Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake: The Ultimate Dessert for Your Celebration

Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake: Layers of spiced pumpkin pancakes, silky crème pâtissière, and festive sprinkles create the ultimate comfort dessert.

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious way to celebrate a special occasion, the Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake is the dessert you need!

Fun, and creative twist on a classic birthday cake

This scrumptious, fun, and creative twist on a classic birthday cake combines fluffy pancakes with a rich, creamy crème patisserie filling, topped off with festive sprinkles. It's the perfect combination of flavors and comfort food, making it ideal for birthdays, autumn celebrations, or just because!

How to create this pumpkin spice pancake cake

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create this pumpkin spice pancake cake, complete with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and a smooth custard filling. Plus, we’ll give you pro tips for making it even more irresistible.

Why Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake is a Must-Try Dessert

This Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake is an absolute showstopper that will impress your friends and family. Here’s why:

• Warm, Cozy Flavors: The pumpkin puree and cinnamon bring all the cozy vibes of comfort food, while the crème patisserie adds a creamy, indulgent touch.
• Fluffy Pancake Layers: Soft, airy pancakes create a perfect base for a cake that’s both delicious and fun to make.
• Rich Crème Patisserie: This French-inspired custard filling makes each bite rich, smooth, and satisfying. It’s the ideal contrast to the fluffy pancakes.
• Customizable Garnishes: From rainbow sprinkles to chocolate shavings, you can personalize the cake to suit any occasion.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special milestone, or a coz friend gathering, this creative dessert will be the highlight of your celebration!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake

For the Crème Patisserie (The Decadent Filling)

• 2 cups milk
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or starch of choice)
• 3 tablespoons cold butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup white chocolate (optional, but highly recommended for extra richness)

For the Pancake Layers

• 2 medium eggs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Cooking spray for greasing
• ½ cup milk (for moistening the pancake layers)
• Optional but highly recommended: sprinkles to garnish

Step-by-Step Directions for Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake

Step 1: Make the Crème Patisserie (The Star of the Show)

Start by making the crème patisserie, which will be the rich and creamy filling for your pumpkin pancake birthday cake. Here’s how to do it:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, half of the sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir and cook over low heat until the milk is warm.
   
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, the rest of the sugar, flour, and cornstarch. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.
   
3. Slowly add a scoop of the warm milk mixture into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Add 2-3 more scoops of warm milk, continuing to stir until fully combined.
   
4. Gradually pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the milk, continuing to whisk.
   
5. Turn the heat to medium and cook, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency.
   
6. Remove from heat, then stir in cold butter and white chocolate (if using) until melted and smooth.
   
7. Cover with plastic wrap and let the crème patisserie cool.
   

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Pancake Layers

While the crème patisserie cools, it’s time to make the fluffy pancake cake layers.

1. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
   
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
   
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
   
4. Heat a 9-inch pancake skillet over medium heat, and spray with cooking spray.
   
5. Pour about 1 cup of batter onto the skillet and use a spoon to flatten the batter slightly.
   
6. Cook for about 4 minutes until small bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 4 minutes.
   
7. Continue until all the pancakes are cooked, and let them cool on a cooling rack.

Step 3: Assemble the Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake

Once your pancakes are cooked and the crème patisserie has cooled, it’s time to assemble the cake!

1. Place your first pancake layer on a cooling rack or serving platter.
2. Lightly drizzle about 2 tablespoons of milk on the pancake to moisten it—be sure not to soak it too much.
   
3. Spread ½ cup of crème patisserie evenly over the top of the pancake layer.
   
4. Repeat this process for the remaining layers of pancakes and crème patisserie, making sure to finish with a final layer of crème patisserie.
   
5. Top with your favorite sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even a bit of whipped cream for extra flair.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Your Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake is ready to serve! Slice it up and enjoy the layers of fluffy pumpkin pancakes paired with the silky crème patisserie. It's a cake that’s perfect for any celebration and will have your guests talking long after the last bite.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the crème patisserie in advance, as it keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Layering: Feel free to experiment with flavor! Add crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, or caramel sauce between the pancake layers for a fun twist.
• Presentation: Top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for added flair.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap regular milk for almond milk or any non-dairy alternative for a dairy-free pumpkin pancake cake.

Why This Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake Will Win You Over

The Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake combines all the flavors of comfort in a fun, unique way. This dessert is not only delicious, but it’s also a creative way to celebrate any occasion, from birthdays to cozy get-togethers. The fluffy pancakes, warm spices, and smooth, creamy filling come together to make a decadent yet comforting treat.

Plus, it’s a photo-worthy cake—perfect for showing off at your next celebration!

Conclusion: A Festive Favorite for Every Occasion

Looking for something new and exciting to serve at your next birthday or autumn celebration? The Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake is your answer. With its warm, pumpkin-spiced layers and rich, creamy filling, it’s the perfect dessert to celebrate the season. Whether you're baking for a birthday or simply craving a slice of pumpkin perfection, this unique cake will be the star of your party!

Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—because good things should always be shared! And if you’re ready to try more delicious fall-inspired desserts, check out our other seasonal recipes for more ideas to make your celebrations unforgettable.

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Here’s a list of the utensils you’ll need to make the Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake: ⬇️

Utensils for Crème Patisserie:

1. Medium saucepan (for heating milk and making the crème patisserie)
2. Whisk (to stir and combine ingredients for the crème patisserie)
3. Measuring cups (for measuring milk, sugar, flour, and other ingredients)
4. Measuring spoons (for measuring small ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, and starch)
5. https://amzn.to/4hSiyx6Mixing bowls (at least 2—one for egg yolks and one for the milk mixture)
6. https://amzn.to/3FQvEh0Plastic wrap (to cover the crème patisserie while it cools)

Utensils for Pancake Layers:

1. Large mixing bowl (for combining dry ingredients)
2. Separate large mixing bowl (for wet ingredients, like eggs, pumpkin, and milk)
3. Whisk or hand mixer (to combine the wet ingredients)
4. 9-inch pancake skillet or griddle (for cooking the pancakes)
5. Spatula (for flipping pancakes and spreading the crème patisserie)
6. Cooking spray (for greasing the skillet)
7. Spoon (for flattening the pancake batter)
8. Cooling rack (to cool the pancakes after cooking)
9. Measuring cup (for portioning pancake batter)

Utensils for Assembling:

1. Spatula (for spreading the crème patisserie between layers)
2. Serving platter or cake stand (for assembling and serving the cake)
3. Spoon or small measuring cup (for drizzling milk over the pancake layers)
4. Decorative sprinkles or garnish (optional, but adds a fun touch)