Bring the party to breakfast with these festive Birthday Cake Overnight Oats! With creamy almond butter, natural maple syrup, and hints of vanilla and almond extract, this recipe captures the nostalgic flavor of vanilla cake batter. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and made with wholesome ingredients—perfect for celebrating any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Like Dessert: Sweet vanilla-almond flavor just like cake batter.
- No Yogurt Needed: Rich, thick texture without any dairy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Meal prep a batch in 5 minutes and enjoy all week.
- Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with maple syrup—no refined sugar.
- Vibrant & Fun: Sprinkles make every bite feel like a celebration!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free old-fashioned oats or rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk or other plant milk
- 2 tablespoons natural creamy almond butter or cashew butter
- 2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pure almond extract or butter extract
- 3 tablespoons sprinkles (rainbow Jimmies recommended)
Optional Toppings
- Coconut whipped cream
- Sprinkles
- Fresh berries
Directions
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add:
- 1½ cups oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- ¼ tsp salt
Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add the following to the bowl:
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond (or butter) extract
Stir vigorously until the almond butter is evenly mixed and the oats look creamy. It may appear runny at first—this is normal.
Refrigerate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or foil. Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight, so the oats thicken properly.
Add Sprinkles
Once chilled, gently stir in 3 tbsp sprinkles. Mix lightly to avoid color bleeding from the sprinkles.
Portion and Serve
Spoon the oats into two jars or serving bowls. Top with coconut whipped cream, more sprinkles, and fresh berries if desired.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the overnight step—it’s what makes the oats creamy.
- Freshen with Milk: Add a splash of almond milk before serving if too thick.
- Protein Boost: Stir in 1 tbsp of vanilla protein powder for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Coconut Twist: Sub almond milk with coconut milk for a tropical flavor.
- Extra Cake Flavor: Use butter extract instead of almond for a more authentic “birthday cake” taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Great as-is straight from the fridge.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries.
- Perfect for birthday mornings, brunch parties, or weekday meal prep.
Storage/Reheating
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for 2–3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—high moisture makes thawing tricky.
- Toppings: Always add just before serving to keep fresh.
Notes
- Sprinkles: Use rainbow Jimmies to avoid color bleeding. Avoid nonpareils if you want clean-looking oats.
- Oats Type: Use rolled or old-fashioned oats—quick oats may get mushy.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Add more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter breakfast.
FAQs
Can I use dairy milk instead of almond milk?
Yes! Any milk works well in this recipe, including whole or skim milk.
Are overnight oats eaten cold or hot?
Traditionally eaten cold, but you can warm them briefly in the microwave if preferred.
Can I prep these for the whole week?
Yes, just store in separate jars for up to 3 days in the fridge.
What can I substitute for almond butter?
Cashew butter works best. Peanut butter is fine, but will change the flavor.
Conclusion
These Birthday Cake Overnight Oats are a nutritious, fun, and flavorful way to celebrate breakfast—whether it’s your birthday or not! With a creamy base, real cake batter flavor, and festive sprinkles, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for kids and adults alike.