Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats

By Jennifer

I absolutely love waking up to a breakfast that’s ready and waiting for me, and that’s why Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are one of my favorite go-to meals.

This dish is creamy, fruity, and perfectly balanced—it feels like a little treat first thing in the morning, but it’s still packed with nutrition.

What I like most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. I just mix everything together the night before, pop it in the fridge, and in the morning I have a chilled, satisfying meal that’s ready to eat.

It’s perfect for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or even as a midday snack. Whether you enjoy it at home with a hot cup of coffee or take it on the go, these overnight oats make mornings feel effortless.

Here’s a quick look at what this recipe offers:

Feature	Information
Calories	~320 per serving
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	10g
Fiber	6g
Gluten-Free	Yes (if using GF oats)
Vegan	Can be made vegan (use plant milk & yogurt)
Serving Size	1 bowl/jar

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It tastes like dessert but is actually healthy.
You can prepare it in less than 10 minutes the night before.
It’s a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
Perfect for meal prep and busy mornings.
Customizable with your favorite toppings or milk options.
Kids and adults both enjoy its creamy, fruity flavor.

Ingredients to Make Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats

Making Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats requires simple pantry and fridge ingredients. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that creamy, sweet, and refreshing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Rolled Oats (½ cup)
Old-fashioned rolled oats work best because they soften overnight while still keeping some texture. Avoid instant oats as they can turn mushy.
Milk of Choice (½ cup)
You can use dairy milk or plant-based options like almond, oat, or soy milk. The milk soaks into the oats, making them creamy and easy to digest.
Greek Yogurt (¼ cup)
This adds thickness, creaminess, and extra protein. If you prefer vegan, swap with coconut yogurt or almond-based yogurt.
Fresh Strawberries (½ cup, chopped)
The star of this recipe! Fresh strawberries give natural sweetness and a burst of flavor in every bite. You can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available.
Chia Seeds (1 tablespoon)
These tiny seeds absorb liquid, making the oats thicker and adding fiber, omega-3s, and protein.
Honey or Maple Syrup (1–2 teaspoons)
For sweetness. Honey gives a floral taste, while maple syrup keeps it vegan and adds a warm, caramel-like flavor.
Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon)
Enhances the creaminess and ties the strawberry flavor together.
Pinch of Salt
A small pinch balances the flavors and prevents the oats from tasting flat.
Optional Toppings: Sliced almonds, granola, extra strawberries, or a drizzle of cream. These add crunch and extra flavor.

Steps to Make Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats

Making this dish is simple—just mix, chill, and enjoy! Here’s a detailed step-by-step process:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a medium jar or bowl, add rolled oats, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients form the base of your overnight oats and give structure to the dish.

Step 2: Add the Creamy Layer

Pour in milk of choice and Greek yogurt. Stir well to coat the oats completely. The yogurt adds a thick, creamy texture, while the milk ensures the oats soften overnight.

Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor

Mix in honey or maple syrup along with vanilla extract. This step balances the tang from the yogurt and enhances the strawberry flavor, making the oats taste like dessert.

Step 4: Add the Strawberries

Fold in chopped strawberries. Mixing them in now allows their juices to seep into the oats as they sit, infusing the dish with fruity flavor. Save a few slices for topping in the morning.

Step 5: Chill Overnight

Cover the jar or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 6 hours or overnight. During this time, the oats and chia seeds soak up the liquid, creating a thick and creamy texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Add extra milk if you prefer a looser consistency. Top with more fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of granola, or a drizzle of cream for that classic “strawberries and cream” feel. Enjoy straight from the jar or transfer to a bowl.

Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it in many ways depending on your mood or routine. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

Classic Jar Style
Eat your overnight oats straight from the jar or container you prepped them in. It’s quick, convenient, and perfect for busy mornings.
Topped with Extra Strawberries
Fresh strawberries on top not only look beautiful but also add extra sweetness and freshness. It gives you that burst of juicy flavor with every spoonful.
Add a Crunch Factor
Sprinkle granola, crushed nuts, or seeds on top right before eating. This adds texture and balances the creaminess of the oats.
Drizzle of Cream or Nut Butter
For a richer taste, add a splash of cream or a spoonful of almond, peanut, or cashew butter. This makes the oats more filling and satisfying.
Dessert Vibe
Serve in a small glass bowl or parfait cup layered with oats, strawberries, and a bit of whipped cream or coconut cream. It feels indulgent but is still healthy.
On-the-Go Breakfast
Pack your overnight oats in a sealed jar or travel container. It’s portable, so you can enjoy it on your commute or at work.

Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats in Advance?

Yes! That’s actually the beauty of this recipe—it’s designed to be made ahead of time. Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are perfect for meal prep because you can prepare multiple servings at once and have breakfast ready for several days.

Here’s how to meal prep them successfully:

Batch Preparation
Instead of making just one serving, prepare 3–4 jars at the same time. Line up your jars or containers and portion out the ingredients. This way, you’ll have breakfast sorted for almost half the week.
Storage Containers
Use mason jars, glass containers, or BPA-free plastic jars with tight lids. These keep your oats fresh and prevent leaks if you’re carrying them on the go.
Add Fruit Wisely
If you’re planning to store the oats for more than 2 days, add fresh strawberries just before eating to keep them from getting too soft. For shorter storage (1–2 days), mixing them in works perfectly.
Customizable Prep
You can leave the sweetener out while prepping and add it fresh when you’re ready to eat. This helps you control sweetness day by day.
Fridge Shelf Life
Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats usually last for up to 3 days in the fridge. The texture stays creamy, though the fruit may soften slightly over time.

By prepping ahead, you’ll save yourself the morning hassle and always have a nutritious, filling breakfast ready to go.

Tips and Tricks

Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are easy to make, but with a few smart tips, you can take them from good to amazing. Here are some tricks I’ve learned along the way:

Use Rolled Oats, Not Quick Oats
Rolled oats soak overnight without turning too mushy. Quick oats often lose texture and can make your oats taste more like paste.
Balance the Liquid
If you like thicker oats, reduce the milk slightly. For creamier, looser oats, add a splash more milk in the morning before serving.
Layer Ingredients in Jars
For a neat look and better texture, layer oats and chia at the bottom, followed by yogurt, then strawberries on top. Mix before eating to enjoy all flavors together.
Sweeten to Taste
The sweetness of strawberries can vary. Taste them first—if they’re very sweet, you might not need much honey or syrup.
Chop Strawberries Small
Smaller pieces release more juice and distribute evenly throughout the oats, giving every spoonful fruity flavor.
Add Toppings Fresh
Crunchy toppings like granola or nuts should be added right before serving. Otherwise, they’ll lose their crunch sitting overnight.
For Extra Protein
Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or a spoonful of nut butter. This makes the oats even more filling, especially post-workout.

Variations of Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats

One of the most fun parts of this recipe is how customizable it is. If you like to switch things up or tailor it to your preferences, here are some variations to try:

Vegan Version
Use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and swap Greek yogurt for coconut or almond-based yogurt. Sweeten with maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Chocolate Strawberry Oats
Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder to the base. Top with dark chocolate shavings for a dessert-like breakfast.
Nutty Delight
Stir in 1 tablespoon of almond or peanut butter. It adds healthy fats, extra creaminess, and a richer flavor.
Cheesecake Style
Add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese or a bit of mascarpone mixed with yogurt. Top with crushed graham crackers in the morning for a fun “strawberry cheesecake” twist.
Berry Mix
Combine strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry overnight oats recipe.
High-Protein Boost
Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or use high-protein yogurt. This is great if you’re looking for a post-workout meal.
Low-Sugar Option
Skip the honey or syrup and let the natural sweetness of strawberries shine through. You can also use stevia or monk fruit sweetener if you want a sugar-free option.

Storage Instructions

One of the reasons Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are so popular is because they store beautifully in the fridge. With the right method, you can keep them fresh, creamy, and ready to enjoy anytime. Here’s how to store them properly:

Best Containers
Use airtight jars or containers. Mason jars are a classic choice because they seal tightly, are easy to carry, and look neat. Glass containers also keep the oats fresh and free from any plastic smell.
Fridge Storage
Once prepared, store the oats in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to make a big batch, prepare multiple jars and enjoy them over the next few mornings.
Strawberry Placement
If you’re planning to eat the oats within 1–2 days, you can mix the strawberries in from the start. For longer storage (closer to 3 days), it’s better to add fresh strawberries right before eating so they stay firm and vibrant.
Consistency Check
The oats will continue to thicken as they sit. If they become too thick after storage, just stir in a splash of milk before serving.
Freezer Option
While overnight oats are best kept in the fridge, you can freeze them if needed. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating. However, fresh strawberries may lose their texture after freezing, so consider adding them later.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats without yogurt?
Yes! Yogurt adds creaminess and protein, but you can replace it with more milk, coconut cream, or a plant-based yogurt alternative. If you prefer a lighter texture, simply skip it.

2. Do I have to use chia seeds?
Chia seeds help thicken the oats and add extra nutrition, but they’re optional. If you don’t like them, you can substitute ground flaxseeds, hemp seeds, or leave them out entirely.

3. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely. Frozen strawberries work well, especially when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just chop them and mix them in—they’ll thaw overnight in the fridge, releasing juice into the oats for added flavor.

4. How long do these oats last in the fridge?
They typically last up to 3 days when stored properly in airtight containers. However, for the freshest taste, it’s best to enjoy them within 1–2 days.

5. Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes. You can skip the honey or maple syrup if your strawberries are naturally sweet enough. Alternatively, use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

6. Are overnight oats gluten-free?
Overnight oats can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Standard oats may contain traces of gluten due to processing.

7. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Definitely! Overnight oats are great for batch prep. Just multiply the ingredients and divide them into jars or containers for several days’ worth of breakfasts.

8. Can kids eat these oats?
Yes, this recipe is kid-friendly. You can even reduce the sweetener and let the natural flavor of strawberries shine through.

9. Can I add protein powder?
Yes, and it’s a great idea if you want a more filling breakfast. Vanilla protein powder works especially well with the strawberries-and-cream flavor.

10. Do I need to cook the oats first?
No cooking is required! The oats soften naturally as they soak in the milk overnight, which is the beauty of overnight oats.

Conclusion

Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are one of those recipes that make healthy eating simple, delicious, and stress-free.

With just a handful of everyday ingredients—rolled oats, yogurt, strawberries, and a touch of sweetness—you can create a breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels your day with fiber, protein, and natural energy. Another quick breakfast i absolutely love is Baked Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls.

So next time you’re craving a creamy, fruity, and nourishing breakfast, try these Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats.

They’re quick to make, easy to store, and guaranteed to brighten your mornings.