If you love the taste of birthday cake but want a healthier way to enjoy it for breakfast, this Birthday Cake Overnight Oats Recipe is perfect for you! It’s a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, chia seeds, and almond milk, all flavored with vanilla and almond extracts to give that classic “birthday cake” flavor. The best part? It takes just minutes to prepare, and you can make it ahead of time, so it’s ready to grab and go on those busy mornings.
What Makes Birthday Cake Overnight Oats Special?
These oats are like having a slice of cake for breakfast—minus the guilt! The use of vanilla and almond extracts creates a flavor profile reminiscent of a classic birthday cake, while the addition of sprinkles makes it fun and festive. Unlike typical cakes loaded with sugar and butter, this recipe is packed with healthy ingredients like rolled oats, chia seeds, and almond butter or cashew butter, providing a boost of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Ingredients Overview
- 1 cup rolled oats: A rich source of fiber and nutrients, rolled oats are ideal for overnight oats as they soften perfectly while absorbing the liquid.
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice): Almond milk keeps the recipe dairy-free, but you can use any milk you prefer, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds: Chia seeds add thickness, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids to the oats.
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup: A natural sweetener that provides a subtle caramel flavor.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall “cake” flavor with its sweet, aromatic essence.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the vanilla.
- 2 tablespoons all-natural almond butter or cashew butter (optional): Provides a richer almond flavor and a creamy texture. It also adds more protein and healthy fats.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles (vegan ones used in this recipe): A fun and colorful addition that makes this breakfast feel like a celebration.
How to Make Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
- Combine Ingredients: In a sealable container or jar, add the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, almond butter (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Mix Well: Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring that the chia seeds and oats are evenly distributed and there are no clumps.
- Chill in the Fridge: Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the oats to soften and the chia seeds to expand, creating a thick and creamy consistency.
- Serve: When you’re ready to eat, give the mixture a good stir and divide it into bowls or jars. Top with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruits, nuts, extra sprinkles, or a dollop of yogurt, and enjoy!

Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements of the ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: To mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Sealable container or mason jars: Ideal for refrigerating and storing the oats.
- Spoon or spatula: For mixing the oats and scraping down the sides of the container.
Variations and Substitutions
- Milk Options: Use any milk you prefer, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the oats.
- Nut Butters: Swap almond butter for peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile.
- Sweeteners: Replace maple syrup with honey, agave syrup, or even a low-calorie sweetener like stevia.
- Chia Seeds Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of chia seeds, you can use flax seeds for a similar nutritional benefit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Quick Oats: Make sure to use rolled oats, not quick or instant oats, as they do not absorb the liquid as well and can become mushy.
- Adding Too Much Liquid: Stick to the recipe measurements. Adding too much milk can result in runny oats.
- Not Mixing Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined to avoid clumps of chia seeds or dry oats.
Serving and Presentation Tips
For a fun presentation, serve these oats in small mason jars or clear glass cups. Add a layer of fresh berries or banana slices between the oats to create a colorful parfait effect. Top with a sprinkle of crushed nuts or coconut flakes to add a little extra crunch and visual appeal.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If the oats thicken too much, add a splash of milk before serving to loosen the texture. Unfortunately, overnight oats do not freeze well due to the changing texture of the oats and chia seeds.
Birthday Cake Overnight Oats FAQs
- Can I Make It Dairy-Free? Yes, this recipe is already dairy-free if you use plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
- What Toppings Work Best? Fresh fruits, nuts, shredded coconut, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or extra sprinkles all make great toppings.
- Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats? No, steel-cut oats are too tough for overnight oats as they don’t soften enough without cooking.
Tips for Perfect Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
- Prepare in Advance: Make a big batch at the start of the week for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Start with 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Mix Before Serving: Always stir the oats well before serving to ensure the consistency is smooth and even.
Conclusion
These Birthday Cake Overnight Oats are a fun, festive, and nutritious way to start your day. Give this easy recipe a try and share it with your friends and family! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and healthy eating tips.
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Birthday Cake Overnight Oats Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
Try our easy, healthy Birthday Cake Overnight Oats recipe for a fun, festive, and nutritious breakfast! Perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats: A rich source of fiber and nutrients, rolled oats are ideal for overnight oats as they soften perfectly while absorbing the liquid.
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice): Almond milk keeps the recipe dairy-free, but you can use any milk you prefer, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds: Chia seeds add thickness, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids to the oats.
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup: A natural sweetener that provides a subtle caramel flavor.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall “cake” flavor with its sweet, aromatic essence.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the vanilla.
- 2 tablespoons all-natural almond butter or cashew butter (optional): Provides a richer almond flavor and a creamy texture. It also adds more protein and healthy fats.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles (vegan ones used in this recipe): A fun and colorful addition that makes this breakfast feel like a celebration.
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a sealable container or jar, add the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, almond butter (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Mix Well: Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring that the chia seeds and oats are evenly distributed and there are no clumps.
- Chill in the Fridge: Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the oats to soften and the chia seeds to expand, creating a thick and creamy consistency.
- Serve: When you’re ready to eat, give the mixture a good stir and divide it into bowls or jars. Top with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruits, nuts, extra sprinkles, or a dollop of yogurt, and enjoy!
Notes
- Using Quick Oats: Make sure to use rolled oats, not quick or instant oats, as they do not absorb the liquid as well and can become mushy.
- Adding Too Much Liquid: Stick to the recipe measurements. Adding too much milk can result in runny oats.
- Not Mixing Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined to avoid clumps of chia seeds or dry oats.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Breakfast