Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats

Strawberries and cream overnight oats are my go-to on those busy mornings when I need breakfast to practically make itself! This recipe combines creamy oats with sweet, juicy strawberries and just a touch of vanilla for a breakfast that tastes like dessert but fills you up all morning long. The best part? You make them the night before, grab them from the fridge, and you’re out the door with a nutritious, delicious breakfast in hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s ready when you wake up – no morning cooking required!
• Tastes like strawberry shortcake in a jar, but it’s actually good for you
• Perfect for meal prep – make several jars at once for the whole week
• Keeps you full and satisfied until lunchtime
• Kids absolutely love the creamy, sweet flavor

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Oats:

• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup milk (any kind – I love whole milk for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Strawberries:

• ½ cup fresh strawberries, diced (plus more for topping)
• Optional: 1-2 teaspoons additional sweetener if berries are tart

Why These Ingredients Work

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the heart of this recipe – they soften overnight into the creamiest texture without getting mushy.

The Greek yogurt adds protein to keep you satisfied, plus that tangy flavor pairs so beautifully with sweet strawberries.

Those chia seeds might seem small, but they soak up liquid and create the most wonderful pudding-like consistency. The maple syrup brings just enough sweetness without being overwhelming, and that vanilla extract makes everything smell like a bakery.

Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and that gorgeous pink color that makes mornings feel special.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mason jar or airtight container (16 oz works perfectly)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon for stirring
• Small bowl for mixing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix Your Base

In your jar or container, combine the oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, and that pinch of salt. Give it a really good stir – you want everything well combined so the oats soak evenly.

Step 2: Add the Strawberries

Fold in those diced strawberries. I like to save a few pretty slices for the top, but that’s totally optional. The strawberries will release their juices overnight and create this beautiful pink-swirled pattern.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

Seal your jar tightly and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it work its magic for at least 4 hours, but overnight is perfect. The oats will soften and absorb all those delicious flavors while you sleep!

Step 4: Wake Up and Enjoy

In the morning, give everything a quick stir. The oats will be thick and creamy. If you like them thinner, add a splash of milk. Top with fresh strawberry slices, a drizzle of honey, or even some granola for crunch.

You Must Know

The most important thing is using old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats or steel-cut. Quick oats turn to mush, and steel-cut stay too chewy. You want that perfect creamy-but-still-have-texture consistency.

Personal Secret: I make mine in mason jars so I can see those pretty strawberry layers through the glass. It makes breakfast feel special even on the most ordinary Tuesday.

Pro Tips & Cooking Hacks

• Make a week’s worth on Sunday – they keep beautifully for 5 days
• Use a potato masher to lightly crush some of the strawberries for extra berry flavor throughout
• Add a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra richness (trust me on this one!)
• Layer the strawberries and oats in alternating layers for a pretty parfait effect
• If you’re taking these to work, pack toppings separately to add fresh
• Freeze individual portions for up to 1 month – thaw overnight in the fridge

Flavor Variations & Suggestions

This recipe is like a blank canvas for creativity! Try swapping strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries. For a chocolate twist, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and top with chocolate chips.

Banana and peanut butter is another family favorite – just mash half a banana into the mixture and swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter. In the fall,

I love using diced apples with cinnamon and a drizzle of caramel. You can also make it tropical with mango, pineapple, and coconut milk. The possibilities really are endless!

Make-Ahead Options

This is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast! Mix up to five jars on Sunday evening and you’ve got breakfast sorted for the work week. The oats actually get better as they sit – the second and third day are my favorite because the flavors have really melded together.

You can also portion out the dry ingredients (oats and chia seeds) into jars ahead of time, then just add the wet ingredients and strawberries the night before. If you’re really planning ahead, freeze them! Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.

What to Serve With Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats

These oats are pretty complete on their own, but I love serving them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you need something more substantial, a hard-boiled egg on the side adds protein.

On lazy weekend mornings, I’ll toast some whole grain bread with almond butter alongside. Fresh fruit salad makes a nice accompaniment if you’re feeding a crowd for brunch.

And honestly, sometimes I just enjoy these oats all by themselves while watching the sunrise – it’s my moment of peace before the day gets busy.

Allergy Information

Contains: Dairy (milk and yogurt), oats

For dairy-free: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, and substitute with dairy-free yogurt or coconut yogurt. The coconut yogurt makes them extra creamy!

For gluten-free: Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free, as regular oats can be cross-contaminated during processing.

This recipe is naturally nut-free unless you add nuts as a topping.

Storage & Reheating

These keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in airtight containers or jars. The oats will continue to absorb liquid, so if they get too thick, just stir in a splash of milk before eating.

You can enjoy them cold straight from the fridge (my preference!), or warm them up in the microwave for 30-45 seconds if you prefer warm oats.

Don’t freeze them with the strawberries already mixed in – freeze the plain oats and add fresh fruit after thawing for best results.

Questions I Get Asked A Lot

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

You absolutely can! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain off the excess liquid. Frozen strawberries release more juice than fresh, which can make your oats a bit thinner. If this happens, add an extra tablespoon of oats or chia seeds to compensate.

Why are my overnight oats too thick?

Every brand of oats absorbs liquid a bit differently. If yours are too thick in the morning, just stir in a splash of milk until you reach your preferred consistency. Start with a tablespoon and add more as needed. Some people like thick oats you can eat with a spoon, others prefer them thinner and almost drinkable.

Do I have to use Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt adds wonderful creaminess and protein, but regular yogurt works too. You can even skip the yogurt entirely and use all milk – just increase the milk to 1 cup total. The texture will be a bit less creamy, but still delicious!

How long do overnight oats need to soak?

At minimum, 4 hours, but overnight (8-12 hours) is ideal. The longer they soak, the creamier and softer they become. I’ve even left them for 2 days and they were perfectly fine – just give them a good stir before eating.

Can kids eat overnight oats?

Yes! My kids love these. The strawberries and cream flavor makes them feel like they’re having dessert for breakfast. Just make sure the chia seeds are fully soaked so they’re easier for little ones to digest. You can also blend everything smooth if you have very young children who might not like the texture of whole chia seeds.

💬 Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and rating below! I’d love to hear what variations you tried and how your family liked them.