A festive twist on classic cheesecake, this creamy, colorful dessert is studded with rainbow sprinkles and topped with fluffy whipped cream—perfect for celebrating any special occasion in sweet, joyful style. With its rich, smooth texture and playful appearance, this birthday cheesecake is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This birthday cheesecake combines the luxurious creaminess of traditional cheesecake with the cheerful, celebratory charm of rainbow sprinkles and whipped cream. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for birthdays, parties, or any joyful gathering. The graham cracker crust adds a buttery crunch, while the whipped topping brings a light, airy finish to each slice. Best of all, it’s a make-ahead dessert that frees up time on the day of your event.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
22 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
5 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup rainbow jimmies (or sprinkles)
6 oz whipped cream (for topping)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a crust. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in the rainbow jimmies using a spatula.
Pour the batter into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but the edges are set.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
Remove from oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Before serving, top with generous swirls of whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional rainbow jimmies for decoration.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 6 hours (including chilling)
Calories per serving: 460 kcal

Variations

Chocolate Crust: Swap the graham crackers for chocolate cookie crumbs for a richer base.
Fruit Topping: Add fresh berries or fruit compote before serving for a fruity finish.
Mini Cheesecakes: Divide the batter into cupcake liners for individual servings.
Sprinkle Swap: Use themed or seasonal sprinkles to suit different occasions.
Flavored Cream Cheese: Try using flavored cream cheese (e.g., strawberry) for an added twist.

storage/reheating

Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Whipped cream should be added just before serving to maintain its texture.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal for making a day ahead. Chill overnight and top with whipped cream before serving.

Do the sprinkles melt or bleed in the batter?

Rainbow jimmies generally hold their color well, but avoid nonpareils, which may bleed into the batter.

What size pan should I use?

A standard 9-inch springform pan is recommended for even baking and easy release.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, but ensure it’s deep enough to accommodate the full volume of cheesecake batter.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

It should be slightly jiggly in the center but set around the edges. It will continue to set as it cools.

Can I skip the water bath?

This recipe doesn’t require a water bath, but placing a pan of water on the lower oven rack can help reduce cracking.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese is best for a rich texture, but low-fat versions can be used with slightly different results.

Is sour cream necessary?

Sour cream adds creaminess and tang, but you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt if preferred.

How do I prevent cracks on top?

Avoid overmixing, do not overbake, and cool the cheesecake slowly with the oven door ajar.

Can I pipe the whipped cream in advance?

Yes, but for best results, use stabilized whipped cream or add it just before serving.

Conclusion

This Birthday Cheesecake with Whipped Cream and Sprinkles is the ultimate celebratory dessert—colorful, creamy, and completely indulgent. With its joyful appearance and rich, velvety filling, it’s sure to become a highlight at birthdays, parties, and any festive occasion. Make it ahead and top it with whipped cream just before serving for a show-stopping finale to your event.

Birthday Cheesecake with Whipped Cream and Sprinkles

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Author: Mari
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 6 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy.
Add sour cream and vanilla extract; mix well.
Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
Gently fold in rainbow jimmies with a spatula.
Pour the batter into the prepared crust and smooth the top.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.
Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
Remove from oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Before serving, top with generous swirls of whipped cream and more sprinkles for a festive finish.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Do not overmix once eggs are added to prevent cracks.
Chilling overnight enhances flavor and texture.
Add sprinkles just before baking to prevent color bleeding.
Whipped cream topping should be added right before serving for best appearance.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 460
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 130mg