If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast that’s as delightful as it is effortless to prepare, the Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats Recipe has got you covered. This recipe is a beautiful harmony of creamy vanilla yogurt, fresh strawberries, and hearty rolled oats, all joining forces overnight to create a luxuriously soft and flavorful breakfast that feels like a treat first thing in the morning. Perfect for busy days or lazy weekends, this dish brings a burst of fruity sweetness and velvety creaminess that you’ll find irresistible. It’s nutritious, refreshing, and incredibly easy to whip up ahead of time, making it a staple you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role. From the creamy tang of Greek yogurt to the natural sweetness of honey and the fiber-rich oats, every element offers texture, taste, or nutrition to create a perfectly balanced breakfast.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1/2 cup or 45g): The star of the dish, these oats soak up liquids beautifully, softening to just the right consistency without getting mushy.
- Milk of choice (1/2 cup or 120ml): Whether dairy or plant-based, milk adds creaminess and fluid to activate the oats overnight.
- Vanilla Greek yogurt (1/4 cup or 60g): Adds a rich, creamy texture and a subtle vanilla sweetness that makes the oats taste like dessert for breakfast.
- Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup or 75g, diced): Brings natural juice, color, and a bright fruity flavor that bursts in every bite.
- Honey or maple syrup (1–2 teaspoons, optional): A personal touch of sweetness to enhance the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Chia seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a nice nutritional boost and thickens the oats for a pudding-like texture.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon, only if using plain yogurt): Delivers a fragrant aroma and deepens the creamy vanilla notes.
How to Make Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Start by washing your fresh strawberries thoroughly, then dice them into small pieces. If you’re a fan of a smoother texture, you can mash or even blend a portion of the strawberries before adding them. This little step brings a lovely, luscious consistency and infuses the oats with fresh berry goodness.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Grab a jar or a small bowl, and add the rolled oats, milk, vanilla Greek yogurt, diced strawberries, and if you opted for it, the vanilla extract, honey or maple syrup, and chia seeds. Having everything in one container will help the flavors meld deliciously overnight.
Step 3: Stir Well
Give the mixture a thorough stir so that the oats are fully coated with the creamy liquid and the ingredients are evenly distributed. This helps ensure every spoonful is bursting with flavor and just the right texture.
Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight
Seal the container and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, although leaving it overnight is best. This waiting time lets the oats soak up the milk and yogurt, swell up, and soften, resulting in that perfect creamy, spoonable consistency everyone loves.
Step 5: Serve
When you’re ready to enjoy, you can eat the oats cold straight from the fridge or heat them gently in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds if you prefer a warm breakfast. Don’t forget to top your oats with extra strawberries, a splash of milk, or some crunchy granola for a satisfying crunch.
How to Serve Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats Recipe is like putting the final touch on a masterpiece. Fresh strawberry slices, a sprinkle of crunchy granola, a drizzle of honey, or even some toasted nuts can elevate the experience, adding delightful textures and extra bursts of flavor that complement the creamy oats perfectly.
Side Dishes
While the oats make a filling breakfast on their own, pairing them with light side dishes can round out your meal beautifully. Try a simple green smoothie, a handful of nuts, or even a small serving of cottage cheese for added protein and balance that keeps you energized throughout your morning.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats Recipe into clear glass jars or pretty bowls to show off the lovely layers of oats and vibrant strawberry chunks. You could also layer the oats with fresh fruit and granola in parfait style for an elegant brunch presentation. Adding edible flowers on top can take this simple breakfast from everyday to extraordinary in seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe is perfect for make-ahead breakfasts because you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the texture and flavor. Preparing multiple jars at once means you never have to skip a healthy start on busy mornings.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t the best option for the Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats Recipe because the dairy and fruit textures can change upon thawing. For the freshest taste and consistency, it’s better to enjoy the oats within a few days of preparation.
Reheating
If you prefer your oats warm, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth. The oats remain creamy and slightly soft, a comforting change from the cool, refreshing chilled option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well and will naturally thaw overnight as the oats soak. Just keep in mind the texture might be a bit softer and the oats might be a bit juicier the next day.
Is it okay to substitute the Greek yogurt with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, dairy-free yogurts like coconut or almond-based varieties can be used instead. Just choose a creamy option for the best texture, and consider adding a little more vanilla extract if it’s plain to boost flavor.
Do I have to add sweetener to the Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats Recipe?
Sweetener is completely optional. The natural sweetness from the strawberries and vanilla yogurt is often enough, but a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup can enhance it if you like a sweeter touch.
How long can I keep the overnight oats in the fridge?
For the best taste and texture, consume your oats within 3 days. Beyond that, the strawberries may become overly soft and the oats could lose their ideal chewiness.
Can I add other fruits or toppings besides strawberries?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas work beautifully. You can also experiment with nuts, seeds, or even a spoonful of nut butter to customize your breakfast just the way you like it.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats Recipe, it’s hard not to make it a regular part of your breakfast rotation. Its combination of textures, flavors, and ease of preparation makes mornings something to look forward to. Whether you’re rushing out the door or settling in for a slow start, this recipe offers a nourishing and delicious way to begin your day with joy.
Print
Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats recipe is a quick, nutritious, and delicious breakfast option perfect for busy mornings. Creamy Greek yogurt, fresh strawberries, and rolled oats combine with milk and optional chia seeds to create a naturally sweet and satisfying meal that requires no cooking and can be prepared the night before.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (45g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup (60g) vanilla Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt with 1/4 tsp vanilla extract)
Fruits & Flavorings
- 1/2 cup (75g) diced fresh strawberries
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (only if using plain yogurt)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Strawberries: Wash and dice the fresh strawberries. For a smoother texture, you may mash or blend part of the strawberries if desired.
- Combine Ingredients: In a jar or small bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt with vanilla extract), diced strawberries, sweetener (honey or maple syrup), and chia seeds if using.
- Stir Well: Mix thoroughly until the oats are fully coated and all ingredients are well combined, ensuring a uniform consistency.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the oats to absorb the liquid and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy the overnight oats cold straight from the fridge. Optionally, warm in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Top with extra strawberries, milk, or granola as desired.
Notes
- Use any milk you prefer, including dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Adjust sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup to taste, or omit for a naturally sweet breakfast.
- Chia seeds are optional but add extra fiber and a slight thickening effect.
- Overnight oats can be prepared up to 2 days in advance for convenience.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and milk, and choose maple syrup as sweetener.
