Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats With Chia
Highlighted under: Artisan Bakes
I absolutely love starting my day with these Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats. They’re creamy, indulgent, and packed with the delightful flavors of strawberries and cheesecake! I often prepare them the night before, which makes mornings so much easier. The combination of chia seeds and oats creates the perfect texture, while the strawberries add a fresh, fruity note. It’s a breakfast that feels like dessert but is healthy enough to fuel my day.
When I first tried making overnight oats, I was skeptical about them being satisfying enough. But upon adding cream cheese and strawberries, I realized it transformed the whole experience! The creaminess from the cream cheese mimics the feeling of a cheesecake, while the oats fill me up. Each bite is a delicious reminder that healthy can be delightful.
One trick I’ve learned is to let the chia seeds soak for a good amount of time. This helps them expand and create a thick, gel-like consistency, making the oats even creamier. I promise, prepping these oats is a breeze, and they keep well in the fridge for a few days for a quick grab-and-go breakfast!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich strawberry flavor with a creamy cheesecake twist
- Nutritious chia seeds add excellent texture and health benefits
- Convenient make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings
The Role of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a key component in these overnight oats, providing both nutrition and texture. When soaked, they absorb liquid and swell, creating a gel-like consistency that helps bind the ingredients together. This not only enhances the creaminess of the dish but also contributes a satisfying crunch. If you're aiming for a thicker consistency, feel free to increase the amount of chia seeds by an additional tablespoon or two, depending on your preference.
These tiny seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. This makes them an excellent addition to breakfast, helping to keep you fuller for longer. I like to incorporate chia seeds into my diet whenever possible, and they seamlessly blend into these overnight oats, making them a superfood without compromising taste.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Using fresh strawberries is ideal for this recipe, as they release their juices and enhance the flavor of the oats. However, if strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen ones—just thaw and chop them before adding to the mixture. Alternatively, feel free to experiment with other berries such as raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
For a dairy-free version, swap the Greek yogurt and cream cheese with coconut yogurt or a cashew-based cream cheese. Additionally, you can replace almond milk with any plant-based milk like oat or soy. This flexibility allows you to tailor the recipe to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying the delicious flavors of cheesecake and strawberries.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Overnight Oats
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Mix all ingredients together and allow to set for a few minutes before refrigerating for optimal thickness.
Instructions
Instructions
Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, maple syrup, chia seeds, chopped strawberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Refrigerate
Transfer the mixture into a jar or airtight container. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Serve
Once the mixture has set, stir again before serving. Top with additional chopped strawberries or a drizzle of honey if desired.
Enjoy this delightful and nutritious breakfast straight from the jar!
Pro Tips
- For a twist, try using different fruits such as blueberries or bananas. You can also add a sprinkle of granola on top just before serving for extra crunch!
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the greatest benefits of this recipe is its make-ahead convenience. You can prepare several jars at once and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. This means you can have a nutritious breakfast ready to go each morning—and they even taste better after sitting! The flavors meld as they chill, ultimately resulting in a rich and satisfying dish.
To keep the texture fresh, I recommend adding any toppings like additional strawberries or nuts right before serving. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy and ensures a delightful crunch that complements the creamy oats.
Serving Suggestions
These Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. For a more decadent dessert-like experience, try topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs to mimic traditional cheesecake. You could also incorporate a layer of homemade strawberry compote for an extra burst of flavor.
If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a splash of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note, which pairs beautifully with the strawberries and cream. This addition brightens the overall flavor and adds a lovely aromatic touch to your breakfast treat.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, non-dairy milk like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk works perfectly.
→ How long do these overnight oats last in the fridge?
They can last up to 5 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Just allow them to thaw before adding them to the mixture.
→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! These overnight oats are ideal for meal prep and can be made in advance for quick breakfasts.
Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats With Chia
I absolutely love starting my day with these Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats. They’re creamy, indulgent, and packed with the delightful flavors of strawberries and cheesecake! I often prepare them the night before, which makes mornings so much easier. The combination of chia seeds and oats creates the perfect texture, while the strawberries add a fresh, fruity note. It’s a breakfast that feels like dessert but is healthy enough to fuel my day.
What You'll Need
Overnight Oats
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, maple syrup, chia seeds, chopped strawberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Transfer the mixture into a jar or airtight container. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Once the mixture has set, stir again before serving. Top with additional chopped strawberries or a drizzle of honey if desired.
Extra Tips
- For a twist, try using different fruits such as blueberries or bananas. You can also add a sprinkle of granola on top just before serving for extra crunch!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 12g