Ingredients
For the Overnight Oats:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or your favorite non-dairy milk)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (about ¼ cup)
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (about 6-8 medium strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
- Additional fresh strawberry slices
- Optional: whipped cream, extra cream cheese, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
In a small bowl, add the softened cream cheese and use a whisk or fork to blend it until smooth and creamy. This step is important to prevent lumps in your overnight oats. If your cream cheese is still a bit firm, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften.
Step 2: Mix the Oat Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, sweetened cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, chia seeds (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together thoroughly until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The mixture will look quite liquid at this point, which is perfect.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
In a separate small bowl, combine the diced strawberries with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Gently toss to coat. You can lightly mash a few of the strawberries if you want a more jammy consistency, or leave them all diced for texture.
Step 4: Layer Your Jars
Divide half of the oat mixture between two 16-ounce mason jars or containers. Add half of the strawberry mixture on top of the oats in each jar. Add the remaining oat mixture, then top with the remaining strawberries. This creates beautiful layers, but if you prefer, you can simply mix everything together.
Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the jars tightly with lids and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight (8-12 hours) is ideal. This allows the oats to fully absorb the liquid and develop that perfect creamy, pudding-like texture. The chia seeds will also gel up and help thicken everything.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
When you’re ready to eat, remove the overnight oats from the refrigerator. Give them a quick stir if desired. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top, add fresh strawberry slices, and any other desired toppings like a dollop of whipped cream or an extra drizzle of honey. Enjoy cold straight from the jar, or if you prefer, you can warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds for a cozy breakfast option.
Notes
- Texture Preference: If you like thinner overnight oats, add an extra 2-4 tablespoons of milk. If you prefer them thicker, reduce the milk by 2 tablespoons or add an extra tablespoon of chia seeds.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the maple syrup or honey based on your preference and the sweetness of your strawberries. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Make It Vegan: Use non-dairy milk, dairy-free yogurt, vegan cream cheese, and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free graham crackers for the topping.
- Batch Prep: This recipe easily doubles, triples, or quadruples for meal prep. Store individual portions in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (chilling time: 4 hours minimum, overnight preferred)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook, Make-Ahead
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 32mg