Sweet, creamy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, these Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are the dreamy breakfast you didn’t know you needed.
Inspired by the flavors of a classic dessert, this recipe takes everything we love about strawberry cheesecake—tangy cream cheese, juicy strawberries, and just the right amount of sweetness—and transforms it into a nourishing, make-ahead breakfast that tastes like a treat but fuels like a meal.
Dessert for Breakfast—Yes, It’s Real
Let’s be honest: we all want breakfast to feel a little exciting, but it’s even better when it feels like dessert. Enter Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats—a healthy, satisfying, no-cook breakfast that tastes like it came straight from your favorite bakery case.
The creamy base comes from rolled oats soaked in almond milk and a touch of cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese!), with a little vanilla and maple syrup to round out that cheesecake flavor.
Swirled with real strawberries—fresh or frozen—this breakfast is naturally sweet, beautifully pink, and packs a fiber- and protein-rich punch. These oats are perfect for meal prep, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you layer them parfait-style in jars or scoop them into bowls with extra toppings, they’re a breakfast you’ll look forward to eating all week long.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh or frozen strawberries (thawed)
- 2 tablespoons plant-based cream cheese (or regular if not vegan)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey, if not vegan)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced strawberries
- Crushed graham crackers
- Coconut whipped cream or vegan yogurt
- More cream cheese or a drizzle of strawberry puree
Pro Tips
- Use ripe strawberries – Fresh berries offer the best flavor, but thawed frozen berries work beautifully too.
- Soften the cream cheese first – It mixes more easily and blends smoothly with the oats.
- Stir twice – Give the mixture a good stir initially, then stir again after 10–15 minutes to break up chia clumps.
- Layer it for presentation – Create parfaits with layers of oats and sliced berries or a dollop of yogurt.
- Make it dessert-worthy – Crushed graham crackers or a dollop of coconut whipped cream take it over the top.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or container with lid
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small bowl
- Fork or spoon for mixing
- Refrigerator for chilling
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based cream cheese (almond, cashew, or oat-based) and non-dairy milk.
- No maple syrup? Substitute agave nectar, honey (if not vegan), or a mashed banana for sweetness.
- Gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free oats and graham-style crackers.
- No chia seeds? Skip them or sub in ground flaxseed for a similar texture and nutrition boost.
- Want it higher protein? Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder or Greek-style plant-based yogurt.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is ideal for meal prep. Store in the fridge in a sealed jar or container for up to 5 days. Make several portions at once and store without toppings to keep them fresh. Add toppings right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
You can also prep the strawberries and cream cheese base separately and mix into oats the night before serving if you want to keep things extra fresh.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
1. Mash the Strawberries
In a small bowl, mash your fresh or thawed strawberries with a fork until chunky or smooth, depending on your preference.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Base
Add softened cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to the mashed strawberries. Stir until well combined.
3. Add Oats, Milk & Chia
Transfer the strawberry-cream cheese mixture into a mason jar. Add oats, almond milk, and chia seeds. Stir well to combine.
4. Chill Overnight
Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the oats to soften and the chia seeds to thicken the mixture into a pudding-like consistency.
5. Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, stir the oats and add any toppings you love—fresh strawberries, crushed graham crackers, or a swirl of extra cream cheese.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the oats become too thick, stir in a splash of almond milk before serving. To keep toppings fresh, add them right before eating.
This recipe also freezes well—just portion into small jars, freeze without toppings, and thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Creamy, Dreamy, and Meal-Prep Friendly
If you love strawberries, cheesecake, or anything creamy and sweet, this Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats recipe is for you. It’s satisfying enough to keep you full all morning, but light and fresh enough to enjoy on busy weekdays or lazy weekend brunches.
Make a batch tonight and treat yourself to a slice of cheesecake—in breakfast form. Don’t forget to comment below and let me know your favorite toppings or variations. I’d love to hear how you made it your own!
