If you love the cozy comfort of a slice of strawberry cheesecake but want a healthier, make-ahead breakfast, Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are a seasonal dream come true. This no-fuss recipe blends creamy Greek yogurt and softened cream cheese with bright, juicy strawberries to create a luscious, spoonable breakfast that tastes like dessert but starts your day on the right foot. It’s ideal when strawberries are at their peak — sweet, fragrant, and bursting with color — and it’s a smart way to turn seasonal fruit into an indulgent-but-balanced morning. For a playful dessert-style breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekends, this recipe is absolutely worth trying. For more cheesecake-inspired make-ahead ideas, check out this easy no-bake Twix cheesecake recipe: no-bake Twix cheesecake recipe.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup strawberries, diced
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
Notes on ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt adds tang and protein; use full-fat for extra creaminess or low-fat if you prefer.
- The cream cheese is what gives this overnight oat its cheesecake personality — make sure it’s softened to mix smoothly.
- Almond milk keeps it dairy-light, but any milk (dairy or non-dairy) works.
- Two measures of strawberries are listed intentionally: diced strawberries go into the oat base, while chopped berries plus maple syrup are used to make the quick strawberry reduction.
- Old fashioned oats hold up best overnight for texture that isn’t mushy; quick oats will get softer and creamier more quickly if that’s the texture you prefer.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork (for smoothing the cream cheese)
- Small saucepan or nonstick pot (for the strawberry reduction)
- Airtight container or 2–3 mason jars for storing overnight oats
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Optional: blender (to blend cream cheese and yogurt into a super-smooth base), spatula, fine mesh strainer (for smoother reduction)
Helpful tools: A blender is handy if you want an ultra-creamy cheesecake base; mason jars make portioning and grab-and-go breakfasts effortless.
Step-by-Step Instructions (with tips)
First add the softened cream cheese, greek yogurt, almond milk, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract to a bowl. Combine evenly.
- Tip: If your cream cheese isn’t fully smooth, use a fork or whisk to break it up first, or briefly pulse in a blender with a splash of almond milk for a velvety base. Room-temperature cream cheese blends much easier.
Next add in the dry ingredients – oats, chia seeds, and salt. Combine.
- Tip: Stir thoroughly so the chia seeds don’t clump. Chia seeds will thicken the mixture overnight and make the texture pleasantly pudding-like.
Stir in the strawberries.
- Tip: Fold gently so you don’t crush all the berries; a few broken pieces are great for flavor pockets, but keeping half intact gives nice texture.
Transfer the oatmeal mixture to an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator overnight.
- Tip: Divide into single-serving jars or containers for easy mornings. Leave a little headspace if you plan to stir in the strawberry reduction later.
Then make the strawberry reduction. Simply add the strawberries and maple syrup to a small pan or pot on the stovetop over medium heat. Mash the strawberries once they become soft enough and let simmer. Remove from the heat.
- Tip: Simmer just until the berries break down and the sauce thickens slightly — 5–8 minutes. For a chunkier compote, mash less; for a smoother sauce, cook longer or blitz briefly in a blender. If you prefer a roasted note, you can roast halved strawberries on a baking tray at 400°F for 12–18 minutes with the maple syrup, which deepens flavor and caramelizes sugars.
You can mix the reduction straight into the overnight oats or you can store it in a separate airtight container and add to the oats when serving.
- Tip: Mixing the reduction in overnight gives a marbled, evenly flavored bowl; saving it separate keeps bright bursts of strawberry and avoids softening the oats too much for a longer shelf life.
Serve the overnight oats with the strawberry reduction and enjoy!
- Tip: Top with extra diced strawberries, a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts (like almonds or pistachios), or a few fresh mint leaves for a cheesecake-like finish.
Variations and flavor suggestions
- Berry swap: Try raspberries or blueberries for a different seasonal twist.
- Nut butter swirl: Add a spoonful of almond or cashew butter for extra richness.
- Crunch topper: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or granola at serving for that classic cheesecake crunch.
- Lighter option: Use low-fat Greek yogurt and reduce cream cheese to 2 oz for fewer calories but still great flavor.
- Boozy twist (for adults): Stir in a teaspoon of liqueur (like Chambord or Amaretto) into the strawberry reduction before cooling.
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
Storing leftovers
- Refrigerate: Overnight oats stored in an airtight container will keep well in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. Keep the strawberry reduction in a separate container to preserve texture and bright flavor.
- Portioning: Make this recipe in individual mason jars for breakfasts through the week; they’re convenient to grab and eat cold or gently warmed.
Freezing
- Freezing isn’t ideal for overnight oats with fresh fruit because the texture changes after thawing (berries get mushier). However, you can freeze the strawberry reduction for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir before using.
Make-ahead
- Double batch: You can easily double or triple the base mixture for a week of breakfasts. If making for a crowd, store in a large airtight container and scoop into bowls or jars when ready to serve. For variety, set out different toppings so everyone customizes their own.
- Note on reheating: If you prefer your overnight oats warm, stir briefly and microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm gently in a small pan; add a splash of milk if it’s too thick. For more make-ahead breakfast ideas with cheesecake vibes, try this pumpkin cheesecake cookies recipe for a seasonal treat: pumpkin cheesecake cookies.
How to Use / Serve This Dish
Serving ideas
- Breakfast parfait: Layer overnight oats, a spoonful of strawberry reduction, and whipped coconut cream, then repeat for a dreamy cheesecake parfait.
- On-the-go: Close a mason jar with the lid and take your prepared oats with you for travel-friendly breakfasts.
- Dessert-style: Serve as an after-dinner treat with a drizzle of extra maple syrup and crushed digestive biscuits for a cheesecake-like presentation.
Pairings
- Hot beverages: Serve with your favorite coffee, latte, or matcha for a balanced morning.
- Fresh fruit: Add a side plate of seasonal fruit (peaches, mango, or extra strawberries) for color and freshness.
- Protein boost: Top with a scoop of protein powder or a sprinkle of hemp seeds to make it more post-workout friendly.
Creative variations
- Cheesecake swirl: Fold a small amount of mascarpone or ricotta into the base for a richer cheesecake flavor.
- Citrus lift: Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest to the base for a classic cheesecake brightness.
- Layered breakfast jars: Alternate oat mixture with Greek yogurt and strawberry reduction for an Instagram-friendly layered look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats instead?
A: Quick oats will work and will create a softer, more porridge-like texture overnight. Steel-cut oats are not ideal for cold soaking overnight unless you use an overnight soak soak method specifically for steel-cut oats (they need much more liquid and time); otherwise, cook them first and cool before combining.
Q: How long do these overnight oats keep in the fridge?
A: Stored airtight, they’re best enjoyed within 3–5 days. The strawberry reduction can keep separately for up to 5–7 days in the fridge; freezing the reduction extends its life further.
Q: Can I swap the cream cheese for something else?
A: Yes. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream cheese or increase Greek yogurt slightly and add 1–2 tablespoons of nut butter for richness. Cottage cheese blended smooth is another protein-forward swap that mimics the tang of cheesecake.
Q: Any tips if my oats are too thick or too thin in the morning?
A: If too thick, stir in a splash of almond milk or yogurt to loosen them. If too thin, add a teaspoon of chia seeds or a small handful of oats and let rest in the fridge for 30–60 minutes to thicken.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are the perfect seasonal breakfast: comforting, creamy, and bright with fresh strawberry flavor. They strike a lovely balance between indulgence and nourishment — everything you want when fresh berries are at their best. If you enjoy make-ahead breakfasts that feel special, this recipe is a keeper and a delightful way to celebrate strawberry season. For more inspiration and similar recipes, you might enjoy this Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats recipe, or see another take on the idea at Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats – A Paige of Positivity. If you like experimenting with flavors and healthy twists, this version from Hannah Magee is a great resource: Nutritious Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats – Hannah Magee. Ready to give this a try? Make a batch, share a photo, and tell a friend — there’s something wonderfully comforting about a jar of cheesecake-like oats waiting in the fridge.
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
For the Oats
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt Use full-fat for extra creaminess or low-fat if preferred.
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened Must be softened for smooth mixing.
- 1 cup almond milk Any milk (dairy or non-dairy) can be used.
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup old fashioned oats Holds up best overnight for texture.
- 1 tbsp chia seeds Will thicken the mixture overnight.
- ½ cup strawberries, diced
- ½ cup strawberries, chopped Used for the strawberry reduction.
- 1 pinch salt
For the Strawberry Reduction
- ½ cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, almond milk, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Combine evenly.
- Add in the dry ingredients – oats, chia seeds, and salt. Combine thoroughly.
- Stir in the diced strawberries gently to avoid crushing them.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate overnight.
Strawberry Reduction
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the chopped strawberries and maple syrup. Mash once soft, then let simmer for 5–8 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and either mix into the oats or store separately.
Serving
- Serve overnight oats with strawberry reduction on top. Optional: garnish with extra diced strawberries, crushed graham crackers, or chopped nuts.
