These Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are a tasty way to start your day! They mix creamy yogurt, sweet strawberries, and a hint of vanilla, all wrapped up in hearty oats.
Making these oats is as easy as setting everything in a jar and waiting overnight. I love waking up to a delicious breakfast that feels like dessert! What a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats work best for this recipe since they absorb liquid nicely and soften well overnight. If you’re looking for a quicker option, instant oats can be used, but they may make the texture mushy. Steel-cut oats are not recommended as they need longer cooking time.
Milk: Use any milk you like! Dairy milk gives a creamier taste, while almond or oat milk makes this dish lighter. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, coconut milk adds a lovely flavor too. Feel free to omit any fortified/non-dairy alternatives for allergies.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds rich creaminess and protein. If you don’t have this, regular yogurt can work, but you might want to reduce the liquid a bit. Vegan yogurt can be used as a dairy-free substitute.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives that cheesecake flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, whipped cream cheese or even cottage cheese can do the trick. For dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese alternatives.
Maple Syrup or Honey: I love maple syrup for its deep flavor, but honey adds great taste too. For a sugar-free option, try using stevia or a low-carb sweetener depending on your dietary needs.
How Do You Make Sure Your Overnight Oats Are Perfectly Creamy?
The key to creamy and delicious overnight oats is the soaking process. Mixing all ingredients properly ensures the oats absorb the liquids and flavors beautifully. Here’s a simple step-by-step:
- Combine rolled oats with milk and yogurt first. Stir until fully combined.
- Add softened cream cheese and mix until smooth. It helps avoid lumps!
- Incorporate maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon, giving a good mix again. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
- Lastly, gently fold in the strawberries. This keeps them intact and fresh when you’re ready to eat.
- Seal the mixture in jars tightly and refrigerate. This way, you create a nice blend of flavors overnight.
When you’re ready to enjoy, the oats should be creamy and full of flavor, just like a cheesecake!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Bowl Mixture:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, as preferred)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Strawberries:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced (plus extra for topping)
For Topping:
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Optional: graham cracker crumbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. After mixing everything together, you’ll need to let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This makes it perfect for a quick grab-and-go breakfast in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if you like). Stir everything together well until it’s all mixed nicely and creamy.
2. Add the Strawberries:
Carefully fold the diced strawberries into the mixture. Make sure to keep a few aside for topping later. This will give your oats a lovely fruity flavor!
3. Portion into Containers:
Now it’s time to divide the mixture into individual jars or containers with lids. Layer it evenly, so each serving has plenty of the delicious mix. You can use mason jars or any other container you have handy.
4. Chill and Set:
Cover the jars and pop them into the fridge. Allow the oats to soak and soften for at least 4 hours or overnight. This is what makes them creamy and delightful!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your overnight oats, take them out of the fridge. Top each serving with the reserved strawberry pieces, a dollop of whipped cream, and sprinkle some graham cracker crumbs on top if you’d like!
6. Dig In:
These Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are best served cold, making them a refreshing breakfast or snack. Enjoy every spoonful of this tasty, creamy treat!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that they will absorb liquid more quickly and will lead to a softer texture. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you may want to reduce the soaking time, or adjust the amount of milk slightly.
What’s a Good Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just note that using regular yogurt may result in a slightly thinner texture, so you might want to adjust the amount of milk accordingly to maintain consistency.
How Long Can I Store the Overnight Oats?
These overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in airtight containers. If you notice any separation, just give them a good stir before eating!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like bananas, blueberries, or raspberries. Just remember to adjust the amount of sweetener if using sweeter fruits, and feel free to get creative with your toppings too!
