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  1. Food and Cooking
  2. Recipes
  3. Birthday Cake Pie

Birthday Cake Pie

Cake mix pulls double duty in this sprinkle-filled treat.

By Sarah HoldenPublished: Jun 22, 2025
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the pioneer woman's birthday cake pie recipe
C.W. Newell
Yields:
12 serving(s)
Prep Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
5 hrs
Video poster

When it comes to birthday desserts, homemade cakes usually get all the love—but this birthday cake pie is a fun and tasty way to change things up.

The recipe starts with a box of confetti cake mix that pulls double duty in both the tender crust and the filling. Making the crust is as easy as stir, roll, and bake. And the filling is a combination of instant vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles for clouds of creamy, colorful, cake-flavored goodness. Top it all off with dollops of extra whipped cream and another generous handful of sprinkles, and you’ve got a dessert worth celebrating.

This is one of the best make-ahead desserts for parties and birthdays, especially for the “pie over cake” crowd. It can be assembled three days ahead and pulled out of the fridge just in time to light the candles! Find more cake mix desserts and birthday cake-inspired recipes here.

Why do you need to bake the cake mix for the filling?

Cake mix contains raw flour, which can sometimes carry bacteria like E. coli. For the same reason one shouldn't eat raw cookie dough, it’s important to heat the cake mix to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to make it safe to eat. A quick 5-minute bake takes care of any germs so you can enjoy every bite worry-free.

Can you use a different flavor of cake mix or pudding?

Yes! You can easily swap the cake mix and pudding flavors to match the guest of honor’s favorite tastes. Some delicious combinations to try: devil’s food cake mix with chocolate pudding, or red velvet cake mix with white chocolate pudding.

the pioneer woman's birthday cake pie
C.W. Newell
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Ingredients

  • Nonstick cooking spray, for the pie plate
  • 1 (15.25-ounce) box confetti cake mix
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 Tbsp. salted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 large egg, plus 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 Tbsp. powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. multicolored sprinkles, plus more for decorating

Directions

    1. Step 1Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate (not deep-dish) with nonstick cooking spray.
    2. Step 2Remove 3/4 cup of the cake mix and set aside. In a large bowl, use a rubber spatula to gently mix together the remaining cake mix, all-purpose flour, butter, egg, egg yolks, and 2 teaspoons water until it just comes together, about 3 minutes. 
    3. Step 3Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and gently knead until it is well combined. Form into a disc, then roll out into a 12-inch circle. 
    4. Step 4Transfer the crust to the prepared pie plate. Trim any excess dough, then crimp or flute the edges as desired. Use a fork to poke holes along the bottom and sides of the pie dough. Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes.
    5. Step 5Meanwhile, spread the reserved cake mix over the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then transfer to a bowl and whisk to remove any lumps. Let cool completely.
    6. Step 6In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 5 minutes. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream and vanilla on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove 1 cup of the whipped cream to a medium bowl and whisk in the powdered sugar by hand; cover and refrigerate. 
    7. Step 7Add the cooled cake mix to the remaining whipped cream in the mixing bowl and continue beating until incorporated and stiff peaks return, about 1 minute more. Mix a large spoonful of the whipped cream into the pudding to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream and 2 tablespoons of the sprinkles. 
    8. Step 8Transfer the filling to the cooled crust and spread in an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours and up to 3 days.
    9. Step 9When ready to serve: If the reserved whipped cream seems soft, beat in a large bowl with a whisk until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a fluted tip and pipe rosettes around the perimeter of the pie. Top the whipped cream rosettes with sprinkles. 

Tip: Birthday cake pie can be made up to 3 days in advance. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling before refrigerating. Top with whipped cream and sprinkles before serving.

Love this recipe? Try one of these next!

  • Best Birthday Cake
    2 hrs 30 mins
  • Root Beer Float Pie
    3 hrs 35 mins
  • Cake Mix Cookies
    25 mins
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