If you’ve ever wished you could start your morning with a slice of your favorite childhood birthday cake—and not feel a bit guilty about it—then Birthday Cake Overnight Oats are about to become your new obsession. These oats bring all the festive sprinkles, rich vanilla flavor, and creamy, satisfying texture we crave from a slice of cake, but pack them into a nourishing breakfast jar that’s as fun as it is wholesome. Whether you’re prepping them for a make-ahead breakfast or just want to infuse a little celebration into your day, this recipe hits all the right notes for taste and balance. Trust me: one bite and you’ll be hooked on this playful twist on traditional oats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Oats Mixture:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
Additional Toppings:
- 1 tbsp sprinkles
How to Make Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
Step 1: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a mason jar or airtight container, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder (if using), milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. This single-step mix makes prep a breeze and ensures every spoonful gets infused with birthday cake flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Stir and Fold in the Sprinkles
Give everything a good stir to fully combine—make sure there aren’t any dry pockets of oats or chia at the bottom. Once mixed, gently fold in most of the sprinkles, leaving a small handful aside for topping. Folding them in by hand helps keep the colors bright and festive rather than streaking the oat mixture.
Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight
Seal the container tightly and pop it in the fridge. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. The oats soften up, the chia thickens everything into a luscious, creamy breakfast, and all those vanilla-infused flavors get even better by morning.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
In the morning (or when you’re ready to eat), give your overnight oats a good stir. If it’s thicker than you like, add a splash of milk until it reaches your preferred consistency. Sprinkle the remaining rainbow sprinkles on top for that true birthday cake overnight oats magic, and dig in!
How to Serve Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
Garnishes
This dish practically demands a celebration, so go wild with your toppings! Besides extra sprinkles for maximum fun, consider a dollop of whipped cream, a little swirl of vanilla yogurt, or a couple of fresh berries to balance the sweetness and add a burst of color.
Side Dishes
If you’re feeling extra hungry, pair your oats with a fruity smoothie or a side of scrambled eggs for more protein. On weekends, they’re charming alongside a hot latte or a mug of herbal tea. No matter what, these oats are the main event!
Creative Ways to Present
Lean into the playful vibes by serving your birthday cake overnight oats in cute mason jars, parfait glasses, or even tiny trifle bowls. Layering extra sprinkles between oat layers makes each spoonful even more photogenic—perfect for birthdays or any day that deserves a little extra cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Birthday cake overnight oats keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Keep them sealed tightly so they don’t dry out or absorb fridge odors. If you’re making several for the week, prep each in its own jar for a grab-and-go breakfast that stays fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
Though freezing isn’t usually recommended due to the yogurt and chia seed texture, you can portion out the oat base (before adding sprinkles) and freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, stir well, and top with fresh sprinkles before serving.
Reheating
One of the joys of overnight oats is enjoying them cold and creamy, but if you prefer them warm, simply microwave your jar (lid off!) or transfer to a bowl and heat for 30-60 seconds. Stir well and add more milk if needed before topping with those iconic sprinkles.
FAQs
Can I make these oats gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. All the other ingredients in birthday cake overnight oats are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
What kind of sprinkles work best?
Classic rainbow jimmies or confetti sprinkles are ideal, as they add color without bleeding too much. Avoid nonpareils or sugar pearls, which tend to dissolve and lose their color overnight.
Can I prep more than one serving at a time?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want, and divide the mixture into individual jars or containers. The oats store well for several days, making them perfect for meal-prep.
How can I make these oats taste even more like birthday cake?
For that true cake-shop aroma, try mixing in a drop or two of almond extract along with the vanilla. It’s a tiny tweak that delivers major birthday cake overnight oats flavor!
Can I skip the protein powder?
Of course—protein powder is totally optional. If you leave it out, the oats will still be delightfully creamy and protein-rich, thanks to the Greek yogurt.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about starting the day with a jar of birthday cake overnight oats—every bite is like a little celebration! If you’re looking to shake up your breakfast routine, this recipe is cheerful, easy, and oh-so-rewarding. Give it a try for a taste of pure breakfast joy, no matter what day it is!
PrintBirthday Cake Overnight Oats Recipe
Start your day with a celebration with these Birthday Cake Overnight Oats! Packed with the flavors of a funfetti cake, this healthy breakfast option will make every morning feel like a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Oats Mixture:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
Additional Toppings:
- 1 tbsp sprinkles
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a jar or airtight container, mix rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and protein powder (if desired). Stir well.
- Add Sprinkles: Fold in most of the sprinkles, saving some for topping.
- Chill Overnight: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until creamy.
- Final Touches: Before serving, stir oats, adjust consistency with more milk if needed, and top with reserved sprinkles.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use almond or coconut milk and dairy-free yogurt.
- Enhance the cake flavor with a few drops of almond extract.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
