There’s something truly comforting about waking up to a breakfast that’s already done. And not just any breakfast—but a cool, creamy, fruity bowl of Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats. This is the kind of meal that feels indulgent while actually being incredibly nutritious. Whether you’re rushing out the door on a busy weekday or easing into a slower weekend, this recipe is your delicious, low-effort solution to starting the day strong.
What makes these overnight oats so special is how effortlessly they come together. Just a handful of wholesome ingredients—rolled oats, Greek yogurt, milk, fresh strawberries, and a few flavor boosters—and you’re set. No stove, no mess, no early-morning prep. Just mix, chill, and enjoy. The magic happens overnight in your fridge, transforming the oats into a creamy, dessert-like breakfast that still manages to be light, refreshing, and energizing.
I first started making overnight oats back when I was juggling early commutes and long workdays. I needed something healthy that didn’t require me to think before my morning coffee kicked in. These strawberries and cream oats became my go-to. Now they’re a staple not only for me but for the whole family. Even picky eaters love them, especially with a little granola crunch on top. And the best part? They’re totally customizable to fit your taste and nutrition needs.
Whether you’re new to overnight oats or already a fan, this strawberries and cream version deserves a spot in your breakfast rotation. It’s sweet, satisfying, and a little nostalgic—like a healthier version of your favorite childhood strawberry milk, with a grown-up twist of protein and fiber to keep you full all morning long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberries and cream overnight oats recipe checks every box for a winning breakfast. It’s easy, tasty, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable. Here are a few reasons it’ll win you over:
Effortless Prep
You don’t need any cooking skills to make this. Just stir everything together and let the fridge do the work. That’s it. It takes less than 10 minutes of your time, and you can prep multiple jars for the week ahead.
Perfectly Creamy Texture
Thanks to a mix of Greek yogurt and milk, the oats soak overnight into a thick, spoonable texture that’s wonderfully creamy. The chia seeds add a touch of natural thickness, making each bite feel substantial and satisfying.
Naturally Sweet and Fruity
Fresh strawberries bring a pop of natural sweetness and a little tartness to balance the cream. You can also use frozen strawberries for a budget-friendly, year-round option that still brings big flavor.
Customizable for Every Diet
Whether you’re dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, or just trying to eat clean, you can easily tweak this recipe. Use plant-based milk and yogurt alternatives, add protein powder, or toss in some flaxseeds for an omega-3 boost.
Kid-Friendly and Meal-Prep Friendly
Kids love the taste (it’s like dessert for breakfast), and busy adults will appreciate how easy it is to prep several servings at once. Just grab and go in the morning—no decision fatigue, no mess.
Balanced and Filling
You get a great combo of complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats, which means this breakfast won’t leave you hungry by 10 a.m. It’s energizing, digestion-friendly, and supports a balanced lifestyle.
Health Benefits
This isn’t just a tasty breakfast—it’s a powerhouse of good-for-you ingredients that support your body in all the right ways.
Oats for Heart Health and Fiber
Rolled oats are a great source of soluble fiber, especially beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol and supports healthy digestion. They keep you full longer, making them perfect for weight management and blood sugar control.
Greek Yogurt for Protein and Gut Health
Greek yogurt adds a creamy base while also packing a serious protein punch. It’s rich in probiotics that help support your gut microbiome and overall digestive health.
Strawberries for Antioxidants and Vitamin C
Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, which supports immunity, skin health, and cell repair. They’re also full of antioxidants that fight inflammation and free radicals.
Chia Seeds for Omega-3s and Satiety
Tiny but mighty, chia seeds offer omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and fiber. They expand in liquid, adding a thick texture while helping you stay satisfied for hours.
Optional Add-Ins for Even More Nutrition
Add almond butter for healthy fats, protein powder for extra fuel, or flaxseeds for another hit of fiber and nutrients. You can easily tailor this breakfast to your unique health needs.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
Total Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: Minimum 4 hours (overnight recommended)
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 350
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 7g
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make strawberries and cream overnight oats. These ingredients are pantry staples and fresh produce you can find in any grocery store.
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats – the base of the recipe, these absorb liquid overnight to create that signature texture.
- 1 cup milk (any kind: dairy, almond, oat, soy) – helps soften the oats and adds creaminess.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) – adds tangy richness and a good amount of protein.
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds – thickens the oats and adds fiber and healthy fats.
- 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup – for a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped strawberries (fresh or thawed from frozen) – adds fruity flavor and color.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – enhances the “cream” flavor and makes it taste a little like strawberry shortcake.
- Pinch of salt – just a bit helps balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect jar of strawberries and cream overnight oats.
- Start with the oats
In a medium mixing bowl or directly in your mason jars, add the rolled oats. Make sure to use old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Instant oats can get too mushy. - Add the liquid ingredients
Pour in the milk and Greek yogurt. Stir until the mixture is well combined. This is your creamy base. - Mix in the flavor boosters
Add the chia seeds, vanilla extract (if using), a pinch of salt, and your sweetener of choice. Stir again until everything is evenly distributed. - Fold in the strawberries
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries. If you’re using frozen ones, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Frozen strawberries are softer and will blend more into the oats, while fresh ones give little bites of texture. - Divide and chill
Spoon the mixture into two jars or airtight containers. Seal with a lid and place in the fridge. Let them sit for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. - Stir before serving
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. This helps redistribute the chia seeds and yogurt. If they’re too thick for your taste, add a splash more milk. - Top and enjoy
Top with extra strawberries, a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of granola, or even some crushed nuts if you like a little crunch.
How to Serve
There are so many fun and tasty ways to enjoy these overnight oats. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Topped with sliced bananas or extra berries for added freshness.
- With a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter for a creamy, nutty twist.
- Sprinkled with granola or toasted coconut for crunch and contrast.
- Warm it up for a cozy version—just microwave for 30–45 seconds if you prefer it warm.
- Layer it in a parfait glass with extra yogurt and fruit for a pretty brunch presentation.
Pairing Suggestions
Looking to round out your breakfast? Try pairing these oats with one of the following:
- A hot cup of green or herbal tea to complement the fruity flavor.
- A protein-packed smoothie if you want to supercharge your morning.
- A boiled egg or turkey bacon strip for extra protein and savory balance.
- A handful of mixed nuts or a hard-boiled egg if you need more staying power.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
These oats are the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty:
Storage:
Keep overnight oats in sealed containers or jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
Freezing:
You can freeze overnight oats, although the texture changes slightly. Freeze in a mason jar or airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.
Reheating:
To eat warm, microwave for 30–60 seconds. Stir halfway through and add a little milk if they seem too thick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using quick oats instead of rolled oats – quick oats turn out mushy and don’t have that nice chew.
- Not mixing well – chia seeds and yogurt need to be evenly distributed for the best consistency.
- Adding fruit too early – if you’re storing oats for several days, add fresh fruit the night before to avoid sogginess.
- Forgetting the salt – a small pinch makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Skipping the sweetener – even a little honey or maple syrup enhances the strawberries and makes it feel more indulgent.
Pro Tips
- Layer the ingredients if you like a more structured look—oats at the bottom, yogurt in the middle, strawberries on top.
- Use vanilla-flavored yogurt for built-in sweetness and a creamier, dessert-like vibe.
- Mash half the strawberries into the oats and stir in the rest whole for texture contrast.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before refrigerating to let the chia seeds begin absorbing the liquid for a thicker final result.
- Make a big batch on Sunday and portion into jars for grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use almond, oat, or soy milk and dairy-free yogurt to keep it creamy without the dairy.
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Not recommended. Steel-cut oats need longer soaking or cooking to soften properly. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for best results.
Do I have to use chia seeds?
No, but they help thicken the mixture and add nutrition. You can replace them with ground flaxseeds or just skip them if needed.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them first. They blend into the oats more and give a more uniform berry flavor.
Can I add protein powder?
Definitely. Add one scoop of your favorite protein powder to boost the protein content. You may need a bit more milk to balance the texture.
Is it okay to eat overnight oats cold?
Yes, overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold, but you can warm them up if you prefer.
How long do overnight oats last?
Stored properly in the fridge, they’ll last up to four days. Add fresh toppings right before eating for the best texture.
Can I sweeten it with dates instead of honey?
Sure! Blend a couple of soaked dates into the milk before mixing everything together for natural sweetness.
Will kids like this recipe?
Yes, especially if you let them add their own toppings like chocolate chips, granola, or extra fruit.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales easily. Just multiply the ingredients and portion into individual jars or containers.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat but fuels you like a champion. They’re creamy, fruity, filling, and full of good-for-you ingredients that support a healthy, balanced morning. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to prep ahead, so you can win your mornings without even trying.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal-prepping pro, or someone who just wants breakfast to be simple and satisfying, give this recipe a try. And when you do, don’t forget to share your creations—snap a photo, tag me, and let me know how you customized your oats. I love seeing your healthy kitchen magic in action!
Now go grab those strawberries, pull out your oats, and let the fridge do the rest. Your mornings just got way better.
PrintStrawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 10 minutes + overnight
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This no-cook breakfast recipe features rolled oats, Greek yogurt, strawberries, and chia seeds, soaked overnight for a creamy, fruity, protein-packed start to your day.
Ingredients
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1 cup rolled oats
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1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
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½ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
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1 tbsp chia seeds
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1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup
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1 cup chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen and thawed)
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½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Add oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt into a bowl or jar.
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Stir well until fully combined.
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Fold in strawberries.
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Divide into containers, seal, and refrigerate overnight.
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In the morning, stir and enjoy cold or warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned oats, not quick oats.
- For thicker oats, reduce milk slightly.
- Can be made up to 4 days in advance.
- Add protein powder for a higher protein version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American