Cake for breakfast? Why not! These birthday cake overnight oats are the perfect make-ahead breakfast that recreates the nostalgic cake batter flavor with wholesome ingredients! Prep them the night before and wake up to a celebration every day!
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Whether it’s your birthday or not, these cake batter oats are a delicious breakfast to enjoy any time of the year!
Overnight oats are a staple in my breakfast routine. When I want something extra creamy I go for overnight oats with coconut milk, or something lighter, I enjoy these overnight oats with water. But when I’m craving something extra special, you can’t go wrong with birthday cake overnight oats!
Make these for your next birthday breakfast—I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Celebratory Flair: Who says you can’t have birthday cake for breakfast? With these cake-flavored overnight oats, you’ll start your day on a festive note, enjoying the flavors reminiscent of a classic birthday treat. While I love a birthday cake protein shake, these oats are a new favorite way to start my day!
- Time-Saving Magic: Mornings can be hectic, but with this recipe, you can have a delicious and nutritious breakfast ready to go when you wake up. Simply prepare the oats the night before, and in the morning, they’re ready to eat—no cooking required!
- Healthy Indulgence: Indulge your sweet tooth without the guilt. These overnight oats are made with wholesome ingredients like oats, almond milk, and chia seeds, providing a satisfying breakfast that’s packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Children and adults alike will adore the whimsical charm of this breakfast with rainbow sprinkles. Get the whole family involved in the preparation process, and watch as everyone eagerly awaits their morning meal.
With its irresistible taste, convenient preparation, and healthful ingredients, these birthday cake overnight oats are sure to become a beloved favorite in your breakfast rotation. Get ready to wake up to a celebration every day!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Aside from the sprinkles, this cake-flavored overnight oats recipe is actually made with healthy ingredients! You can feel good about your breakfast and feel like you’re indulging at the same time! Here’s what you need:
- Rolled Oats: Opt for rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, for their hearty texture and ability to absorb liquid overnight, creating a creamy base for your overnight oats. Skip steel cut oats, which won’t become soft enough to create that creamy texture. Use certified gluten-free oats as needed.
- Milk: Use your preferred type of milk. I used unsweetened almond milk, but oat milk or soy milk are also excellent choices that complement the almond and vanilla flavors.
- Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds add a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein to your breakfast, while also helping to thicken the oats and create a pudding-like consistency.
- Maple Syrup: Enhance the natural sweetness of the oats with a touch of pure maple syrup. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences, keeping in mind that other ingredients like the sprinkles will also contribute sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract infuses the oats with warm, aromatic flavor. To add vanilla flavor while also upping the protein content, you could add a scoop of vanilla protein powder instead like I did in these protein overnight oats.
- Almond Extract: For an extra layer of almond flavor reminiscent of the classic birthday cake flavor, add a hint of almond extract. Be cautious not to overdo it, as almond extract can be potent. If you can’t find almond extract, I highly recommend adding the optional almond butter.
- Nut Butter (Optional): While optional, adding a dollop of creamy almond butter, cashew butter, or peanut butter enhances the nutty flavor profile of the oats and contributes to a creamier texture. Choose an all-natural variety without added sugars or oils for the best results.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients—don’t skip it!
- Sprinkles: I used vegan sprinkles to add a playful and colorful touch to my oats, reminiscent of a funfetti birthday cake.
Reference the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make These Overnight Oats
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl or a mason jar, add rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. If using, add all-natural almond butter or cashew butter for extra flavor and creaminess.
Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Ensure that the maple syrup and extracts are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Gently fold in the sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the oats.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the bowl or mason jar with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture overnight or for at least 4 hours. This allows the oats to soak up the liquid and soften, creating a creamy consistency and pudding-like texture.
Serve: The next morning, give the oats a good stir to incorporate any liquid that may have settled on top. If desired, divid into small mason jars or bowls and top with coconut whipped cream and extra sprinkles for an extra pop of color. Enjoy your birthday cake overnight oats chilled straight from the fridge.
Tips
- Want to skip the sprinkles? You can simply omit or add chopped nuts or chocolate chips instead.
- Did your colorful sprinkles bleed in your oats? If so, you can add them right before serving instead of stirring with the rest of the ingredients.
Topping Ideas
Feel free to customize this birthday cake overnight oats recipe with additional toppings such as:
- Shredded coconut
- Coconut whipped cream or vegan whipped cream
- Fresh fruit – Sliced bananas or berries would be extra yummy!
- Chopped nuts – Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be great!
- Drizzle of nut butter
- Chocolate chips – Add them on top or stir them in!
- Yogurt – Keep it healthy with a dollop of yogurt on top like I did with my overnight oats with frozen fruit.
FAQ’s
Yes, you can heat overnight oats if you prefer them warm. Simply transfer the desired portion of overnight oats from the refrigerator to a microwave-safe bowl or container. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the oats reach your desired temperature.
Be cautious not to overheat the oats, as they can become too thick or dry. Alternatively, you can heat the oats on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring constantly until warmed through. Once heated, you can enjoy your overnight oats warm, just like traditional oatmeal.
Storage
Store any leftover birthday cake oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The oats may thicken slightly over time, but you can thin them out with a splash of milk before serving.
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Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 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 but adds more almond flavor to the oats
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles I used vegan ones
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a sealable container and mix well to combine. Cover and place in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to soften and thicken.
- When ready to eat, divide in jars or bowls, add desired toppings, and enjoy!
Notes
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- Shredded coconut
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- Coconut whipped cream or vegan whipped cream
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- Fresh fruit
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- Chopped nuts
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- Drizzle of nut butter
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- Chocolate chips
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- Yogurt – Try vegan greek yogurt for extra protein