Delightfully creamy, nourishing, and bursting with sweet berry flavor, Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats make breakfast feel like a treat you look forward to the minute your head hits the pillow. This vibrant, make-ahead meal is the perfect blend of juicy strawberries and sumptuous creaminess, bringing together classic dessert vibes and wholesome, satisfying nutrition. Whether you’re meal-prepping for busy mornings or seeking a kid-friendly snack, there’s just something magical about starting your day with a jar of Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats is how accessible the ingredients are—just a handful of kitchen staples join together into something you truly crave. Each element is chosen for flavor, texture, and that little spark of color and joy when you crack open your jar the next morning.
- Rolled oats: These form the hearty, chewy base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Fresh strawberries: Bursting with natural sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color, they’re truly the star.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds creaminess and helps soften the oats overnight; feel free to use your favorite!
- Plain Greek yogurt: Brings luscious creaminess, a protein boost, and an irresistible tang.
- Chia seeds: These magical little seeds create a pudding-like texture and add fiber and omega-3s.
- Maple syrup or honey (optional): A gentle touch of natural sweetness that you can adjust to taste.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla lifts everything, infusing the oats with cozy dessert notes.
- Pinch of salt: Just a tiny amount to amplify the rest of the flavors.
How to Make Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
Step 1: Mix the Base
Start by grabbing a medium bowl or your favorite mason jar. Combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, optional maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture looks creamy and the chia seeds and oats are well distributed. This quick blend is what turns plain oats into something truly special overnight.
Step 2: Add the Strawberries
Gently fold in your diced strawberries, taking care not to mash them (unless you love a swirl of pink throughout). The strawberries mingle their natural juices with the oats as they sit, infusing every spoonful with summery fruit flavor.
Step 3: Chill Overnight
Cover your bowl or jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best. This downtime lets the oats soften, the chia seeds plump up, and the whole mixture develop that signature creamy, dreamy texture.
Step 4: Stir and Adjust
In the morning, give your Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats a good stir. If the texture feels too thick for your liking, pour in a splash more milk and stir until it loosens up. Now it’s ready for the grand finale!
Step 5: Top and Serve
For the finishing touch, spoon your overnight oats into bowls or jars and top them with extra strawberry slices or a dollop of creamy yogurt. Each luscious bite is like the breakfast version of strawberry shortcake—with a healthy twist!
How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
Garnishes
Nothing ups the wow-factor like a crown of fresh strawberries, an extra drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt on top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few chopped nuts or a pinch of lemon zest for brightness. Remember, great garnishes not only look pretty but add another layer of flavor and texture to your Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats.
Side Dishes
This oat bowl is plenty satisfying on its own, but you can round out your breakfast with a side of scrambled eggs, a handful of almonds, or a simple green smoothie. Each of these adds a new dimension—extra protein, crunch, or leafy freshness—making your morning feel complete without fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the basics by layering your oats parfait-style in mason jars, alternating oats and extra strawberry slices for a show-stopping look. Serve in petite bowls for brunch gatherings or pack in grab-and-go containers for breakfasts on the move. However you present them, Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are guaranteed to turn ordinary mornings into something to celebrate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extras, simply keep the Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats covered in the refrigerator. They’ll stay perfectly fresh for up to 3 days—just give them a stir before serving to reincorporate all that creamy goodness.
Freezing
While oats freeze fairly well, the texture of fresh strawberries can turn mushy after thawing. For best results, freeze without fruit, then stir in thawed strawberries just before serving. This helps preserve that bright, juicy texture everyone loves about Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats.
Reheating
These oats are meant to be enjoyed cold, which makes them perfect for warm mornings or grab-and-go days. If you prefer a warm start, just microwave for 30–45 seconds, adding a splash of milk until the oats reach your ideal consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well when fresh aren’t in season. Just thaw them before adding so they blend smoothly into your overnight oats. Bonus tip: save a few for garnish right before serving for best taste and texture.
Can I make Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk, and choose coconut or any plant-based yogurt you love. The result is every bit as creamy and delicious, with a subtle twist that’s all your own.
How long do these oats need to chill before eating?
Give them at least 4 hours in the fridge, though an overnight rest really lets all the flavors meld and the texture become ultra creamy. If you’re prepping the night before, breakfast will be ready and waiting.
Are these oats good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are a dream for meal prep. Make a batch or two ahead of busy weeks—just portion into jars, store in the fridge, and enjoy fuss-free breakfasts for several mornings.
Can I substitute steel cut oats for rolled oats?
Traditional steel cut oats don’t soften enough for this recipe’s no-cook style. For best results, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats—they soak up flavor and achieve the perfect creamy texture overnight.
Final Thoughts
There’s a certain joy in opening the fridge to a ready-made jar of Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats, knowing your day starts with something both nourishing and totally crave-worthy. If you haven’t tried this classic flavor combo in your morning oats, I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and delicious it is. Your future self will thank you every single time—dig in and savor every creamy, fruity bite!
Print
Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful breakfast with these Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats. Creamy, fruity, and satisfying, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for meal prep and requires no cooking!
Ingredients
Rolled Oats:
1 cup
Fresh Strawberries:
1 cup diced
Milk:
1 cup (dairy or non-dairy)
Greek Yogurt:
½ cup plain
Chia Seeds:
1 tablespoon
Maple Syrup or Honey:
1–2 tablespoons (optional)
Vanilla Extract:
½ teaspoon
Salt:
Pinch
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl or jar, mix rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold in diced strawberries.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: In the morning, stir the oats, add milk if needed, and serve chilled with extra strawberries or yogurt.
Notes
- You can use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
- Frozen strawberries can be substituted for fresh—just thaw before use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
