If you’re searching for a breakfast that tastes just like a celebration, these Birthday Cake Overnight Oats are about to become your new morning obsession. Imagine waking up to a bowl that channels the sweet nostalgia of birthday cake, swirled with creamy oats, vanilla accents, and a pop of sprinkles for that party-perfect finish. Not only are these oats packed with protein and whole grains, but they’re also ridiculously easy to throw together the night before. It’s your birthday, every day—no candles required.

Birthday Cake Overnight Oats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Only a handful of simple ingredients stand between you and a cheerful bowl of Birthday Cake Overnight Oats. Each one plays a key role in recreating that classic cake flavor and texture while ensuring your breakfast is both wholesome and memorable.

Old fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base that gives the oats their chewy, satisfying texture.
Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Adds dreamy creaminess and a hint of vanilla without any extra sugar.
Plain Greek yogurt: Brings tangy richness and a lovely boost of protein for satiety.
Plant-based vanilla protein powder: For extra nourishment and to mimic that classic cake flavor; any favorite brand will do.
Natural rainbow sprinkles: The magical touch: festive color and that unmistakable birthday vibe.
Chia seeds: Help thicken the oats and add a touch of fiber and healthy fats.
Almond extract: A tiny amount infuses unmistakable birthday cake nostalgia.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and fragrance of the whole bowl.
Butter extract (optional): For an extra layer of authentic cake flavor, totally a personal choice but completely delightful.
Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors and keeps things from getting too sweet.

How to Make Birthday Cake Overnight Oats

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have everything measured out and ready to go. This step makes mixing a total breeze, and you’ll thank yourself in the morning when breakfast is waiting for you.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a bowl or wide-mouth mason jar, add the rolled oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, plant-based vanilla protein powder, natural rainbow sprinkles, chia seeds, almond extract, vanilla extract, butter extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. This is where the magic happens—don’t forget to admire those colorful sprinkles as they mix in!

Step 3: Stir to Perfection

Use a sturdy spoon to stir everything together until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides so there are no pockets of powder or seeds lingering around. It should already look festive and creamy at this point!

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Seal your bowl or jar with a lid. Place it in the fridge and let the oats soak overnight. This is when the oats soften, flavors mingle, and the chia seeds work their thickening magic. The anticipation is half the fun—your future self will love you for this quick prep.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Come morning, give the oats a good stir. The mixture will be creamy but may have thickened up quite a bit; add a splash more almond milk if you like a looser texture. Top with a few extra sprinkles for the ultimate “birthday cake” touch, and dig in!

How to Serve Birthday Cake Overnight Oats

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, pile on some extra rainbow sprinkles right before serving. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a tiny swirl of whipped cream can take these oats straight into true dessert-for-breakfast territory. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or sliced almonds brings texture and makes each spoonful more exciting.

Side Dishes

As rich and satisfying as these oats are, they play well with plenty of breakfast sides. A platter of fresh strawberries or a side of juicy melon adds refreshing balance, while a steamy mug of coffee or matcha completes the morning party vibe. If serving brunch, offer some crispy turkey bacon or a fluffy scrambled egg for added protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Birthday Cake Overnight Oats feel like a true celebration by serving them in parfait glasses or cute mason jars. For kids (or your inner child), layer the oats with more yogurt and fruit for a playful parfait. Hosting brunch? Line up individual jars on a cake stand or tray with tiny spoons, and let everyone sprinkle on their own toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These oats are tailor-made for make-ahead convenience. Store leftover Birthday Cake Overnight Oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The longer they sit, the softer and creamier they become; just give them a stir before serving to reincorporate any settled ingredients.

Freezing

While technically you can freeze overnight oats, the texture can change once thawed, especially with yogurt and chia seeds in the mix. If you want to prep extra, freeze before adding the yogurt and sprinkles, then stir those in after thawing for the best flavor and color.

Reheating

Birthday Cake Overnight Oats are usually enjoyed cold, but if you prefer them warm, gently heat your portion in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. Stir well, and avoid overheating so the texture stays creamy and the sprinkles don’t dissolve too much.

FAQs

Can I make these oats dairy-free and vegan?

Absolutely! Just use a non-dairy yogurt (like coconut or almond) and ensure your vanilla protein powder is vegan. Double-check that your rainbow sprinkles are also vegan-friendly—the rest of the ingredients are already plant-based.

Do I need to use all three extracts—almond, vanilla, and butter?

Every extract adds a unique dimension to the birthday cake flavor, but you can skip the butter extract if you don’t have it. Almond and vanilla together do most of the heavy lifting for that signature cake taste.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats have a much chewier texture and usually need extra soaking time. If you use them, increase the milk and let the mixture sit for at least 24 hours. The outcome will be heartier but just as delicious!

Is there a way to cut down on sugar?

For lower sugar content, choose unsweetened almond milk and a sugar-free yogurt. You can also use a reduced-sugar or natural sprinkle, or simply scale back on the amount. The vanilla and almond extracts ensure the Birthday Cake Overnight Oats still taste like a treat!

Can I double or triple this recipe for meal prep?

Without a doubt—this recipe scales perfectly. Assemble in a large bowl and portion into individual containers for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. Just wait to add sprinkles to each serving right before eating for maximum color and crunch.

Final Thoughts

Let your mornings feel like something to celebrate with these Birthday Cake Overnight Oats. Whether you’re craving something fun, nostalgic, or simply nourishing, this recipe delivers all the flavors of a classic birthday treat—without any fuss. Give it a try, top it with extra sprinkles, and don’t be surprised if this festive bowl becomes your new breakfast favorite!