Start your day with the taste of a classic dessert with this recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats. This simple, no-cook breakfast is the ultimate meal-prep solution, combining hearty rolled oats with the flavors of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and a graham cracker crust. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly delicious way to have a treat waiting for you, even on the busiest mornings.
This recipe takes just five minutes to mix together the night before, and the refrigerator does all the work. You’ll wake up to a thick, creamy, and perfectly fruity breakfast that’s ready to grab and go. It’s a simple, wholesome classic for any cheesecake lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Like Dessert: All the rich, tangy, and sweet flavor of strawberry cheesecake in a healthy breakfast form.
- 5-Minute Meal Prep: The perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.
- Healthy & Filling: Packed with fiber from oats and chia seeds and fresh fruit to keep you full and energized.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: Made with just a handful of common kitchen staples.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned)
- 2/3 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or oat milk)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Strawberries, diced, plus more for topping
- 2 tablespoons Cream Cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup or Honey
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- Optional Topping: 1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mason jar, small bowl, or any container with a lid, add the softened cream cheese and maple syrup. Stir until smooth. Add the diced strawberries and mash a few of them with a fork to release their juices.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir everything together until well combined, making sure there are no clumps of cream cheese and the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Serve: The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If they are thicker than you’d like, add another splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. Top with fresh strawberries and crushed graham crackers and enjoy cold.
Tips & Variations
- Pro Tip: For the best cheesecake flavor, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This helps it mix in smoothly without any lumps.
- Add Lemon: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon) to the mixture to enhance the tangy “cheesecake” flavor.
- Boost the Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder with the dry ingredients. You may need to add an extra splash of milk.
- Different Berries: This recipe is fantastic with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry blend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen strawberries?
- Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Let them thaw first and you can use some of the juice in the oats as well for extra flavor.
- How long do these last in the refrigerator?
- You can meal prep these for up to 3 days. The strawberries will soften over time. Store them in individual airtight containers in the fridge.
- Can I use steel-cut or quick oats?
- Rolled oats provide the best chewy texture. Quick oats will result in a much softer, porridge-like consistency, while steel-cut oats will not soften enough without being cooked.
Serving Suggestions
- These strawberry cheesecake overnight oats are delicious served chilled. For the full experience, top them with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers and some fresh sliced strawberries just before eating.
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oatmeal
Eat dessert for breakfast with these Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats! Sweet, tangy, and satisfying, they combine fresh strawberries, cream cheese, and lemon zest for a cheesecake-like flavor in a healthy, filling meal.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Jar with tight-fitting lid
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup heaping rolled oats
- 2/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flax meal
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 0-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 3 tablespoons softened cream cheese
- 1/2 lemon, zest and juice
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl until smooth.
- Spoon mixture into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, before eating.
Notes
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, for the best texture. Adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup to taste. This recipe makes 1 large serving or 2 small servings. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
