Ever since I discovered overnight oats, I’ve been obsessed with finding fun and flavorful twists on this simple breakfast staple. One morning, I had a sweet tooth and a craving for something that felt like dessert but was still healthy enough to start my day. That’s how Cake Batter Overnight Oats came to life in my kitchen. The inspiration came from my love of birthday cake—vibrant, indulgent, and full of joy—combined with the convenience of overnight oats that I could prepare the night before and enjoy in minutes the next morning.
You will love this recipe because it manages to be both playful and practical. The oats soak up the creamy, sweet batter flavor overnight, creating a soft, luscious texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Each bite delivers the nostalgic flavor of cake batter, with the sweetness perfectly balanced by the oats’ natural nuttiness. The recipe is versatile, letting you adjust toppings, mix-ins, and even the milk you use to suit your taste or dietary preferences. You can add fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to make it truly your own.
This recipe is also incredibly affordable. The ingredients are pantry-friendly, and you likely already have most of them at home. It doesn’t require any expensive flavorings or fancy add-ons, making it easy to enjoy a decadent breakfast without breaking the bank. Plus, because it’s prepared overnight, it saves time during busy mornings while still feeling like a treat.
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup rolled oats
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1 cup milk of your choice (dairy or plant-based)
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt
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3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons cake-flavored protein powder or vanilla protein powder
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1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles (optional, for a fun touch)
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Pinch of salt
With these simple ingredients, you can prepare a breakfast that’s as satisfying as it is cheerful. It’s quick to assemble, customizable to your cravings, and perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of joy to their morning routine.
How to Prepare Cake Batter Overnight Oats
Preparing Cake Batter Overnight Oats is a simple process that requires no cooking and minimal effort, making it perfect for busy mornings or when you want a healthy, indulgent breakfast ready in minutes. The key is allowing the oats to soak overnight, so they absorb the flavors and create a creamy, soft texture that tastes like dessert in a jar.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
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Combine the oats and milk – In a medium-sized bowl or a mason jar, add 1 cup of rolled oats. Pour in 1 cup of your preferred milk, whether dairy, almond, oat, or any plant-based alternative. Stir well to ensure all the oats are coated evenly with the milk.
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Add yogurt for creaminess – Spoon in ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt. The yogurt adds a creamy texture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness. Mix thoroughly so the yogurt is fully incorporated with the oats and milk.
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Sweeten naturally – Add 3 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey, depending on your taste preference. Stir until the sweetener is evenly distributed, ensuring every bite has a consistent flavor.
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Incorporate flavoring – Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of cake-flavored protein powder or vanilla protein powder. Mix well. This step gives the oats their signature cake batter flavor. Make sure there are no clumps of powder left.
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Season lightly – Add a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors. Salt may seem small, but it makes a noticeable difference by balancing the sweetness.
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Add fun toppings – If you love a playful touch, stir in 1 tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles. These not only add color but also a slight crunch, making your oats look and feel like a dessert treat.
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Cover and refrigerate – Seal the bowl or mason jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and let it sit overnight, or for at least 6–8 hours. The oats will absorb the liquid and flavors, transforming into a creamy, cake-batter-like breakfast.
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Customize your morning – The next morning, give the oats a gentle stir. You can top them with fresh fruits, a dollop of nut butter, extra sprinkles, or chocolate chips. This step is where you can truly make the recipe your own, depending on your cravings.
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Serve and enjoy – Serve cold straight from the jar or bowl. Optionally, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for 30–60 seconds if you prefer a warm breakfast. Either way, the oats maintain their soft texture and rich cake batter flavor.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is quick to assemble—under 10 minutes of prep—and requires no cooking. It’s perfect for nights when you want to plan ahead for a healthy, flavorful breakfast that feels indulgent.
Customizable
Cake Batter Overnight Oats are highly customizable. You can swap the milk for a plant-based alternative, use flavored protein powder, or mix in your favorite nuts, seeds, or fruits. You can even adjust the sweetness to your liking, making it suitable for all taste preferences.
Popular with Many People
This recipe is loved by both adults and children. Its dessert-like flavor, combined with the health benefits of oats, makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a balanced yet fun breakfast. The overnight prep allows busy professionals, students, or parents to enjoy a nutritious start without stress or extra effort.
PrintBirthday Cake Overnight Oats
Cake Batter Overnight Oats are a fun, indulgent, and healthy breakfast option. With the flavor of cake batter and the convenience of overnight preparation, this recipe offers a creamy, sweet, and customizable start to your day. Perfect for busy mornings, it requires minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy or plant-based)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cake-flavored protein powder or vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: fresh fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, nut butter
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or mason jar, combine 1 cup of rolled oats with 1 cup of milk. Stir thoroughly to coat all oats.
- Add ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt and mix until creamy and fully incorporated.
- Pour in 3 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey and stir until evenly distributed.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of cake-flavored protein powder. Mix well to remove any clumps.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the mixture and stir to enhance the flavors.
- If desired, fold in 1 tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles for a fun, colorful touch.
- Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours, or overnight.
- The next morning, stir the oats gently. Customize with additional toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or nut butter.
- Serve cold directly from the jar or bowl, or warm for 30–60 seconds in the microwave if preferred.
Notes
Adjust the sweetness according to taste by adding more or less maple syrup or honey.
For a vegan version, use plant-based milk and yogurt alternatives.
Mix-ins like berries, bananas, or almond butter can enhance both flavor and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can substitute quick oats, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats provide a creamier, more substantial texture that holds up better overnight.
2. How long can I store overnight oats in the fridge?
These oats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving, as the mixture may thicken slightly over time.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk and replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative to maintain the creamy consistency.
4. Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Yes! Cake Batter Overnight Oats are highly customizable. Consider adding fresh fruits, chocolate chips, nuts, seeds, or a dollop of nut butter to suit your taste.
5. Can I eat these oats warm?
Yes, although they are traditionally eaten cold. You can microwave them for 30–60 seconds if you prefer a warm breakfast.
6. Are these oats suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. They’re perfect for meal prep since you can make several jars at once and store them in the fridge for multiple days.