why make this recipe
Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats are a delightful and healthy way to start your day. They offer a smooth and creamy texture combined with the sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with nutrition. The oats provide whole grains for energy, while chia seeds add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. The addition of dairy-free yogurt elevates the creaminess and gives a boost of protein, making this dish a perfect choice for breakfast or a light snack. You can make it ahead of time, saving you precious minutes in the morning rush. Plus, the vibrant colors make it visually appealing, turning breakfast into a treat.
how to make Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats
Making Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. You will need a few simple ingredients and a bit of planning ahead.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp vegan vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 1 ½ cups dairy-free milk (like unsweetened soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk)
- 1-2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups frozen strawberries (see notes for fresh strawberries)
- 5 oz dairy-free yogurt
Directions :
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, start by mixing the oats, chia seeds, and protein powder (if you choose to use it). Whisk these dry ingredients until they are well-combined.
Add Liquids: Pour in the dairy-free milk, one tablespoon of maple syrup, and the vanilla extract. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the oats and chia seeds absorb the liquid evenly.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then place it in the fridge. Let it thicken for about 2-3 hours. If you prefer, you can leave it overnight for a more extended soaking period.
Prepare Strawberries: Take 1 ¼ cups of frozen strawberries and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them on high for 2 minutes. After they heat up, cut the strawberries into bite-sized pieces with a fork or knife. Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for another 2-3 minutes, stopping and stirring every 30 seconds to ensure they do not burn. You want the mixture to bubble, and the liquid should reduce by about a quarter. Taste it to check if it needs the remaining one tablespoon of maple syrup for sweetness.
Chill Strawberries: Once the strawberries are cooked, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble the jars.
Layer the Ingredients: When you are ready to present your overnight oats, take two 8-ounce jars (or four 4-ounce jars if you prefer smaller portions). Start by spooning 2-3 tablespoons of the thickened oats into a jar. Next, add a layer of the cooked strawberries on top of the oats. Follow this with more oats, and finish with a generous spoonful of dairy-free yogurt on the top. Repeat this process if you’re using multiple jars until all ingredients are used.
Storage: You can store your completed Strawberry & Cream Overnight Oats in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making this recipe convenient for meal prep.
how to serve Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats
These overnight oats can be enjoyed right from the jar, making them a perfect grab-and-go breakfast. You can also pair them with a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for extra crunch. A drizzle of additional maple syrup or a dollop of your favorite nut butter can enhance the flavor even more. If you have fresh strawberries available, consider using them as a fresh garnish on top. This not only adds flavor but also gives a beautiful touch to your presentation.
how to store Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats
Store the assembled jars of Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This recipe keeps well for up to 5 days, allowing you to prepare it in advance for the week. Since the oats may thicken further in the refrigerator, you can add a splash of dairy-free milk and stir before serving if needed. Always remember to check the jars for freshness before eating.
tips to make Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats
Use Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: While this recipe uses frozen strawberries, fresh strawberries can also be used. If you prefer fresh ones, simply dice them and layer them in the jars without cooking.
Sweetness Adjustments: You can adjust the sweetness according to your taste. If you find it isn’t sweet enough after the first layer, feel free to add more maple syrup while layering.
Use Quality Oats: Old-fashioned oats work best in this recipe as they offer a satisfying chewy texture. Quick oats will become too mushy.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your overnight oats for additional flavor. You might also try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate version!
Add Toppings: For added nutrition and flavor, consider topping your oats with sliced almonds, walnuts, or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for extra crunch.
variations
Mixed Berries Version: You can substitute strawberries with a variety of berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Mixing different berries can create a delicious berry medley.
Nut Butter Swirl: For a richer taste, consider adding a spoonful of almond or peanut butter into the layers for creaminess and extra protein.
Flavor-Made Yogurt: If you want to change up the flavor of the yogurt, consider using flavored dairy-free yogurts, such as coconut or berry-flavored to align with your fruit choice.
FAQs
Can I prepare these overnight oats the night before?
Yes! In fact, preparing them the night before allows the oats and chia seeds to fully absorb the liquid, giving you a creamier and thicker consistency by morning.
Can I substitute dairy-free milk with cow’s milk?
Yes, you can use regular cow’s milk if you are not avoiding dairy. However, this will change the recipe from being vegan to vegetarian.
How long will these overnight oats last in the fridge?
The assembled overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep them in airtight containers.
Can I freeze overnight oats?
While it is possible to freeze the oats, the texture may change when thawed. It is best to store them in the fridge for the best texture and taste.
What can I do if I don’t have chia seeds?
If you don’t have chia seeds, you can skip them or substitute them with ground flaxseed. They will provide similar nutritional benefits and help thicken the oats.
Enjoy making your Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats! They are not only tasty but also a wholesome way to kickstart your day.
Print
Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A healthy and delicious way to start your day with smooth, creamy oats topped with strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp vegan vanilla protein powder (optional)
- 1 ½ cups dairy-free milk (like unsweetened soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk)
- 1–2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups frozen strawberries
- 5 oz dairy-free yogurt
Instructions
- Combine the oats, chia seeds, and protein powder (if using) in a large bowl.
- Pour in the dairy-free milk, one tablespoon of maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the strawberries by microwaving them on high for 2 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Chill the cooked strawberries until ready to layer.
- Layer oats and strawberries in jars, finishing with a spoonful of dairy-free yogurt.
- Store jars in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
These overnight oats can be enjoyed cold or heated. Adjust sweetness according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Refrigeration
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: overnight oats, strawberries, breakfast, vegan, meal prep