pizza Cake Day important?

This day celebrates culinary creativity and the joy of combining favorite foods in innovative ways. It encourages food enthusiasts to experiment in the kitchen, blending flavors and presentations to delight the senses.

Moreover, it serves as a reminder that food can be both fun and imaginative, breaking the norms of traditional recipes.​

How to Celebrate International Pizza Cake Day

  • Bake a Pizza Cake.
    Try your hand at making a savory pizza cake by layering pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings in a deep cake pan. Alternatively, create a sweet version by decorating a cake to resemble a pizza, using ingredients like strawberry slices for pepperoni and shredded white chocolate for cheese.​
  • Host a Pizza Cake Party.
    Invite friends and family to join in the fun by bringing their own pizza cake creations. Share recipes, enjoy taste-testing, and vote on the most creative or delicious entries.​
  • Share on Social Media.
    Document your pizza cake adventures and share photos or videos using hashtags like #InternationalPizzaCakeDay and #PizzaCakeDay to connect with fellow enthusiasts.​
  • Explore New Recipes.
    Use this day as an opportunity to discover and try out new pizza or cake recipes, expanding your culinary repertoire.​

Easy Pizza Cake Recipe

Pizza Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 packs of store-bought pizza dough (or homemade if you prefer)
  • 2 cups pizza or marinara sauce
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, etc.)
  • Oil or butter to grease the pan

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a deep cake pan or a tall springform pan.
  2. Roll out the dough and cut out circles the size of your pan. You’ll need about 5–6 layers, depending on how tall you want it.
  3. Bake each dough circle for about 5–6 minutes until just lightly cooked. This helps keep the cake from becoming soggy.
  4. Layer it up in the pan:
    • Start with a dough base.
    • Spread a spoonful of sauce.
    • Sprinkle cheese and add toppings.
    • Repeat until you reach the top.
  5. Finish with sauce and cheese on the top layer.
  6. Bake the whole cake for about 25–30 minutes, or until everything is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
  7. Let it cool slightly, then slice like a cake and enjoy!

International Pizza Cake Day Dates Table

YearDateDay
2025April 17Thursday
2026April 16Thursday
2027April 15Thursday
2028April 20Thursday
2029April 19Thursday

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