Strawberry Overnight Oats Recipe

If you love starting your day with something quick, tasty, and nourishing, these strawberry overnight oats might just become your new go-to. They’re creamy, lightly sweet, and packed with juicy strawberry flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re completely vegan and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy mornings. Whether you’re already an overnight oats fan or just looking to shake up your breakfast routine, these strawberry oats are a fresh, fruity option that feels like a treat but is secretly loaded with good-for-you ingredients.

I first stumbled upon the idea of strawberry-flavored oats one summer when I bought more strawberries than I could handle. I didn’t want them to go to waste, so I started experimenting in the kitchen. When I blended strawberries with non-dairy milk and a touch of maple syrup, I was blown away by how the mix tasted—like a creamy strawberry milkshake, but healthier! I thought, why not let the oats soak in this strawberry milk overnight? The result was a beautifully pink, delicious breakfast that tasted like dessert and has been a staple in my breakfast rotation ever since.

this RECIPE

The origin of overnight oats 🍓

Overnight oats have roots in Switzerland, where a similar dish called “Bircher Muesli” was created by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Brenner in the early 1900s. His version combined oats with grated apple, lemon juice, and yogurt, creating a raw, nutrient-dense meal that was designed to nourish and energize. Since then, overnight oats have evolved, incorporating all sorts of creative flavors and ingredients. The beauty of overnight oats is that they soften without cooking, absorbing flavors as they chill, which makes them endlessly adaptable and perfect for experimenting with different fruits, flavors, and textures.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of this recipe

This strawberry overnight oats recipe has two main components: the strawberry “milk” and the oats themselves. Here’s what makes each ingredient special:

• Strawberries: The base of our strawberry milk, fresh or frozen strawberries give this dish its vibrant color and flavor. Fresh strawberries are ideal if they’re in season, but frozen work just as well and often have more consistent sweetness. Strawberries are also high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which add a nutritional boost.
• Non-dairy milk: I like to use almond or oat milk for a creamy, neutral base, but you can use any non-dairy milk you prefer. This adds a luscious texture and helps blend the flavors without overpowering the strawberries.
• Vegan yogurt: The yogurt adds a bit of tang and thickness, making the strawberry milk feel richer. If you don’t have yogurt, you can just add a little more milk; the oats will still be delicious!
• Maple syrup: Just a touch of this natural sweetener brings out the strawberries’ flavor without being too sugary. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Oats: Rolled oats work perfectly here, absorbing the strawberry milk to create a soft, pudding-like texture. You can also use quick oats if you prefer a finer texture. Avoid steel-cut oats, as they don’t soften as well without cooking.
• Chia seeds or flaxseed: These little powerhouses thicken the oats and add extra fiber and omega-3s. Both chia and flax work well, so choose whichever you have on hand.
• Lemon juice: Just a squeeze brightens up the strawberry flavor and keeps it from tasting too flat. It’s a small addition, but it makes a big difference!

Essential tools for making overnight oats

You don’t need much to whip up these strawberry overnight oats, but a few kitchen tools will make the process easier:

• Blender: A high-speed blender is ideal for making the strawberry milk smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a high-speed blender, you may need to blend a bit longer to break down the strawberries fully.
• Mixing bowl: Use a large bowl to mix the oats, chia seeds, and strawberry milk. This gives you plenty of space to stir everything together without making a mess.
• Storage jars or containers: Mason jars or any airtight containers are perfect for portioning and storing your oats in the fridge. The smaller, individual containers make it easy to grab a portion on busy mornings.

Step-by-step: How to make strawberry overnight oats

Making these strawberry overnight oats is as easy as blending, mixing, and letting time do the work. Here’s my tried-and-true method:

1. Make the strawberry milk: In your blender, combine the strawberries, non-dairy milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high for about 45-60 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Give it a taste and add a little more maple syrup if you want it sweeter.
2. Combine the oats and seeds: In a large mixing bowl, add the oats and chia seeds (or flaxseed). Stir them together to evenly distribute the seeds.
3. Pour and mix: Pour your freshly blended strawberry milk over the oats and seeds. Add the diced strawberries and stir everything well, making sure the oats are fully submerged in the milk. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then give it another stir to ensure everything’s evenly combined. The chia seeds will start to gel, thickening the mixture slightly.
4. Chill: Transfer the oat mixture into jars or containers, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. The oats and chia seeds will absorb the strawberry milk, creating a thick, creamy texture.
5. Serve: In the morning, grab a jar, give it a stir, and top with your favorite toppings! I love adding a spoonful of almond butter, a sprinkle of hemp hearts, or a handful of chopped almonds for extra crunch and protein.

Variations and adaptations to try

The beauty of overnight oats is that they’re incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to change up this strawberry version:

• Make it tropical: Replace the strawberries with fresh or frozen mango, and add a bit of shredded coconut on top for a tropical twist.
• Berry medley: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in the strawberry milk for a berry-packed variation.
• Low-sugar version: Skip the maple syrup, and add a bit of mashed banana instead for natural sweetness. Bananas pair wonderfully with strawberries and give the oats a creamy texture.
• Protein boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make these oats even more filling. Vanilla or berry-flavored protein powder works especially well with the strawberry milk.
• Nut-free: If you’re avoiding nuts, try topping with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of almonds. You can also use coconut milk for the base.
• Gluten-free: Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you’re sensitive to gluten.

How to serve and enjoy your strawberry overnight oats

For a pretty presentation, I like to add a few slices of fresh strawberries on top before serving. You can also drizzle a little extra maple syrup or add a spoonful of your favorite nut butter for richness. For crunch, sprinkle some chopped almonds or hemp hearts over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, a few edible flowers make a beautiful garnish. These oats are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with a side of fresh fruit or a small bowl of yogurt for added creaminess.

Perfect pairings for breakfast

Since these oats are creamy and fruity, they pair beautifully with light, refreshing drinks. Here are a few ideas:

• Iced matcha latte: The earthiness of matcha complements the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a balanced breakfast duo.
• Herbal tea: Try a fruity herbal tea like hibiscus or berry blend, which echoes the flavors of the oats.
• Cold-brew coffee: If you need a caffeine kick, cold-brew coffee with a splash of non-dairy milk is a great match for the creamy oats.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice: For an extra dose of vitamin C, pair these strawberry oats with a glass of fresh OJ!

Storing and reheating tips

These strawberry overnight oats will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Store them in airtight jars or containers to keep them fresh. If you prefer your oats warm, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of non-dairy milk if it’s too thick. Give it a stir, and you’re good to go! However, these oats are delicious cold, so you may not even want to warm them up.

Adjusting the recipe for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about four servings, but it’s easy to adjust for more or fewer. If you’re just making breakfast for yourself, simply halve the ingredients. For a larger batch, you can double or triple the recipe—just make sure to use a large mixing bowl! When scaling up, you may need to blend the strawberry milk in batches, depending on your blender’s capacity.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Too thick: If your oats turn out thicker than you like, just add a little extra non-dairy milk before serving and stir to loosen them up.
• Too thin: If the oats seem too liquidy after chilling, let them sit for another hour or add a bit more chia or flaxseed to thicken.
• Not sweet enough: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a mashed banana to sweeten things up if needed.

Ready to dive in?

These strawberry overnight oats are a breakfast dream come true—creamy, sweet, and so easy to make. Once you try them, don’t be surprised if they become a regular part of your morning routine. Feel free to get creative with the toppings and variations to make them your own. Happy breakfasting!

FAQs

1. Can I make these with regular milk?
Yes, if you’re not vegan, you can use regular milk or any dairy milk you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.

2. Can I use steel-cut oats?
Steel-cut oats don’t soften as well without cooking, so I recommend sticking to rolled or quick oats for the best texture.

3. Can I freeze overnight oats?
Overnight oats can be frozen, but the texture might change a bit. If you freeze them, thaw in the fridge overnight and stir well before eating.

4. Do I need to add yogurt?
Nope! You can skip the yogurt and replace it with an equal amount of non-dairy milk if you prefer.

5. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely. Honey works as a sweetener too, though it will make the recipe non-vegan if that’s a consideration for you.

Print