These Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are a tasty and easy breakfast! Made with oats, creamy yogurt, and fresh strawberries, they’re sweet and filling.
Who said you can’t have cheesecake for breakfast? I love how I can prepare them the night before—no cooking, just mix and chill. Ideal for busy mornings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are best for their chewy texture. Instant oats can work but you’ll lose some texture. If gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Milk: Any type of milk works here! I often use almond or oat milk as a dairy-free option. If you need extra creaminess, try coconut milk.
Plain Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. If lactose-free, use a non-dairy yogurt instead. I’ve even tried it with dairy-free cream cheese for more richness!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is crucial for that cheesecake flavor. You can swap it with mascarpone or even a vegan cream cheese if you like. My personal favorite is with a hint of lemon zest added in!
Honey or Maple Syrup: Both are great for sweetness. If you’re vegan, stick with maple syrup. You could also use agave nectar or stevia for a low-sugar option.
Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, consider chopped frozen berries, but drain excess moisture before mixing.
How Do I Make Sure My Overnight Oats Are Creamy and Delicious?
The key to creamy overnight oats is the combination of ingredients and how well you mix them. Start by combining your wet ingredients first to get a smooth base before adding the oats. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Mix rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract thoroughly until creamy.
- Gently fold in the strawberries to preserve their shape, but ensure they’re evenly distributed.
- Let your mixture rest in the fridge overnight. The oats will soak up moisture and become soft without losing their chewiness.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness just before refrigerating, and always reserve some strawberries and graham cracker crumbs for topping! This adds texture and a fresh kick when you’re ready to enjoy your oats.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oats:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- Additional strawberries and graham cracker crumbs for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. In no time, you’ll have a delicious and easy breakfast waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Main Ingredients:
Start by taking a medium bowl and adding the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a spoon to stir everything together until it’s well combined and has a creamy texture.
2. Fold in the Strawberries:
Next, gently fold in the chopped strawberries. Make sure to keep a few strawberries aside for topping later. This step will give your overnight oats that delicious fruit flavor!
3. Divide and Top:
Grab some jars or containers with lids, and carefully divide the oatmeal mixture evenly among them. After filling them up, sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs on top of each serving for that classic cheesecake crunch.
4. Refrigerate:
Seal the jars or containers tightly and place them in the refrigerator. Let them chill overnight or for at least 4 hours so the oats can soften and all those yummy flavors blend together.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your overnight oats, take them out of the fridge. Top with your reserved fresh strawberries and a little more graham cracker crumbs if you like. You can eat them cold straight from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off. Dig in and enjoy your strawberry cheesecake treats!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that the texture will be different—quick oats will become softer and mushier. If you prefer more texture, stick with rolled oats for this recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free alternative for milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Substitute the Greek yogurt and cream cheese with non-dairy yogurt and cream cheese alternatives. Ensure the sweetener you choose is also vegan if you want to keep it plant-based!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! These overnight oats are perfect for meal prep. You can make them up to 3 days ahead. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers in the fridge. The flavors will actually improve as they sit!
What Other Fruits Can I Add to Overnight Oats?
Feel free to get creative! You can use any fruit you love—blueberries, raspberries, bananas, or peaches work great. Just adjust the sweetness if you’re adding particularly sweet or tart fruits.
