Save Pin
Set yourself up for a bright morning with Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oatmeal. It's got all that dessert taste, but it's totally made to keep you going strong. This is perfect for those on-the-go days when you want something creamy, full of fruit, a bit sweet, and super satisfying. When strawberries are peaking or I just want breakfast that feels like a treat, this is my favorite way to start the day.
This dish puts a smile on my son’s face, especially since he’s hooked on strawberries every morning. It feels like a treat, though it’s loaded with wholesome stuff.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Lemon juice and zest: super fresh and zippy, zest it first, then squeeze to maximize the flavor punch
- Sweetened with honey or maple syrup: mellow sweetness, use local honey if you can for a flavor boost
- Fresh strawberries, chopped up: hunt down plump, red berries—they make the dish sing
- Full fat cream cheese, softened: for that rich tangy layer, always let it reach room temp so it blends smooth
- Classic rolled oats: old fashioned ones give you the best texture and stay nice and chewy if they’re super fresh
- Plain Greek yogurt: brings creaminess and extra protein; look for short ingredient lists
- Any unsweetened milk: almond or oat milk work really well, both add softness and body
- Chia seeds or flax meal: loaded with fiber, add a tiny bit of nutty flavor—pick them up fresh and seal tight at home
- A good splash of vanilla extract: pulls the cheesecake vibes together, pure vanilla tastes best
- Just a pinch of salt: Believe it or not, it wakes up the flavors—don’t skip it
Simple How-To
- Chill and dig in:
- Let everything sit in the fridge for at least four hours. Overnight is even better to let those flavors really come together. When you’re ready, just give it a stir and eat straight from the jar or scoop into a bowl.
- Spoon into a container and cover:
- Pour your oat mix into a jar or something with a snug lid. Level the top, seal it tight, and chill it.
- Add chopped strawberries:
- Gently stir in strawberries at the end so you get bursts of fruit, not mush.
- Mix dry stuff and your sweet choice:
- Fold in rolled oats, chia or flax, and go ahead with honey or maple syrup. Taste and tweak the sweetness if you want.
- Whisk together everything wet:
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cream cheese, milk, vanilla, lemon zest and juice, plus the pinch of salt. You want it all smooth before you go on.
Save Pin
My best-loved part of this is how the lemon zest pops and the bits of strawberry are never mushy. I sometimes team up with my niece to make it, and in the morning we’ll add even more fresh berries—kind of a mini tradition that always starts our day off right.
Storing It Right
You can stash this breakfast in the fridge for up to three days if your jar or container seals well. The oats turn a little softer as the days go by but the taste just gets better. If you’re prepping in advance, don’t toss in the berries till the night before—you’ll get the juiciest, freshest flavor that way.
Swap Ideas
You don’t have to stick to the usual Greek yogurt—dairy free or coconut yogurt is totally fine, and if you want it vegan, switch cream cheese to a plant-based kind or even a dollop of thick cashew cream. Out of strawberries? Frozen berries or some tart raspberries do the trick too.
How to Serve
In the morning, I sometimes cut up more strawberries or crush up some graham crackers for a crunchy, cheesecake-y top. A tiny honey drizzle or scatter of chopped almonds is also awesome. Most days I just grab a spoon and a hot coffee and call it breakfast.
Save Pin
Why It’s a Thing
Overnight oats take a nod from classic Swiss muesli, but this version is all about that classic American cheesecake spin. It mixes up nostalgia (hello, cheesecake) with the healthy vibes of oats, all in one jar to grab and go.
Common Questions
- → Is it okay to swap frozen strawberries for fresh ones?
Absolutely! Just let the frozen berries sit and thaw. Pour off extra liquid before you toss them in with the oats.
- → How many days will these oats keep in the fridge?
They’ll taste best for up to 3 days if you stash them in a sealed container in your fridge.
- → Can I use something besides Greek yogurt?
Greek variety makes it extra thick but you can totally go for plain or non-dairy yogurt if you want.
- → Do I really need to add sweetener?
You don’t have to. Honey or maple syrup are optional and fruit alone might do the trick for sweetness. Just leave it out if you like.
- → How do I make this work if I can’t have dairy?
Pick up plant milk, swap in dairy-free yogurt, and try vegan cream cheese. That’s all you need for a plant-based option.
- → Want to prep more at once?
Go for it—simply double or triple everything to have these oats ready throughout your busy week.