I remember the first time I had birthday cake overnight oats. I was scrolling through social media, looking for a breakfast option that was both satisfying and a little indulgent. The bright colors from the sprinkles, the rich, creamy texture, and the sweet flavor made it sound irresistible. Plus, the idea of having cake for breakfast felt like a delightful treat. Since that moment, birthday cake overnight oats have become a staple in my morning routine, especially on busy weekdays or special occasions. With a minimal amount of time and preparation, you can enjoy this delicious dish within hours. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a fun and flexible breakfast option.
What sets birthday cake overnight oats apart is their unique flavor and texture. Each bite blends the creaminess of oats soaked in almond milk with hints of vanilla and almond, rounded out by the delightful crunch of sprinkles. They transform a regular morning into something more festive, making it great for birthdays or to brighten any day. Best of all, you can customize them with various toppings and mix-ins, tailoring the dish to your taste preferences.
Why you’ll love this
- Quick and easy make-ahead breakfast.
- Combines the joy of cake and nutritional oats.
- Fun and colorful with sprinkles.
- No cooking required—just mix and refrigerate!
- Perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
"A fun way to start my day while keeping it healthy!"
Step-by-step overview
This simple recipe combines all the ingredients in a sealable container to create a creamy, flavorful breakfast. After mixing well, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow the oats to soften and thicken. When you’re ready to eat, divide the mixture into jars or bowls, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
What you’ll need for birthday cake overnight oats
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons all-natural almond butter or cashew butter (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles (I used vegan ones)
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Rolled oats: The base for your overnight oats that offer a chewy texture. Instant oats are not recommended as they will become too mushy.
- Nut milks: Unsweetened almond milk keeps it light, but feel free to substitute with any milk you prefer, like oat or coconut milk.
- Chia seeds: These add thickness and a boost of nutrition; you can leave them out if you don’t have any on hand.
- Nut butter: Adding almond or cashew butter boosts the flavor and creaminess, but you can skip it for a lighter option.
Cooking method
To make birthday cake overnight oats, simply combine the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla and almond extracts, nut butter, salt, and sprinkles in a sealable container. Mix everything well until combined. Then, cover and place it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This allows the ingredients to blend together and for the oats to soften, creating a deliciously creamy texture.
- Gather all ingredients and measure them out accordingly.
- In a sealable container, add the rolled oats and almond milk.
- Sprinkle in chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt.
- If using, add almond butter or cashew butter for extra creaminess.
- Finally, fold in the sprinkles gently—be sure to keep some for garnishing later!
- Mix all ingredients well until everything is evenly combined.
- Cover the container and place it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
- When ready to eat, open the container and stir the mixture. Divide it into jars or bowls, add your desired toppings, and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Letting them sit overnight is crucial for achieving that dreamy texture. If you’re in a crunch, at least allow a few hours for the oats to soak!
You’ll know your oats are ready when they feel thick and creamy. The sprinkles will have brightened the mixture, giving a cheerful, festive appearance.
Helpful cooking tips
- If you want even more sweetness, consider adding a touch more maple syrup or your sweetener of choice.
- For added texture, mix in nuts or seeds such as almonds or pumpkin seeds before refrigerating.
- Watch the thickness; if you prefer a runnier consistency, add a splash more milk after removing from the fridge.
- Want a protein boost? Stir in a scoop of protein powder before refrigerating.
Best ways to enjoy it
Birthday cake overnight oats can be topped with a variety of delicious additions! Fresh fruits like sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries work wonderfully. Drizzling with extra maple syrup or peanut butter can create an even more decadent treat. Serve in a clear jar to show off the beautiful layers and colors, and share it with friends or family for a festive breakfast or snack.
Storage & reheating tips
These overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing you to meal prep ahead of time. You can prepare several containers at once for an easy grab-and-go breakfast throughout busy mornings. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge the night before enjoying.
How to fix common issues
If your overnight oats come out too dry, it usually means they soaked up too much liquid. Simply add a bit more almond milk and stir well before eating. For overly soggy oats, decrease the soaking time and consider adding more chia seeds to absorb some liquid next time. If they feel bland, don’t hesitate to add a bit more maple syrup or vanilla.
Recipe variations
There are so many variations you can explore with birthday cake overnight oats! You can swap in different extracts like coconut for a tropical flair. For a creamier texture, use whole milk yogurt instead of almond milk. You could also mix in different flavored protein powders—chocolate could be delicious once mixed! If you’re looking to change up the sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried fruit adds both color and flavor.
Common questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats are generally not recommended for overnight oats since they can turn mushy. Rolled oats retain their texture and provide a nice chewiness, making them ideal for this recipe.
How long do birthday cake overnight oats last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, these overnight oats can last for about 5 days in the refrigerator, making them a great meal prep option for busy mornings!
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan, especially if you choose plant-based milk and sprinkles. Just ensure any toppings or additions are also vegan-friendly!
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
For leftovers, you can stir in a bit more almond milk to refresh the texture before serving. You can also blend the mixture into a smoothie for a quick drinkable breakfast!
Can I add protein powder to my overnight oats?
Yes, feel free to mix in protein powder for an added nutritional boost. Just remember to adjust the liquid slightly if needed to maintain the consistency you prefer.
With its creamy texture and delightful flavor, birthday cake overnight oats are sure to brighten up your mornings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a treat, they’re simple to make, easy to customize, and oh-so-delicious!
Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all ingredients and measure them out accordingly.
- In a sealable container, add the rolled oats and almond milk.
- Sprinkle in chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt.
- If using, add almond butter or cashew butter for extra creaminess.
- Finally, fold in the sprinkles gently—be sure to keep some for garnishing later!
- Mix all ingredients well until everything is evenly combined.
- Cover the container and place it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
- When ready to eat, open the container and stir the mixture.
- Divide it into jars or bowls, add your desired toppings, and enjoy!