Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are the breakfast you’ll crave for spring mornings and busy weekdays alike—creamy, luscious, bursting with real strawberries, and ready to greet you straight from the fridge. If you love fresh fruit and crave an easy, make-ahead meal that truly tastes like a treat, this is your new morning best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Delicious: The classic strawberries-and-cream combination chills overnight for a creamy, dreamy breakfast—no cooking required!
- Meal Prep Magic: Prep a few jars at once, and you’ll have nourishing, grab-and-go breakfast ready all week long.
- Naturally Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and fresh fruit thanks to oats, chia seeds, and real strawberries, it keeps you full and energized.
- Totally Customizable: From vegan swaps to your favorite yogurt flavors, these oats fit every preference and moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to boost flavor, texture, and that perfect creamy pink hue—these aren’t just oats, they’re a breakfast celebration!
- Old-fashioned oats: These provide the perfect creamy-yet-toothy texture—quick oats turn mushy, and steel-cut won’t soften enough, so classic rolled oats are the sweet spot.
- Milk: Use whatever you have on hand, dairy or plant-based (almond, oat, or coconut milk all work), to keep your oats luxuriously creamy.
- Strawberry Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy, protein-packed richness while layering in BIG strawberry flavor; use plain or vanilla if you want to control sweetness.
- Chia seeds: These tiny nutritional powerhouses swell overnight, thickening your oats and adding a gentle crunch (plus, sneaky fiber and omega-3s!).
- Diced strawberries (fresh or frozen): Juicy berries burst with flavor and color—frozen work just as well as fresh, especially out of season.
- Vanilla protein powder (optional): Extra boost for gym days or busy mornings, and it makes the oats taste even more like a dessert.
- Water (optional): Stir in a splash if your mixture ends up super thick after chilling—the oats will absorb more than you think!
Variations
One of the best perks about these Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats is how endlessly adaptable they are. Whether you’re working around dietary needs, switching up flavors, or simply craving something new, there’s a variation for every eater.
- Vegan Version: Swap dairy milk and Greek yogurt for your favorite plant-based counterparts like coconut yogurt and almond milk—it’s just as dreamy and delicious.
- Nut-Free Option: Use oat milk and seed-based yogurt to keep it allergy-friendly.
- Mixed Berry Twist: Substitute part (or all!) of the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a colorful berry medley.
- Dessert-Style Oats: Stir in a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of white chocolate chips, or a splash of pure vanilla extract to transform it into a sweet, indulgent treat.
How to Make Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a pint-sized mason jar, meal prep container, or your favorite bowl, and add the oats, milk, strawberry Greek yogurt, chia seeds, diced strawberries, and protein powder if you’re including it. Give everything a really good stir—make sure the oats and seeds are well distributed and every bit gets a little love from the creamy yogurt and juicy berries.
Step 2: Chill and Let the Magic Happen
Pop your jar in the fridge and let it rest for at least two hours, but truly, overnight is best. This gives the oats and chia seeds time to soak up all the flavor and turn spoonably soft and creamy. If the oats seem super thick by morning, just stir in a dash of water or milk to reach your perfect consistency.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
- Berry Prep: For the sweetest flavor, dice your strawberries small—you get perfect fruity bites in every spoonful, and they soften overnight.
- Creamy Consistency: If you love ultra-thick oats, stick with Greek yogurt alone; prefer it thinner? Add the optional splash of water or extra milk before serving.
- Batch Friendly: Double or triple the recipe and portion into individual jars to make mornings totally grab-and-go (and keep freshness locked in).
- Choose the Right Oats: Always use old-fashioned rolled oats—quick oats can dissolve too much, and steel-cut oats won’t absorb enough liquid for that signature creamy texture.
How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
Garnishes
Dress up your bowl with extra sliced strawberries, a swirl of strawberry or vanilla yogurt, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or a handful of toasted nuts or coconut flakes. You can even drop in a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor that feels instantly special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats with a hot cup of coffee, a smoothie on the side, or a soft-boiled egg for a balanced, energy-boosting breakfast. If you’re feeling fancy, a few slices of multigrain toast or a fruity breakfast muffin are a perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your oats parfait-style in glass jars with extra yogurt and berries for a brunch-worthy treat. Portion into tiny cups for a spring brunch buffet or picnic, or pop a pretty lid on the jar and tie with twine for a sweet, portable breakfast gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, sealed tightly in individual jars or containers. The flavors deepen as they chill, so they taste even better after a day or two!
Freezing
While possible, freezing isn’t ideal for these oats since thawed strawberries can turn a bit watery and the creamy texture may change—fresh or refrigerated is always best! If you do freeze, stir well after thawing and add a splash of milk to revive creaminess.
Reheating
These oats are meant to be enjoyed cold, but if you prefer a warm treat, microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway. Add a splash of milk after heating if they become too thick, and don’t overheat or the yogurt may separate.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work beautifully in Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats. Just chop them before mixing, and there’s no need to thaw first—by morning, they’ll be perfectly soft and flavorful.
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How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply swap in your favorite non-dairy milk (like oat, soy, or almond) and use a plant-based yogurt. The oats will stay just as creamy and delicious—perfect for any dietary need.
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Do I have to use protein powder?
Nope! Protein powder is totally optional. Leave it out for a more classic take, or stir in a scoop of vanilla (or unflavored) powder if you want an extra protein boost and a dessert-like flavor.
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How can I make my oats less thick?
If your Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats end up thicker than you like, just add a splash of milk or water, give it a good stir, and enjoy. The oats absorb lots of liquid overnight, so this fix is quick and easy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a treat but delivers lasting energy, Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are your new go-to. I can’t wait for you to take that first creamy, berry-packed bite—you’ll be amazed at how easy mornings can taste this delicious. Enjoy every spoonful!
PrintStrawberries and Cream Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: serves 3
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
Description
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast of Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats. Creamy, fruity, and satisfying, this recipe is a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings.
Ingredients
For the Overnight Oats:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- Optional: 1/4–1/2 cup water if mixture is very thick
- 1 cup strawberry Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 3/4 cup diced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- Optional: 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, diced strawberries, and protein powder (if using) in a pint-sized mason jar.
- Refrigerate: Place the jar in the fridge and let the mixture sit overnight or for at least two hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 320 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 15g
- Sodium: Approx. 180mg
- Fat: Approx. 7g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50g
- Fiber: Approx. 7g
- Protein: Approx. 15g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 15mg