Name: Strawberries and cream Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups old-fashioned oats; 1½ cups milk (any kind); Optional: ¼–½ cup water; 1 cup strawberry Greek yogurt (or plain/vanilla); 2 tablespoons chia seeds; ¾ cup diced strawberries (fresh or frozen); Optional: 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or collagen peptides

There’s something undeniably comforting about waking up to a breakfast that’s already made, waiting in the fridge like a little gift to your future self. That’s exactly what you get with these Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats—a no-fuss, wholesome, and flavor-packed morning treat that feels indulgent but is actually incredibly nourishing.

This Strawberries and cream oats recipe has quickly become a staple in my weekly meal prep routine. I first made it on a whim one Sunday night when I had a surplus of strawberries and some Greek yogurt that needed using up. Since then, I’ve tweaked and refined it to strike the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and filling. Now, it’s one of those go-to recipes that I make in big batches so breakfast is one less thing to worry about during the week.

What makes this dish so special is its dreamy texture and balanced sweetness. The oats soften overnight in a mixture of milk, yogurt, and chia seeds, while the strawberries break down just slightly to infuse every bite with their juicy, berry goodness. It’s creamy, slightly tart from the yogurt, and naturally sweet without needing added sugar. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable based on your cravings and pantry staples.

Whether you’re a busy parent trying to streamline the morning chaos, a student looking for quick and healthy fuel, or just someone who loves the idea of breakfast that basically makes itself—this recipe has your name on it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats, but let’s start with the big ones.

First and foremost, this Strawberries and cream oats recipe is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any cooking skills or fancy equipment. It’s a simple matter of stirring ingredients together in a bowl or jar and letting time do the work. This makes it perfect for meal prep—mix up a few jars on Sunday night and you’re set for the week.

Second, the flavor is just delicious. The combination of creamy Greek yogurt, sweet strawberries, and hearty oats gives you a breakfast that’s rich and satisfying, yet light and fresh. It’s sweet enough to feel like a treat, but thanks to natural ingredients, you won’t experience a sugar crash later in the day.

Third, this recipe is incredibly versatile. While strawberries are a classic choice, you can easily swap in other fruits like blueberries, mangoes, or even peaches depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. The yogurt can be flavored or plain, and if you’re feeling adventurous, adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder takes the nutrition up a notch.

Finally, it’s family-friendly and customizable. Kids love the creamy texture and fruity flavor, and you can easily adjust the ingredients for dietary preferences or allergies. Want it dairy-free? Use almond or oat milk and coconut yogurt. Need it gluten-free? Just choose certified gluten-free oats.

This is a breakfast that works for you, not the other way around—and that’s exactly why it belongs in your kitchen.

Health Benefits

This Strawberries and cream oats breakfast isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutritional benefits that support a healthy, energized start to your day.

Oats are the star of the show, and they bring a lot to the table. Rich in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, oats help keep you full for longer and have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. They also support stable blood sugar levels, making them ideal for sustained energy throughout the morning.

Strawberries, on the other hand, are full of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which helps support immune function and skin health. They’re also low in calories and high in fiber, which makes them a great choice for weight management and digestion.

Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and a big protein boost to the mix. It’s also a source of probiotics, which promote gut health and improve digestion. If you’re aiming to get more protein in your diet without adding meat or heavy foods in the morning, this is an excellent option.

Chia seeds, though tiny, pack a nutritional punch. They’re loaded with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Plus, they help give the oats that thick, pudding-like consistency while contributing to heart and brain health.

All of these ingredients come together to create a balanced meal that’s high in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients—all without refined sugar or empty calories.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: At least 2 hours, preferably overnight
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: Approximately 350
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 7g

Ingredients List

To make this delicious and wholesome breakfast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1½ cups old-fashioned oats – These give the best texture for overnight oats, soaking up liquid beautifully while staying slightly chewy.
1½ cups milk – Use your preferred milk here. Almond, oat, or dairy milk all work well depending on your taste and dietary needs.
Optional: ¼–½ cup water – Add only if the mixture is very thick after chilling. This helps adjust the texture to your liking.
1 cup strawberry Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess, flavor, and protein. Plain or vanilla-flavored yogurt can also be used.
2 tablespoons chia seeds – These thicken the mixture and add a nice nutrient boost.
¾ cup diced strawberries – Fresh or frozen both work well. If using frozen, thaw before mixing.
Optional: 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or collagen peptides – This enhances the protein content, making the oats even more filling.

These ingredients are all easy to find and budget-friendly. You may already have most of them in your pantry or fridge.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Combine Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl or a large mason jar, combine the oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, diced strawberries, and protein powder or collagen if using. Stir thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed and the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
Adjust the Texture
If the mixture looks too thick initially, don’t worry. The oats and chia seeds will absorb a lot of the liquid overnight. If you like a looser texture, you can add ¼ cup of water at this stage, or wait until after chilling to stir it in.
Refrigerate Overnight
Cover your container with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is best. During this time, the oats will soften and the chia seeds will create a pudding-like consistency.
Stir Before Serving
In the morning, give your oats a good stir. If they’re too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk or water and mix again until you reach your desired consistency.
Top and Enjoy
Serve cold, topped with additional sliced strawberries, a sprinkle of granola, a drizzle of honey, or even some slivered almonds for crunch.

This recipe takes less than five minutes to prep and rewards you with a satisfying, nutritious breakfast ready to go when you are.

How to Serve

There are several ways to serve your overnight oats, depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge:

Scoop into a bowl and top with extra fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of granola.
Serve in a mason jar for a grab-and-go breakfast you can take to work or school.
Add a spoonful of nut butter on top for extra richness and protein.
Sprinkle with cinnamon or cocoa powder for a fun flavor twist.

No matter how you serve them, these oats are bound to be a hit.

Pairing Suggestions

These oats pair wonderfully with a variety of other foods and beverages for a more complete breakfast:

Drinks: Try them with a hot cup of black tea, a matcha latte, or a smoothie on the side for extra nutrients.
Sides: A boiled egg or a few slices of turkey bacon make great savory complements.
Fruit: Serve with a banana or some citrus slices for a fresh burst of flavor and added vitamins.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration:
Store overnight oats in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just give them a stir before serving each day.

Freezing:
While freezing is not ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze the base mixture in individual containers. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and give it a good mix before eating.

Reheating:
Overnight oats are typically eaten cold, but if you prefer them warm, microwave for about 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats – Quick oats tend to get mushy and don’t hold up well overnight.
Not stirring thoroughly – Uneven distribution of chia seeds and yogurt can result in inconsistent texture.
Overloading on liquid early on – Start with the suggested amount and adjust after chilling.
Forgetting to cover – Always cover your container to prevent drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
Skipping protein – If you’re often hungry mid-morning, adding protein powder can make a big difference.

Pro Tips

Use fresh strawberries when in season – They offer the best flavor and texture.
Batch prep for the week – Make multiple jars on Sunday and rotate flavors by changing the fruit or yogurt each day.
Sweeten naturally – If you like your oats a little sweeter, try mashed banana, a drizzle of honey, or a few chopped dates.
Soak your chia seeds beforehand – If you’re short on time, pre-soaking the chia seeds for 10 minutes can speed up thickening.
Add a crunch factor – Topping with granola or nuts right before eating adds great texture contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats don’t soften the same way overnight. Stick with old-fashioned oats for the best texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut, and swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative.

What if I don’t have chia seeds?
You can skip them, but the oats may be a bit thinner. Flaxseed is a decent substitute if you have it.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely. Just thaw them before mixing so they blend smoothly with the other ingredients.

Do I have to let them sit overnight?
Not necessarily. A minimum of 2 hours works, but overnight gives the best texture and flavor.

Can I add sweeteners?
Of course. A little honey, maple syrup, or agave can be stirred in if you prefer a sweeter oat.

Can I mix in nuts or seeds?
Yes! Chopped almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds add a nice crunch and extra nutrition.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so. Kids love the creamy texture and sweet fruit, and you can serve it in fun containers to make it even more appealing.

Can I prep this in advance for the whole week?
Yes, just portion it out into individual containers. It keeps well for 4–5 days in the fridge.

Conclusion & Call to Action

If you’ve been looking for a healthy, no-stress breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels you like a protein-packed power bowl, these Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are your answer. They’re simple, flexible, and packed with wholesome goodness to kick off your day on the right foot.

I’d love to hear how your overnight oats turn out. Feel free to get creative with the toppings and mix-ins. Share your version with me on social media or leave a comment below with your favorite twist on this classic combo. Let’s make breakfast something to look forward to—one jar of oats at a time.