Strawberries and Cream Oats

Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats take just a few minutes to make and are loaded with nutritious ingredients like oats, strawberries, Greek yogurt, chia seeds and milk. This combination creates a healthy, filling breakfast that's both satisfying and delicious. The best part is that you prepare it the night before, so breakfast is ready when you wake up.

I started making these overnight oats during my busiest work weeks when I barely had time to think about breakfast. Now it's become a staple in our house, with my family requesting different variations weekly.

Ingredients

• Old fashioned oats: provide complex carbs and fiber to keep you full all morning
• Milk: adds creaminess and calcium choose your favorite dairy or plant based variety
• Strawberry Greek yogurt: brings protein and a creamy texture with natural strawberry flavor
• Chia seeds: create thickness while adding omega 3 fatty acids and additional fiber
• Fresh or frozen strawberries: deliver natural sweetness and vitamin C
• Optional protein powder: boosts the protein content making this breakfast extra satisfying

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gather Ingredients:

First collect all your ingredients and a pint sized mason jar or container with a lid. Having everything ready makes this quick recipe even faster.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

Add the oats and chia seeds to your container. If using protein powder add it now as well. These form the base of your overnight oats and will absorb the liquid ingredients.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Pour in the milk and spoon in the strawberry Greek yogurt. The liquid to dry ratio is important for the perfect consistency so measure carefully.

Mix In Strawberries:

Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Whether using fresh or frozen they will infuse the oats with flavor as they sit overnight.

Stir Everything Together:

Use a spoon to thoroughly combine all ingredients ensuring the oats and chia seeds are completely moistened with no dry pockets.

Refrigerate:

Seal your container and place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least two hours. The oats will soften and the chia seeds will expand creating a pudding like consistency.

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The chia seeds are my secret ingredient in this recipe. They create the most amazing pudding like texture while boosting the nutritional profile significantly. I once forgot to add them and the difference was noticeable both in taste and how satisfied I felt afterward.

Storage Guidelines

These overnight oats stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in sealed containers. The texture actually improves after the first 24 hours as the flavors meld together more thoroughly. If you notice the mixture becoming too thick after storage add a splash of milk before eating to achieve your desired consistency. I often make a batch on Sunday evening to have breakfast ready for the first half of the work week.

Flavor Variations

While strawberries and cream is a classic combination you can easily adapt this recipe to create different flavor profiles. Try blueberry yogurt with fresh blueberries for a different berry experience. Vanilla yogurt with diced peaches creates a delightful summer variation. Chocolate lovers can add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and use chocolate protein powder for a dessert like breakfast that still provides excellent nutrition. My family enjoys having a different flavor each week which keeps breakfast interesting.

Nutrition Boost

This breakfast is already nutritionally balanced but you can enhance it further by adding nutritional powerhouses. A tablespoon of ground flaxseed increases fiber and omega 3 content. Chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add sweetness if needed though the fruit and yogurt often provide enough natural sweetness. Consider stirring in a spoonful of nut butter just before eating for extra staying power and delicious flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While these overnight oats are a complete meal on their own they can be elevated with thoughtful toppings. Fresh sliced strawberries add bright color and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of granola provides welcome textural contrast. For special occasions a light drizzle of white chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream turns this healthy breakfast into something that feels indulgent. I like to serve mine in clear glasses when hosting brunch so guests can see the beautiful layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, both fresh and frozen strawberries work well in this dish. If using frozen, no need to thaw them beforehand.

→ How long can these oats be stored?

These oats can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container for optimal freshness.

→ What type of milk should I use?

You can use any milk of your choice, such as cow's milk, almond milk, or oat milk, depending on your preferences.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use non-dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

→ What can I use instead of chia seeds?

You can replace chia seeds with ground flaxseeds or omit them altogether if preferred.