When September 15 arrives, many people might not realize that tucked between other quirky food observances is a day dedicated to a dessert with a surprisingly rich backstory: Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Day. At first glance, it seems like just another sweet treat holiday, but behind this pie lies a story that weaves together culinary history, pop culture, and the enduring charm of cinnamon.

 A Classic Butterscotch Pie

To understand Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie, we first need to look back at the original butterscotch pie. Its history dates to 1904, when Sarah Wheeler of Connersville, Indiana, was credited with creating one of the earliest versions. The story goes that she accidentally burned custard while cooking. Instead of tossing it, she experimented and transformed the caramelized mixture into a pie filling.

That filling, rich with butter and brown sugar, gave birth to a dessert beloved in American kitchens. Over time, recipes evolved to include eggs, milk or cream, cornstarch for thickening, and sometimes a fluffy meringue topping. The result was silky, decadent, and sweet, a testament to resourcefulness in the kitchen.

For decades, butterscotch pie held its own among classic American desserts, served at family gatherings and church suppers. But its modern twist, adding cinnamon, would come from an entirely different source: the digital world.

Undertale and the Rise of Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie

In 2015, indie game creator Toby Fox released Undertale, a role-playing game that quickly developed a devoted fanbase. In the game, the player encounters Toriel, a motherly character who bakes a Butterscotch-Cinnamon Pie as a gesture of comfort and care.

The fictional dessert resonated deeply with players. More than food, the pie symbolized hospitality, warmth, and safety in an otherwise challenging world. Fans wanted to taste that comfort for themselves, so they began recreating the recipe in real life. Food blogs, YouTube channels, and fan forums soon filled with variations of the pie.

From that point on, the Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie wasn’t just part of a video game it became part of popular culture. And eventually, a special day was set aside for it: September 15, Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Day. The date honors both the pie’s culinary heritage and its unique place in modern storytelling.

Butterscotch alone is sweet and buttery, but it’s the cinnamon that elevates this pie into something unforgettable. The warm, spicy note cuts through the richness of the butterscotch and balances the dessert.

Not all cinnamon is the same, though. While cassia cinnamon is more common in supermarkets, Ceylon cinnamon, often called “true cinnamon,” is prized for its delicate, mildly sweet flavor. Using Ceylon cinnamon in Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie can transform the dish, giving it a smoother, more refined taste.

Whether you use Ceylon cinnamon sticks to infuse the custard filling or a sprinkle of Ceylon cinnamon powder in the crust and topping, this spice does more than add flavor. It carries history, tradition, and even health benefits, such as antioxidants and digestive support. That makes it not only delicious but also a spice with depth.

While Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Day may seem lighthearted, it carries a deeper message. It shows how food traditions are not static; they evolve. A recipe from 1904 can be reimagined in a 2015 video game, then land on today’s kitchen tables. It’s proof that food is storytelling, constantly reshaped by history, culture, and imagination.

And cinnamon, with its long journey from ancient trade routes to modern spice racks, embodies that story perfectly. It’s a reminder that behind every cinnamon stick or spoonful of cinnamon powder, there’s a thread of connection running through centuries and across continents.

On September 15, Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie Day gives us an excuse to bake, share, and celebrate. But more than that, it reminds us of the power of food to comfort, connect, and inspire.

So this year, try baking your own version of the pie. Reach for Ceylon cinnamon if you can, savor the aroma of organic spices, and enjoy a slice with family or friends. Whether you came to it through family tradition, a love of baking, or a fondness for Undertale, Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie is more than dessert; it’s a story of history, community, and flavor.