Strawberry cheesecake overnight oats are the perfect blend of creamy indulgence and morning nutrition. Inspired by the beloved dessert, this recipe transforms familiar cheesecake flavors into a wholesome, prep-ahead breakfast that feels like a treat. Whether you’re craving something fruity, filling, or just different from your usual oats, this version delivers. In this article, I’ll show you how to make a jar of strawberry cheesecake overnight oats that’s packed with protein, easy to prep, and delicious enough to crave daily. We’ll cover the flavor-building ingredients, prep tips, customization ideas, and answer your top questions before wrapping up with a recipe card.
Table of Contents
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
This easy overnight oats recipe tastes just like strawberry cheesecake, but it’s healthy and simple to make ahead. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 jar 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1/3 cup strawberries (chopped, fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp crushed graham crackers or oat granola (for topping)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or jar, mix cream cheese, yogurt, and sweetener until smooth. Stir in vanilla and milk.
- Add rolled oats and chia seeds. Stir until evenly combined.
- Gently fold in chopped strawberries. For a swirl effect, mash a few pieces before mixing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Stir the oats before serving. Top with graham crackers, extra strawberries, or yogurt.
Notes
Optional: Add a scoop of protein powder for a boost. Swap in almond or oat milk for a vegan version. Use gluten-free granola instead of graham crackers for celiac-friendly option.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 140
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 20
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hi, I’m Natacha Quinn, and I’ve always been a dessert-for-breakfast type. One morning in Asheville, while elbow-deep in my usual mason jar lineup, I caught myself daydreaming about cheesecake specifically, that strawberry-topped slice you’d sneak from the fridge late at night. That craving didn’t go away. So I grabbed my oats, a spoonful of cream cheese, a handful of berries, and got to work. The result? These strawberry cheesecake overnight oats. They’ve now become a weekly habit satisfying, not too sweet, and filled with flavor. If you’ve ever wanted dessert without the sugar crash, this breakfast is your moment.
You’ll love this recipe if you’re into simple prep, minimal morning decisions, and bold flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent, meal-prep master, or just want something new in your morning routine, this jar’s for you. If you’re already obsessed with recipes like my carrot cake overnight oats or blended overnight oats, this one’s about to top your list.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- ⅓ cup chopped strawberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers or oat granola (for topping)
Optional swaps:
- Use almond or oat milk for a vegan version
- Add 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder for extra protein
- Replace graham crackers with gluten-free granola for a celiac-friendly twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the creamy base
In a medium bowl or directly in your mason jar, combine the cream cheese, yogurt, and sweetener. Stir until smooth. Then add vanilla extract and milk, and mix again until well combined.
2. Add the oats and chia
Stir in the rolled oats and chia seeds. These will absorb the liquid and thicken up into a pudding-like texture overnight.
3. Fold in the strawberries
Gently mix in the chopped strawberries. If you want a swirl effect, mash a few pieces into the mixture before folding.
4. Chill overnight
Cover your jar or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—ideally overnight. This resting time softens the oats and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Top and serve
In the morning, give the oats a quick stir. Top with crushed graham crackers, extra fresh strawberries, or even a dollop of yogurt for a layered “cheesecake jar” look.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Using too much liquid
Stick to the ratio of ½ cup oats to about ⅓ to ½ cup milk. Too much liquid will make your oats soupy, not creamy.
Skipping the cream cheese step
Don’t just drop the cream cheese in without mixing. Soften and blend it with yogurt and sweetener first for a smooth, cheesecake-like consistency.
Adding graham crackers too early
The oats will lose all of their crunch if you incorporate the topping into them before cooling.
Neglecting the resting time
Four hours is the minimum, but overnight is best. That long soak makes everything thick, creamy, and balanced.
Serving Like a Pro
Once your oats are ready, how you serve them matters almost as much as how you make them. Here are a few ideas to make your breakfast feel like a treat:
Layer like a parfait
Top with sliced strawberries and a dollop of yogurt after spooning the oats into a jar, followed by a layer of broken graham crackers and then more oats.. It’s like a no-bake cheesecake in a jar.
Use small jars for portion control
If you’re prepping for the week, use smaller 6–8 oz jars. They’re the perfect grab-and-go size and help avoid overeating (though I won’t judge if you want two).
Make it a meal
Pair with a boiled egg or a scoop of protein powder mixed in for a balanced macro breakfast.
Store up to 5 days
You can keep these overnight oats in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just wait to add toppings until the day you plan to eat. That keeps things fresh and flavorful.
FAQs
What not to add in overnight oats?
Avoid adding ingredients that spoil quickly or break down overnight. Bananas can turn mushy, and fresh crunchy items like nuts or graham crackers get soggy if mixed in too early. Always add your toppings just before serving for best texture and flavor.
Can you put cream cheese in overnight oats?
Yes! The main ingredient in this strawberry cheesecake overnight oats recipe is cream cheese. When softened and blended with yogurt and sweetener, it adds rich, tangy cheesecake flavor that transforms your oats into a dessert-like breakfast.
Are overnight oats actually healthy?
Definitely. Rolled oats offer fiber and slow-digesting carbs, while ingredients like chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and fruit provide protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. This recipe balances indulgent flavor with nutritious ingredients that support energy and fullness.
Can you put strawberries in overnight
Absolutely. Fresh or frozen strawberries add natural sweetness and vibrant flavor. They also soften overnight, creating a jammy texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy oat base.
Conclusion
Strawberry cheesecake overnight oats are proof that healthy breakfasts don’t have to be boring. With just a few pantry staples, a bit of prep the night before, and your favorite jar, you get a creamy, fruit-packed meal that satisfies like dessert and fuels like a balanced breakfast.
Whether you’re a fan of indulgent flavors or simply need something new for your morning lineup, this recipe delivers. Feel free to tweak it, make it vegan, add protein, or prep a week’s worth. However you enjoy it, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never look at oatmeal the same again.
