Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats Meal Prep
Highlighted under: Whisked & Baked
I absolutely love starting my day with these Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats. They combine the rich flavors of cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries, making breakfast feel like a treat. I often prepare them in advance for a quick and healthy grab-and-go option. The creamy yogurt base pairs perfectly with the oats, and you can customize the sweetness according to your taste. With just a few simple ingredients, it's incredible how delicious and satisfying this meal prep can be!
When I first tried overnight oats, I didn’t realize how versatile they could be. I wanted to create a breakfast that tasted indulgent but was still healthy and easy to prepare. That’s when I thought of combining the flavors of strawberry cheesecake into my oats. I experimented with different ratios of yogurt and oats and discovered the perfect balance that mimics the creamy texture of cheesecake.
One tip that has really made a difference is letting the oats soak overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a delightful harmony with each bite in the morning. Topping them fresh strawberries in the morning makes all the difference, taking these oats to the next level!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Deliciously creamy with a delightful cheesecake flavor
- Fruity freshness from ripe strawberries in every bite
- Convenient meal prep that saves you time in the mornings
The Importance of Ingredients
Using high-quality rolled oats is crucial to attaining the desired texture in your overnight oats. They should be thick and hearty, soaking up the liquid and creating a satisfying base. If you prefer a quicker option, you can use instant oats, but be aware that the consistency may be creamier and less chewy. For the milk, choose a variety that complements the flavors; almond milk adds a nutty note, while regular milk provides a classic taste.
Greek yogurt serves a dual purpose in this recipe: it adds creaminess and boosts the protein content. I recommend using full-fat Greek yogurt for a rich and decadent experience, but if you're watching calories, low-fat or non-fat options work as well. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
Layering for Optimal Flavor
Layering the oat mixture with the cream cheese and strawberry mix is not just about presentation; it also enhances the tasting experience. As you dig in, you’ll enjoy bursts of strawberry flavor alongside the creamy cheesecake notes. When folding the cream cheese with lemon juice, make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps. A smooth mixture ensures even distribution throughout the layers, giving you that perfect balance in every bite.
I recommend using clear mason jars for serving, as they visually showcase the beautiful layers. You may also try small glass containers with airtight lids if you don't have mason jars on hand. This keeps the oats fresh and allows easy transport for a grab-and-go breakfast.
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients to make your overnight oats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup diced strawberries
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Mix all the ingredients well before placing them in jars.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your overnight oats.
Prepare the Oats
In a bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Mix in Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with lemon juice until smooth. Fold in diced strawberries for extra flavor.
Layer the Ingredients
In mason jars, layer the oat mixture followed by a layer of the strawberry cream cheese mix. Repeat the layers until jars are filled.
Chill Overnight
Cover the jars and refrigerate overnight, allowing the oats to soak and flavors to develop.
Serve and Enjoy
In the morning, give your oats a good stir and top with extra strawberries if desired. Enjoy chilled!
Make sure to store any leftovers in the fridge.
Pro Tips
- For added sweetness, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also experiment with different fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, for variety!
Making Ahead and Storage
One of the best features of this recipe is its meal prep-friendly nature. You can make a batch at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge for up to five days. Just ensure they are tightly sealed in the mason jars to prevent moisture loss. Shake the jars before serving to redistribute the ingredients, ensuring a uniform texture.
If you want to prepare them in larger quantities, feel free to scale the recipe up—just maintain the same ingredient ratios. A batch of eight servings works nicely in quart-sized jars. Make sure to refrigerate them right after layering to keep them fresh!
Serving Variations
While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can easily switch them out for other fruits based on your preference or seasonal availability. Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches provide a lovely twist to the flavor profile, allowing you to enjoy this recipe year-round.
For an extra touch, consider adding a layer of crushed graham crackers on top before serving. This adds a delicious crunch that mimics the crust of a traditional cheesecake and enhances the overall experience. You can also drizzle with extra honey or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent breakfast treat.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute regular yogurt with dairy-free yogurt?
Absolutely! Dairy-free yogurt works wonderfully and maintains the creamy texture.
→ How long do these overnight oats last in the fridge?
They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator, making them a great meal prep option.
→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can, rolled oats provide a better texture and hold up better overnight.
→ Is it necessary to layer the cream cheese?
Layering adds dimension and allows the flavors to blend beautifully, but you can mix everything together if you prefer.
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats Meal Prep
I absolutely love starting my day with these Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats. They combine the rich flavors of cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries, making breakfast feel like a treat. I often prepare them in advance for a quick and healthy grab-and-go option. The creamy yogurt base pairs perfectly with the oats, and you can customize the sweetness according to your taste. With just a few simple ingredients, it's incredible how delicious and satisfying this meal prep can be!
Created by: Camilla Rhodes
Recipe Type: Whisked & Baked
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or almond milk)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup diced strawberries
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with lemon juice until smooth. Fold in diced strawberries for extra flavor.
In mason jars, layer the oat mixture followed by a layer of the strawberry cream cheese mix. Repeat the layers until jars are filled.
Cover the jars and refrigerate overnight, allowing the oats to soak and flavors to develop.
In the morning, give your oats a good stir and top with extra strawberries if desired. Enjoy chilled!
Extra Tips
- For added sweetness, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup. You can also experiment with different fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, for variety!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 12g