Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are the perfect make-ahead breakfast that feels like a little treat waiting for you in the morning. Creamy oats soaked overnight with fresh strawberries and a hint of cream cheese flavor make every spoonful taste like a dessert, but it’s actually good for you! The oats get soft and smooth, and the strawberries add a bright, juicy sweetness that makes it extra refreshing.
I love how easy these oats are to prep the night before—just mix everything together, pop it in the fridge, and you’re ready to go when you wake up. It saves so much time on busy mornings and still feels special, like having dessert for breakfast without any guilt. Plus, I like to add a few crunchy nuts or a sprinkle of granola on top for a little extra texture that makes each bite even better.
This is the kind of breakfast that I come back to again and again because it’s simple, tasty, and keeps me full until lunch. If you’re a fan of strawberry cheesecake, you’ll love how these oats give you all those flavors in a healthy, easy package. It feels like a small moment of happiness to start the day with, and I can’t recommend it enough for busy mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled oats: These give the best texture after soaking overnight—soft but still a bit chewy. If you can’t find rolled oats, old-fashioned oats work well too. Avoid instant oats as they get too mushy.
Cream cheese: This adds that classic cheesecake flavor. Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing. If you want a lighter option, try mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Greek yogurt: It makes the oats creamy and adds a nice tang. Feel free to swap for plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond if you prefer dairy-free.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring bright sweetness and a fresh feel. You can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t in season—just thaw and drain them before adding.
Milk: Dairy milk gives creaminess, but any plant milk like almond, oat, or soy works just fine. Pick unsweetened varieties to better control the overall sweetness.
How Do You Get the Creamy, Cheesecake Texture in Overnight Oats?
The secret is mixing the cream cheese and yogurt first until smooth. This creates a creamy base that the oats absorb overnight.
- Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Whisk yogurt and sweetener with cream cheese until fully combined.
- Add milk gradually to keep the texture creamy, not watery.
- Gently fold in strawberries at the end to keep their fresh taste.
- Chill for at least 4 hours so oats soak well and flavors meld.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – I use this to whisk together the cream cheese, yogurt, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help keep the ingredients accurate and easy to assemble.
- Jar or container with a lid – perfect for storing the oats overnight without spills.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping fresh strawberries easily.
- Spoon – for mixing and serving, it’s simple but essential.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different berry twist.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts or granola on top for extra crunch.
- Mix in a splash of lemon juice or zest for a fresh citrus note.
- Swirl in some fruit jam or preserves for extra sweetness and flavor.
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess and tang)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp granola or extra oats (for topping)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tbsp chia seeds (for extra texture and nutrition)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, but the oats need to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. That way, they soak up all the flavors and become creamy and delicious without any cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, creamy mixture.
2. Add Oats and Milk:
Stir in the rolled oats and milk until everything is well combined.
3. Fold in Strawberries and Chia Seeds:
Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the oat mixture. If you want to add chia seeds for some extra texture and nutrition, stir them in now.
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
Transfer your oat mixture to a jar or container with a lid. Pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or let it sit overnight, so the oats soften and soak up all the flavors.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If the mixture is too thick, add a little splash of milk to loosen it up. Top with fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of granola or extra oats for crunch, a drizzle of honey or syrup if you like it sweeter, and a sprig of fresh mint to brighten it up. Enjoy your tasty, strawberry cheesecake-inspired breakfast!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just thaw frozen strawberries fully and drain any excess liquid before folding them into the oats to avoid making the mixture too watery.
How Long Can I Store Overnight Oats?
Store your prepared oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Give them a good stir before eating and add a splash of milk if needed to refresh the texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative, and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Without Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cream cheese, but it does add that classic cheesecake flavor and creaminess. If you don’t have it, adding a bit more Greek yogurt or a splash of vanilla extract can help keep a creamy texture and taste.