Birthday Cake Overnight Oats Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of starting your day with a touch of celebration, and that’s exactly what you get with Birthday Cake Overnight Oats. This cheerful, creamy, no-fuss breakfast takes all the flavors you love from classic birthday cake—sweet vanilla, a hint of almond, and irresistibly festive sprinkles—and packs them into a wholesome oats base you can prep the night before. If you believe that every morning deserves a little sparkle, these overnight oats are about to become your go-to treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling off Birthday Cake Overnight Oats is honestly a breeze, thanks to a simple list of staple ingredients that transform into something unbelievably fun. Each one adds a special touch, from creamy texture and natural sweetness to pops of color and that unmistakable, cake-like flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base that soaks up all the flavor and gets perfectly creamy overnight.
- Milk (dairy or plant-based): Choose your favorite—this keeps the oats smooth, rich, and just the right consistency.
- Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt: Adds tang and an ultra-creamy texture, plus a protein boost to keep you satisfied.
- Chia seeds: These tiny powerhouses thicken the oats and bring extra nutrition and a slight crunch.
- Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that blend in beautifully, making each bite luscious and cake-like.
- Pure vanilla extract: Essential for that classic, birthday cake aroma and flavor.
- Almond extract (optional): Just a drop makes everything taste that much more like real cake—don’t skip it if you love that extra bakery vibe!
- Sprinkles (plus extra for topping): The literal “fun” in funfetti—rainbow sprinkles not only look joyful but add a playful bite.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance out the sweetness and bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
Step 1: Mix Your Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl or your favorite mason jar and spoon in the oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, almond extract if you like, sprinkles, and a pinch of salt. Give it all a good stir so the chia seeds don’t clump and the sprinkles are evenly distributed—this is where the magic starts and the “birthday cake” flavor really comes alive!
Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover your mixture tightly and pop it into the fridge. Now, the easiest part: let the Birthday Cake Overnight Oats chill for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This lets the oats and chia seeds soak up the liquid, creating a creamy, almost pudding-like texture with bursts of color from the sprinkles.
Step 3: Stir and Taste
In the morning (or whenever you’re ready to eat), give your oats a good stir. If you like things a little sweeter, taste and add another drizzle of honey or syrup—it’s all about finding your perfect level of “cake for breakfast” sweetness.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Spoon the oats into a bowl, glass, or eat right from the jar. Sprinkle over some extra sprinkles just before serving for that festive, Instagram-ready look. Enjoy your Birthday Cake Overnight Oats chilled or, if you prefer an even softer bite, let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before digging in.
How to Serve Birthday Cake Overnight Oats

Garnishes
This is your excuse to have a little fun—after all, it’s “birthday cake” for breakfast! Extra rainbow sprinkles are a must, and if you want to get a bit fancy, try a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a few white chocolate chips for added flair.
Side Dishes
Because Birthday Cake Overnight Oats are already a treat, I love serving them with fresh fruit on the side—think juicy strawberries or sliced banana. For a bigger brunch, try a hard-boiled egg or a mug of your go-to coffee or matcha for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the oats and sprinkles in a clear parfait glass for that extra wow factor at a brunch buffet. Or, make them in single-serve jars for a portable breakfast kids (and grown-ups!) will adore. For parties, create a “decorate your own oats” bar with bowls of sprinkles and toppings—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with extra Birthday Cake Overnight Oats, pop them back in the fridge with a tight-fitting lid. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to three days, making them a perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack whenever the mood for something fun strikes.
Freezing
Technically, you can freeze overnight oats, but because of the yogurt and sprinkles, the texture changes a bit and the colors may bleed. If you love prepping in bulk, freeze them without the sprinkles and add those after thawing for the best results.
Reheating
These oats are designed to be enjoyed cold, but if you prefer your breakfast warm, microwave them (in a microwave-safe bowl) for 30-45 seconds. Stir well before eating and add a splash of milk if they look too thick—don’t forget to top with extra sprinkles just before serving!
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
While you technically can, rolled oats really do give you the best creamy-yet-toothy texture for Birthday Cake Overnight Oats. Instant oats tend to break down a lot and can get mushy overnight.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The colorful sprinkles and naturally sweet flavor make it a total hit with kids, plus you can sneak in all sorts of healthy extras like Greek yogurt and chia seeds. Letting children help add the sprinkles is a guaranteed win.
How do I make it dairy-free or vegan?
It’s super easy—just swap in your favorite plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) and use dairy-free yogurt. Pair that with maple syrup for sweetness, and you have vegan Birthday Cake Overnight Oats ready to go.
Can I add protein powder?
Definitely! Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder with the rest of the ingredients to boost the protein content, especially if you want your oats to keep you full all morning. You may need a splash more milk to balance the thickness.
Why are my oats a bit runny or too thick?
Oats can vary, so if your mixture seems runny, let it sit longer or add a few more chia seeds to thicken it up. Too thick? Just stir in another splash of milk until it’s just right. It’s all about making your Birthday Cake Overnight Oats perfect for you.
Final Thoughts
If you ever wished you could eat cake for breakfast and not feel the slightest bit guilty, these Birthday Cake Overnight Oats are your dream come true. Whip up a batch and I promise—just one spoonful will turn any ordinary morning into a little celebration. Try it once and you’ll find reasons to make every day a little more festive!
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Birthday Cake Overnight Oats Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate your mornings with the delightful flavors of birthday cake in these fun and colorful Birthday Cake Overnight Oats. This make-ahead breakfast treat is packed with wholesome ingredients and a touch of sweetness, perfect for starting your day on a festive note.
Ingredients
Oats Mixture:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ½ cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sprinkles (plus extra for topping)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl or mason jar, mix oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, honey, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), sprinkles, and salt until well combined.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours for the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid.
- Serve: In the morning, stir the oats, adjust sweetness if needed, top with extra sprinkles, and enjoy chilled or slightly softened at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra protein, consider adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
- For a thicker texture, reduce milk or increase chia seeds.
- Make a dairy-free version using plant-based milk and yogurt.
- Enhance the cake-like flavor with cashew butter or coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook (Refrigeration)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg