Start your day with these tasty Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats! Creamy yogurt mixed with oats and fresh strawberries creates a lovely breakfast treat.
It’s like dessert for breakfast, and who doesn’t love that? I like to add a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top for an extra crunch—super yummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Use rolled oats for the best texture. If you’re short on time, instant oats can work, but they might become mushy.
Milk: Dairy milk gives a rich flavor, but plant-based options like almond or oat milk work just as well. Choose unsweetened for lower sugar.
Greek Yogurt: I love using plain Greek yogurt for its creaminess. If you’re watching calories, opt for low-fat or a non-dairy yogurt.
Cream Cheese: For that cheesecake flavor, regular cream cheese is great. You can swap in Neufchâtel cheese for a lower-fat option.
Sweetener: I prefer honey, but maple syrup is a perfect vegan alternative. Adjust based on your sweetness preference!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal, but frozen ones can work in a pinch. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using!
Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers give a classic cheesecake vibe. If you want a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free graham alternative.
How Do I Whisk Ingredients Smoothly?
It’s essential to combine your ingredients well for creamy oats. Start by mixing the milk, yogurt, cream cheese, honey, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Use a whisk to break up the cream cheese until the mixture is smooth. This prevents clumps in your oats.
- Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.
Taking your time helps create a delicious and well-mixed base for your overnight oats!
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (for creaminess and cheesecake flavor)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp crushed graham crackers or granola (optional for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then you’ll let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. So, just a little bit of work and a bit of patience, and you’ll have a delightful breakfast waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the milk, Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix everything together until you have a smooth and creamy base. It’s key to make sure the cream cheese is well blended, so there are no lumps!
2. Add the Oats:
Once your base is smooth, stir in the rolled oats. Mix until all the oats are fully coated with the creamy mixture. This will be the hearty part of your overnight oats!
3. Incorporate the Strawberries:
Gently fold in half of the chopped strawberries into the oat mixture. This adds a delicious fruity flavor right into the oats.
4. Layer it Up:
Now, take half of the oat mixture and transfer it into a serving jar or bowl. Spread it out evenly. Next, add a layer of the remaining chopped strawberries on top of this mixture to create a fruity layer.
5. Finish with More Oats:
Spoon the rest of the oat mixture over the strawberries, covering them nicely. This makes for a lovely layered look!
6. Chill Overnight:
Cover your jar or bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill overnight (or at least 4 hours) so the oats can soften and absorb all those delicious flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your overnight oats, take them out of the fridge and top with the remaining fresh strawberries. If you like, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or granola on top for added crunch. Now dig in and enjoy your delicious strawberry cheesecake-flavored breakfast!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberries are the star here, you can easily substitute them with other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even diced bananas or mangoes. Just adjust the sweetness if needed, as some fruits are sweeter than others!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, use plant-based milk, non-dairy yogurt, and replace the cream cheese with a vegan alternative or simply skip it. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness. Your overnight oats will still be delicious!
How Do I Thicken My Overnight Oats?
If you prefer a thicker texture, you can reduce the amount of milk or add an extra tablespoon of oats. Letting the mixture sit longer in the fridge can also help thicken it as the oats absorb more liquid.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give them a good stir before eating, and you can add a splash of milk if they seem too thick after sitting in the fridge!
