Irresistible Birthday Cake Pumpkin Pie Recipe Perfect for Fall

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The smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen, combined with the cheerful sprinkles of a birthday cake—can you imagine anything more festive? This irresistible Birthday Cake Pumpkin Pie brings together two of life’s greatest joys: the warm, cozy flavors of fall and the colorful fun of a celebration. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be your go-to dessert for every autumn gathering.

I first came up with this recipe when I couldn’t decide between baking a classic pumpkin pie and a birthday cake for a friend’s fall birthday. Why choose one when you can have both? The creamy pumpkin filling paired with bursts of colorful sprinkles and a buttery crust is a combination so good, you’ll wonder why you waited this long to make it.

If you’re looking for something unique, easy to whip up, and sure to wow your friends and family, this Birthday Cake Pumpkin Pie is the answer. Whether it’s for a cozy evening at home, a fall-themed celebration, or even Thanksgiving, this pie is pure happiness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: This pie comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy schedules.
  • Festive Fun: The addition of colorful sprinkles gives it that whimsical birthday cake vibe.
  • Perfect for Fall: It’s like a traditional pumpkin pie but with a playful twist that’s ideal for seasonal gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Adults love the comforting pumpkin flavor, and kids can’t resist the sprinkles.
  • Unbelievably Delicious: The creamy texture of the pumpkin filling paired with the crunch of the crust and pops of sweetness from the sprinkles is a dream come true.

What makes this recipe stand out is the fusion of two classics in one. You get the warm, spiced pumpkin pie flavors with an unexpected burst of color and sweetness. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone ask for seconds—whether they’re celebrating a birthday or just the beauty of fall.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that deliver bold flavors and a festive touch. Most of these are pantry staples, so you won’t need to make a special trip to the store.

  • For the crust:
    • 1 ½ cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs
    • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
    • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • For the filling:
    • 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
    • ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
    • 2 large eggs, room temperature
    • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • For the funfetti touch:
    • ½ cup (80g) rainbow sprinkles (use your favorite brand for bright colors)

If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, you can swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free alternatives. And if dairy-free is your goal, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free butter for the crust.

Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking sheet (to place the pie dish on)

If you don’t have a pie dish, you can use a springform pan for a similar result. For whisking, a hand-held whisk works just fine, but an electric mixer can be used for extra ease.

Preparation Method

birthday cake pumpkin pie preparation steps

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your pie dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom and sides of your pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
  3. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth.
  4. Add the funfetti: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to overmix (you don’t want the colors to bleed).
  5. Assemble the pie: Pour the filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
  6. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The edges should puff up slightly.
  7. Cool and chill: Let the pie cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) before serving.

Pro tip: If your crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your Birthday Cake Pumpkin Pie turns out perfectly:

  • Use room-temperature eggs for smoother blending with the pumpkin puree.
  • Don’t skip the cooling step—it helps the pie set and makes slicing easier.
  • If your sprinkles start to bleed, try chilling the filling before folding them in.
  • For a firmer crust, press it down firmly with a measuring cup or the bottom of a glass.
  • Test for doneness by gently shaking the pie—the center should jiggle slightly but not slosh.

These little tricks will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Variations & Adaptations

  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter.
  • Seasonal Fun: Try orange and black sprinkles for Halloween or red and green for Christmas.
  • Extra Spice: Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger for a bolder spice profile.
  • Personal Twist: I once added white chocolate chips to the filling—it was a hit!

This recipe is so versatile, you can make it your own every time.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this pie chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. Pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the spiced pumpkin filling.

To store, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie—wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight.

Reheat slices in the microwave for a quick treat, or enjoy cold for a refreshing twist.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each slice of this Birthday Cake Pumpkin Pie is estimated to have around:

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g

Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, making this pie not only delicious but also a little nutritious. Just be mindful of the sugar content if you’re watching your intake.

Conclusion

This Irresistible Birthday Cake Pumpkin Pie is everything a dessert should be—fun, flavorful, and festive. It’s the perfect way to combine the cozy vibes of fall with the joy of a celebration. The sprinkles add a playful touch, while the pumpkin filling keeps it classic.

I’d love to hear how you customize this recipe! Share your thoughts, variations, or even your pumpkin pie photos in the comments below. And don’t forget to bookmark this page so you can make it again and again.

Happy baking, and I hope this pie brings a little extra joy to your fall festivities!

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?

No, canned pumpkin pie filling already has spices and sugar added. Use plain pumpkin puree for best results.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Choose bright, high-quality sprinkles that won’t bleed too much into the filling. Avoid nonpareils as they tend to melt.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie is even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in the fridge.

Do I need to blind bake the crust?

Not for this recipe. Baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling is sufficient.

How do I prevent cracks in the filling?

Don’t overbake the pie—remove it when the center is slightly jiggly. Cracks can also be minimized by cooling the pie gradually.

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Irresistible Birthday Cake Pumpkin Pie

This irresistible Birthday Cake Pumpkin Pie combines the warm, cozy flavors of fall with the colorful fun of a celebration, making it perfect for autumn gatherings.

  • Author: paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (80g) rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your pie dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom and sides of your pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth.
  4. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to prevent the colors from bleeding.
  5. Pour the filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The edges should puff up slightly.
  7. Let the pie cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) before serving.

Notes

[‘Use room-temperature eggs for smoother blending with the pumpkin puree.’, ‘Don’t skip the cooling step—it helps the pie set and makes slicing easier.’, ‘If your sprinkles start to bleed, try chilling the filling before folding them in.’, ‘For a firmer crust, press it down firmly with a measuring cup or the bottom of a glass.’, ‘Test for doneness by gently shaking the pie—the center should jiggle slightly but not slosh.’]

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 18
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: Birthday Cake Pumpkin Pie, Fall Dessert, Pumpkin Pie, Funfetti Pie, Autumn Recipe

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