Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are a simple and delicious way to start your day. This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the smooth creaminess of yogurt or milk-soaked oats. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and has just the right amount of fruitiness to make breakfast feel special without any fuss.
I love making these overnight oats because they’re so easy to prepare the night before. I usually toss in some fresh or frozen strawberries, a splash of vanilla, and a little honey for sweetness before letting it all sit in the fridge. In the morning, I wake up to a ready-to-eat, naturally creamy breakfast that feels like a treat but is actually healthy and filling.
If you want to add a bit of crunch, I like sprinkling some chopped nuts or a handful of granola right before eating. It adds a nice texture contrast with the soft oats and juicy strawberries. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy your fruit and whole grains in a quick, no-cook meal that keeps me fueled all morning long.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: These are the best choice for overnight oats since they soak up liquid without turning mushy. If you don’t have rolled oats, steel-cut oats won’t soften enough, and instant oats get too mushy.
Milk and yogurt: The milk helps soften the oats, while yogurt adds creaminess and tang. You can use any milk you like—dairy, almond, oat, or soy. Greek yogurt gives a thicker texture, but regular yogurt works too.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add bright flavor and natural sweetness. Frozen berries work well too; just let them thaw a bit before mixing. If strawberries aren’t available, blueberries or raspberries are good swaps.
Chia seeds: These help thicken the oats and add fiber. If you don’t have chia seeds, you can skip them or substitute ground flaxseeds for a similar nutrition boost.
How Do You Make Creamy and Well-Textured Overnight Oats?
Getting the perfect texture is key! Follow these tips for creamy and soft oats:
- Use rolled oats, not instant—they hold texture better.
- Mix oats with enough liquid—milk and yogurt together create a nice creamy base.
- Add chia seeds for thickness and a little extra chew.
- Stir everything well before refrigerating to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Let them sit at least 4 hours or overnight to soften fully.
- In the morning, stir again to combine flavors and textures before eating.
These small steps help the oats absorb moisture without turning mushy and keep the strawberries tasting fresh and bright.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl or jar – I prefer a jar because it’s easy to cover and store in the fridge.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy when measuring oats, liquid, and flavorings.
- Mixing spoon or fork – to stir everything together smoothly.
- Refrigerator – to let the oats soak and soften overnight.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
- Mix in a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter before refrigerating for added richness.
- Add a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
- Stir in chopped nuts or granola just before serving for crunch and extra protein.
Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ⅓ cup plain or vanilla yogurt (Greek or regular)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare and then needs at least 4 hours (or overnight) in the fridge to let the oats soak and soften. It’s a quick, no-cook breakfast you can make the night before and enjoy the next morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. This will form the base of your overnight oats.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the milk and yogurt. Add the honey or maple syrup if you’d like a touch of sweetness, and the vanilla extract for flavor. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Add Strawberries:
Gently fold in half of the sliced strawberries so they are spread throughout the mixture.
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap, then place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight so the oats and chia seeds soak up the liquid and soften.
5. Serve:
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Top with the remaining fresh strawberry slices. For extra creaminess, add an extra spoonful of yogurt on top. You can also sprinkle shredded coconut or a few chia seeds if you like.
6. Enjoy:
Your delicious Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats are ready to eat—enjoy this creamy, fruity breakfast chilled!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well! Just let them thaw slightly before mixing to avoid adding too much extra liquid. They’ll soften nicely overnight and still taste delicious.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Yogurt?
Absolutely! You can skip the yogurt and use extra milk instead, but the texture may be a bit less creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut or almond yogurt.
How Long Do Overnight Oats Last in the Fridge?
They stay fresh for up to 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. Give them a good stir before eating, and add fresh fruit or toppings as needed.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
Definitely! The honey or maple syrup is optional—feel free to add more or less depending on your taste. You can also use natural sweeteners like mashed banana or applesauce.