Introduction

Birthday Cake Overnight Oats offer a fun and flavorful twist on a classic breakfast staple. This creamy, no-cook recipe combines oats, chia seeds, nut butter, and festive sprinkles for a delightful, nutritious start to your day. Perfect for meal prep or a quick morning treat.

A small clear glass jar filled with a creamy light beige mixture that has colorful sprinkles mixed inside, giving the base layer a speckled look of pink, blue, green, and purple spots. The jar is topped with a thick mound of the same creamy mixture, densely covered with vibrant, multicolored sprinkles and a few golden crumbs on top, making the surface bright and textured. The jar sits on a white marbled surface, with a few scattered sprinkles around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1 ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your 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 (vegan sprinkles recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients form the base and add fiber and nutrients.
Step 2: Pour in the almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The extracts create the signature birthday cake flavor.
Step 3: If using, add the almond or cashew butter and whisk well to evenly incorporate the nutty creaminess.
Step 4: Stir all ingredients vigorously until smooth, ensuring no clumps of nut butter remain and chia seeds are evenly mixed.
Step 5: Fold in most of the sprinkles, reserving a few for topping to add crunch and color.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture to jars or containers, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to thicken.
Step 7: When ready, stir the oats and top with the remaining sprinkles. Serve directly from the jar or transfer to a bowl to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture instead of quick oats.
Adjust maple syrup to taste since some sprinkles add sweetness too.
Choose pure vanilla and almond extracts for authentic flavor.
Substitute almond milk with oat, coconut, or dairy milk as desired.
Opt for natural or vegan sprinkles for fewer additives.
Make-ahead oats taste better when refrigerated overnight and can last up to 3 days before serving.
Blend half the oats into flour for a smoother texture or add chopped nuts or coconut flakes for extra crunch.
Try flavor variations by adding cocoa powder or swapping in coconut or rum extract.
Top with fresh berries, Greek yogurt, crushed graham crackers, or extra nut butter for variety.

Storage

Store Birthday Cake Overnight Oats in airtight containers or mason jars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best freshness, prepare single servings and label with dates. Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds if desired, adding a splash of milk if the texture is too thick.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with a creamy white mixture that has colorful round and rod-shaped sprinkles mixed throughout and piled thickly on top. The creamy layer looks soft and slightly textured, with the sprinkles adding bright pops of pink, purple, yellow, orange, green, and blue. The jar sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered sprinkles around it, giving a playful and festive look. The jar is full to the top with the mixture gently rounded above the rim. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Steel-cut oats require cooking and won’t soften properly in overnight oats. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and results.

How long do these overnight oats last in the refrigerator?

They stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in airtight containers. The texture may firm slightly over time but remains tasty.

Can I warm up overnight oats?

Yes, you can warm them in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds if you prefer them warm. Adding a splash of milk after heating helps loosen the consistency.

Are overnight oats suitable for weight management?

Absolutely. The fiber from oats and chia seeds promotes fullness, while healthy fats and protein provide sustained energy to reduce snacking.

Can I make these without chia seeds?

You can omit chia seeds, though they help thicken and add nutrition. Consider using extra ground flaxseed or expect a thinner texture.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

Increase vanilla extract to ¾ teaspoon for some flavor, or experiment with coconut or rum extract for alternative birthday cake variations.