These Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are easy to make with hearty oats, sweet strawberries layered with a creamy dairy-free ‘cheesecake’ topping and vegan white chocolate. It’s the perfect healthy make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings and only needs 5 minutes of prep time! Gluten-free, refined sugar-free and a healthy and satisfying plant-based breakfast everyone will love!
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Updated May 2023
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Looking for a tasty and hassle-free breakfast option that combines the flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake? Look no further! Our Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats recipe take less than 5 minutes to make and are a delightful way to start your day.
They’re made with uncooked rolled oats that you soak with liquid for about 4-5 hours (or overnight). Then in the morning, you have a healthy breakfast ready to enjoy. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with the refreshing taste of strawberries, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient making them perfect for busy mornings.
What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats are a no-cook method of preparing oats that involves soaking them in liquid overnight, typically in the refrigerator. Instead of cooking the oats on the stove or in the microwave, they are left to absorb the liquid, resulting in a creamy and pudding-like texture by morning. This method saves you time and allows the oats to soften and become more easily digestible.
Why are Overnight Oats So Popular?
The popularity of overnight oats stems from their convenience and versatility. Here are a few reasons why people love them:
- Time-Saving: Overnight oats are a time-saver, especially for those busy mornings. By preparing them the night before, you can grab a ready-to-eat breakfast as you head out the door or enjoy it at home without any cooking involved.
- Customizable: Overnight oats are incredibly versatile, allowing you to personalize them with a wide range of flavors and toppings. From fresh fruits and nuts to spices and sweeteners, you can get creative and tailor the oats to suit your preferences.
- Nutritional Benefits: Oats are packed with essential nutrients such as fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. By soaking them overnight, their nutrients become more easily absorbed by the body, offering a nourishing and energy-packed breakfast.
Recipe Ingredients you need:
All you need to make overnight oats are just a few simple pantry ingredients:
- Oats: Overnight oats are typically made with old-fashioned rolled oats and sometimes quick oats. Use gluten free as needed.
- Non-dairy milk: Use your favorite dairy or dairy-free milk you like or have on hand. We usually like to use unsweetened almond milk but coconut milk, cashew milk all work great for a vegan option.
- Chia Seeds: Chia seeds give overnight oats that thick pudding-like texture and add extra fiber but feel free to leave them out if you aren’t a fan.
- Strawberries: We like fresh strawberries but if they are not in season, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and patted dry.
- Liquid Sweetener: Leave out or use any sweetener you like – honey, maple syrup, a ripe banana, dates or any low-carb liquid sweetener like stevia, monk fruit or erythritol will work.
- Yogurt: We like to use a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt or thicker yogurt such as Kite-Hill, Yoggu, Culina, Cocojune or Cocoyo but regular / non-fat Greek yogurt works too if you’re not plant-based or dairy-free.
- Strawberry Jam: You can use homemade or your preferred brand. Pureed or blended strawberries also work great.
- Dairy-free White Chocolate: We like Pascha’s Chocolate or Enjoy Life. You can use regular white chocolate if not dairy-free.
- Plant-based Vanilla or Unflavored Protein Powder: Optional for added protein.
How to make Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
These overnight oats are one of the easiest breakfasts that even your kids can help you assemble the night before.
- Combine Ingredients for Oats: In an 8 oz. mason jar, resealable container or a bowl. (These 7 oz jars are the ones you actually see in the photos and are currently our favorite ones) add the oats, chia seeds, milk, sweetener and optional protein powder. Mix until combined. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
- Yogurt Layer: In a separate bowl, mix together the yogurt and maple syrup until combined. Spread evenly over the oats.
- Jam layer: Spread jam evenly over the yogurt layer. (If the strawberry jam is thick, microwave for 10-20 seconds to help with spreading.)
- White Chocolate Layer: Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 20 second increments, stirring well in between until smooth. Stir in the milk and yogurt and mix until combined. Pour / spread evenly on top of the strawberry layer.
- Chill: Place the bowl / jar / ramekin in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
- Enjoy cool or warm-up: Remove from the fridge, heat the glass jar up in the microwave for a hot breakfast or enjoy your overnight oats cold straight from the fridge. Top with sliced strawberries and and enjoy. You can also add more milk and any fun toppings of your choice.
Do you eat overnight oats cold or hot?
You can enjoy overnight oats both ways. Enjoy them straight from the fridge with more toppings or heat them up in the microwave in a heat-safe bowl or container (or you can even heat them up in a pot over the stove).
Tips for Success:
- Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Quick oats or instant oats may result in a mushy texture. Old-fashioned rolled oats have a better texture when soaked overnight.
- Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the sweetness according to your preference. You can use honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener.
- Layer the Ingredients: To ensure even distribution of flavors, layer the oats, yogurt, strawberries, and white chocolate. This way, each spoonful will have a balanced taste.
Variations of Overnight Oats
One of the best things about overnight oats is the endless variety of flavors and toppings you can experiment with. Whether you’re a fan of fruity combinations, indulgent desserts, or exotic spices, there’s a variation of overnight oats to suit every taste. Let’s explore some delightful options to inspire your breakfast creations:
- Berry Blast: Add a burst of freshness by incorporating a mix of your favorite berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Top it off with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Chocolate Banana: Satisfy your chocolate cravings by mixing in cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder with sliced bananas. For an extra decadent twist, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top.
- Apple Cinnamon: Embrace the comforting flavors of fall by combining chopped apples, a dash of cinnamon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. This combination will give your overnight oats a delightful apple pie-like taste.
- Tropical Paradise: Transport yourself to a sunny beach with a tropical-inspired variation. Add diced pineapple, sliced mango, and a handful of toasted coconut flakes to bring a taste of the tropics to your breakfast.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly: Capture the classic flavor combination of peanut butter and jelly in your oats. Swirl in some peanut butter and your favorite fruit jam or preserves. For added crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top.
- Carrot Cake: Indulge in the flavors of a beloved dessert with carrot cake-inspired overnight oats. Grate some carrots and add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a handful of raisins. For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.
- Savory Option: If you prefer a savory breakfast, try a savory overnight oats variation. Mix in some grated cheese, chopped herbs like chives or parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Top it off with sliced avocado or a fried egg for a satisfying and unique twist.
Remember, these variations are just the beginning. Feel free to mix and match flavors, spices, and toppings to create your own signature overnight oats. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!
Storage, Meal Prep and Freezer Instructions:
- Refrigerator Storage: Prepare a batch of overnight oats in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. This way, you can enjoy a quick and hassle-free breakfast throughout the week.
- Freezer Instructions: If you want to make a larger batch, freeze individual portions of the strawberry cheesecake overnight oats. Simply place them in freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and you’ll have a ready-to-eat breakfast in the morning.
- Meal Prep: Overnight oats are perfect for meal prep! You can make 5-7 jars and enjoy one throughout the week! Double or triple the batch and divide into separate mason jars or resealable containers.
More easy oatmeal recipes you will love!
These Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are easy to make with hearty oats, sweet strawberries layered with a creamy dairy-free 'cheesecake' topping and vegan white chocolate. It's the perfect healthy make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings and only needs 5 minutes of prep time! Gluten-free, refined sugar-free and a healthy and satisfying plant-based breakfast everyone will love!
- ½ cup gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 tsp ground chia seeds
- ½ tsp maple syrup or liquid sweetener of choice
- 1-2 tbsp vanilla or unflavored plant-based vanilla protein powder , optional for added protein
- ½ cup dairy-free greek-style plain yogurt can also use thicker coconut based yogurt such as Yoggu, Culina, Cocojune or Cocoyo or regular greek-yogurt if not dairy-free
- ½ tsp maple syrup or liquid sweetener of choice
- 1 tbsp strawberry jam homemade or preferred brand - can also use pureed / blended strawberries
- 10 g dairy-free white chocolate about 1 large square or dairy-free white chocolate chips of choice (we like Pascha's and Enjoy Life - can use regular white chocolate if not dairy-free)
- 1-2 tsp unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 1/2 tbsp dairy-free greek-style plain yogurt can also use thicker coconut based yogurt such as Yoggu, Culina, Cocojune or Cocoyo or regular greek-yogurt if not dairy-free
- Sliced strawberries
Oats: In a medium ramekin / heat-safe bowl, add the oats, chia seeds, milk, sweetener and optional protein powder. Mix until combined. Microwave on high for 1 minute.
- Yogurt Layer: In a separate bowl, mix together the yogurt and maple syrup until combined. Spread evenly over the oats.
- Strawberry layer: Spread jam evenly over the yogurt layer. (If the strawberry jam is thick, microwave for 10-20 seconds to help with spreading.)
- White Chocolate Layer: Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 20 second increments, stirring well in between until smooth. Stir in the milk and yogurt and mix until combined. Pour / spread evenly on top of the strawberry layer.
- Chill in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
- Remove from the fridge, top with sliced strawberries and enjoy.
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