Start your morning with these fruity strawberries and cream overnight oats! Just mix oats, milk, and sweet strawberries, and let them soak overnight for creamy goodness.
They’re like dessert for breakfast! I love how easy they are to make. Just grab a jar in the morning, and I’m ready to go—perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These oats are your base for overnight oats. They soak up the liquid nicely. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can use quick oats, but they might be slightly mushy. Steel-cut oats aren’t suitable here because they require longer cooking time.
Milk: Any type of milk works! I often use almond milk for a lighter option, but coconut milk can add a nice flavor too. If you’re dairy-free, nut or oat milk will serve well.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring sweetness and color! If they’re out of season, frozen strawberries are a great alternative. Just thaw them before adding. You can also swap with other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
Greek Yogurt: I love using vanilla Greek yogurt for added flavor, but plain yogurt works too. For a dairy-free choice, coconut yogurt is delicious! You can also use plant-based yogurt, but check that it’s thick enough.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Overnight Oats Consistency?
The key to great overnight oats is the right balance of ingredients and time to soak. Make sure to mix the dry ingredients (oats, chia seeds, and salt) well before adding the wet mixture.
- Let the oats soak for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows them to absorb the milk and soften up.
- If your oats seem too thick in the morning, gently stir in extra milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach the consistency you like.
- Mixing the strawberries in gently helps keep their shape while adding a burst of flavor in every bite.
How to Make Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. After mixing everything, let it chill in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours). This way, the oats will absorb the liquid and become creamy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Use a spoon to mix them well, so the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk (your choice of dairy or non-dairy), Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the mixture is nice and smooth and everything is well blended.
3. Combine the Mixtures:
Carefully pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until it’s thoroughly combined. Make sure there are no dry oats left; you want it all mixed in nicely.
4. Add the Strawberries:
Now, gently fold in the diced strawberries. This will add a lovely fruity flavor to your oats. Be gentle while mixing, so the strawberries stay intact and are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Divide and Refrigerate:
Next, divide the mixture into two jars or airtight containers. Cover them up and pop them in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, let them sit for at least 4 hours.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
In the morning, take the oats out of the fridge and give them a good stir. If they look a bit thick, you can add a splash of milk to get your preferred consistency. Top your oats with more fresh strawberries and a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey before you dig in. Enjoy your delicious Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats!
Can I Use Another Type of Milk?
Absolutely! You can use any milk you like—almond, soy, oat, or even coconut milk work great. If you’re using unsweetened milk, you might want to add a bit more sweetener to taste.
Can I Substitute the Greek Yogurt?
Yes! If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with regular yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just keep in mind that regular yogurt might make the mixture a bit less creamy, but it will still taste delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Your overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container. If it thickens up too much while sitting, you can mix in a splash of milk before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries, bananas, or raspberries. Just keep the total amount of fruit about the same so it doesn’t affect the consistency too much!
