If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like dessert but fuels your morning, Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are about to become your go-to recipe. Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with sweet-tart strawberries, these overnight oats are the easiest way to start your day on a high note—no morning cooking required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Indulgent: Tastes like a classic strawberries and cream dessert, but made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Mix everything the night before and wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast—perfect for busy mornings!
- Customizable Goodness: Easily adjust to your favorite milk, yogurt, or toppings for a breakfast suited to your cravings and dietary needs.
- Naturally Sweet: Fresh strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup make these oats perfectly sweet without needing refined sugar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of basic ingredients create the luscious, creamy texture and vibrant flavor of Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats. Each ingredient belongs here—together, they build a breakfast with crave-worthy layers of taste and color.
- Rolled Oats: The heart of overnight oats—go for old-fashioned rolled oats for the perfect creamy-yet-hearty bite.
- Non-dairy milk (or dairy milk): Adds moisture and creaminess; almond, oat, or classic dairy milk all work.
- Non-dairy vanilla yogurt (or dairy yogurt): This gives the oats that dreamy, creamy ‘dessert for breakfast’ feel with a hint of tang.
- Diced strawberries: Juicy, fresh strawberries are the star— mash a few if you love extra pink color and berry flavor!
- Maple syrup (or honey, agave): A natural sweetener that makes every bite taste truly special. Adjust to your liking!
- Chia seeds: These tiny seeds absorb liquid and thicken the oats, while also adding fiber and healthy fats.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the strawberries and cream experience with a luscious, sweet aroma.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Optional toppings: strawberries, yogurt, granola, nut butter: Mix and match garnish options for texture, color, and even more flavor.
Variations
One of the best parts of Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats? You can truly make them your own. Swaps and additions let you personalize each jar based on your favorite flavors, ingredients you have on hand, or dietary preferences.
- Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or a tablespoon of nut butter for extra staying power.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan: Simply use plant-based yogurt and milk, and opt for maple syrup or agave as your sweetener.
- Berries Galore: Try mixing in raspberries or blueberries alongside the strawberries for a berry medley.
- Crunch Factor: Top with toasted nuts or seeds, or sprinkle granola on just before serving for a delicious crunch.
How to Make Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
In a jar or a medium bowl, add the rolled oats, your choice of milk, vanilla yogurt, fresh diced strawberries, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and that all-important pinch of salt. Give everything a really good stir so that the chia seeds and oats are evenly distributed and the strawberries get a chance to mingle with the creamy yogurt. If you want the oats extra pink and flavorful, smash a few berries with your spoon as you mix.
Step 2: Seal and Chill Overnight
Seal the jar tightly with a lid (or cover your bowl with plastic wrap) and pop it in the fridge. Let the oats chill for at least four hours—or ideally overnight! This magic time lets the oats soak up all the creamy goodness, the chia seeds thicken things up, and the strawberry flavor infuses every bite.
Step 3: Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, just give the oats a quick stir. If you like a thinner consistency, splash in a little more milk. Spoon the mixture into a bowl (or eat it straight from the jar—no judgment here!) and finish with your favorite toppings: a dollop of yogurt, more fresh berries, crunchy granola, or a drizzle of nut butter. Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats have never looked—or tasted—better!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
- Berry Selection: Choose strawberries that are deep red, fragrant, and ripe—the sweeter and juicier the berries, the more vibrant your oats will taste and look.
- Oats Texture: Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for creamy-yet-toothsome overnight oats—quick oats get mushy, and steel-cut oats stay too firm.
- Layer-in Toppings Last-Minute: Add granola or nuts right before serving so they stay delightfully crunchy and don’t get soggy overnight.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste before chilling and add more maple syrup if your strawberries aren’t at peak sweetness or if you have a sweet tooth.
How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
Garnishes
For that classic strawberries and cream flair, top your oats with a generous handful of fresh strawberry slices, a swirl of creamy yogurt, or a sprinkle of golden granola. A light drizzle of honey or a dollop of almond butter will elevate each spoonful into a truly decadent start to your day.
Side Dishes
Pair Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats with a cup of hot coffee, an energizing green smoothie, or a side of sliced melon for a balanced, colorful breakfast spread. If you want something special on weekends, try serving these oats alongside a soft-boiled egg for a protein-packed boost.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your overnight oats and toppings in clear glass jars or parfait glasses to show off the swirls of strawberry and cream. For brunch gatherings, set up a build-your-own oat bar with bowls of fresh fruit, nuts, and granolas so everyone can customize their perfect cup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats in a tightly sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for 2 to 3 days—just give them a good stir before eating and add any crunchy toppings right before serving.
Freezing
While overnight oats can technically be frozen, the texture of fresh strawberries changes after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, consider freezing the oat-yogurt-milk base in portions, then stirring in fresh strawberries just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
No reheating needed—these are made to be enjoyed cold, right from the fridge! But if you’re craving something cozy on a chilly morning, you can microwave your oats for 30-45 seconds to take the chill off. Add fresh berries and toppings after warming for the best taste.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats?
Absolutely! Just chop the frozen strawberries before adding, and they’ll thaw and infuse flavor as the oats soak overnight. The texture may be a bit softer than fresh berries, but the taste is still fantastic.
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How do I make Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats gluten-free?
Simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats and double-check that your other ingredients (especially granola, if using) are also gluten-free. That’s it—easy and delicious!
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Can I make a big batch of these overnight oats?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and divide into individual jars or containers for grab-and-go breakfasts all week long. Stir before eating and add fresh toppings each morning.
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Do I have to use chia seeds in this recipe?
Nope! While chia seeds add creaminess and a nutritional bonus, you can leave them out if you prefer, or substitute with ground flaxseed for similar thickening power.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about waking up to a jar of Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats—sweet, creamy, and absolutely effortless. If you’re searching for a breakfast that’s as nourishing as it is joyful, give this recipe a try. I know you’ll fall in love with this fresh twist on the classic combination!
Print
Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Mixing, Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats is a delicious and convenient breakfast option that can be prepped the night before for a hassle-free morning. Creamy oats infused with the sweetness of strawberries and a hint of vanilla make for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Overnight Oats
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (or dairy milk)
- 1/3 cup non-dairy vanilla yogurt (or dairy yogurt)
- 1/2 cup diced strawberries
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey, agave, etc)
- 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
Optional Toppings
- Strawberries
- Yogurt
- Granola
- Nut butter
Instructions
- Add rolled oats, milk, vanilla yogurt, diced strawberries, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt to a jar. Mix ingredients together, then seal with a lid.
- Store oats in the refrigerator overnight (or at least 4 hours).
- The next morning (or whenever you are ready to eat), remove the lid and stir the oats. If desired, add a splash of non-dairy milk to thin the consistency.
- Enjoy the oats directly out of the jar or transfer them to a bowl. Add any toppings of your choosing, like strawberries, yogurt, granola, and nut butter. Enjoy!
Notes
- How to store: These oats are best enjoyed within 24 hours. However, you can keep them stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Be sure they are tightly sealed with a lid to maintain freshness.
- Toppings: Serve with any of your favorite toppings, like nut butter, granola, or other fresh fruit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
