Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
Wake up to the sweet taste of fresh berries when you prep a hearty serving of strawberries and cream overnight oats before bed! This no-cook meal prep hack sounds like a dream, but tastes even better. You won’t have to scramble for a quick meal no matter how busy your day and it won’t leave you hungry an hour later. Start with plant-based whole foods to set yourself up for success.
Hot oatmeal isn’t always a top pick. It can be tough to enjoy during the heat of summer, takes time to cook properly, and is tough to take with you to go. Overnight oats, on the other hand, are ready when you are. Enjoy cold, at room temperature, or even pop them in the microwave for a minute to take off the chill as needed! Best of all, you’ll never get bored with this seasonal variation reminiscent of a delicate strawberry shortcake.
Table of contents
Key Ingredients
Technically, there’s only one absolutely mandatory ingredient here: Oats! Just add water and you’re good to go. What makes these strawberry overnight oats so special is the carefully curated, short list of additions.
- Rolled oats: Thick, hearty, old fashioned oats are ideal for the best texture. Since they soak overnight, there’s no need to worry about quick cooking anyhow.
- Chia seeds: Amp up the nutrition with just a tiny spoonful of chia seeds, full of fiber, omega 3’s, and protein to help you power through your day.
- Plant-based milk: Putting the “cream” in strawberries and cream oats, any type of non-dairy milk works beautifully here. Coconut milk is recommended for the most decadent experience.
- Maple syrup: Keep refined sugar off the table with the deep, woodsy flavor of maple syrup. A little bit goes a long way in balancing out all the flavors.
- Strawberries: Fresh is best, especially when they’re in season, but frozen strawberries can also work in a pinch.
How To Make These Overnight Oats
Making these strawberries and cream overnight oats is easy! In a glass jar or other container, add the rolled oats, chia seeds (optional), plant-based milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, diced strawberries, and any other desired add-ins and mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least three hours. The mixture will thicken up as it cools.
Optional Toppings
Transform a ho-hum weekday breakfast into a crave-worthy treat with just a few extra final flourishes. In fact, if you want to go all out, you could easily enjoy a decadent serving of oats for dessert instead! Here’s a few ideas for fun and fancy toppings:
- Coconut whipped cream
- Additional sliced strawberries
- Granola
- Strawberry jam
- Sliced almonds
- Vegan vanilla ice cream
Easy Flavor Variations
Strawberry oatmeal might not be your favorite, and that’s okay! The beauty of this simple formula is that you can effortlessly swap in any berry you prefer, such as:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Or a mixture of all the above!
FAQs
Yes! Just make sure that the oats are certified gluten-free, so there’s no cross contamination in the manufacturing process, in case of severe allergies.
Maple syrup is a healthier, lower glycemic sweetener, but if you need to avoid all sugars, you can replace it with a few drops of liquid stevia or monkfruit extract instead.
For a long day at the gym, office, or classroom, you can mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of your favorite plant-based protein powder when making the oatmeal base. You can take this opportunity to add even more flavor by using a strawberry protein powder, too.
More Meal Prep Breakfast Recipes
Overnight oats aren’t the only make ahead breakfast that will save you time in the morning. Here are a bunch of delicious ways to prep ahead so you can wake up with breakfast waiting for you.
- Switch up your morning grains with this Creamy Berry Polenta. It’s extra creamy and goes wonderfully with warmed berries.
- Homemade granola bars are not only great for meal prep but great for on-the-go.
- Make a big batch of tofu scramble and enjoy it all week long whether that’s with a side of home fries or stuffed into a breakfast burrito, you can’t go wrong!
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins are easy to make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy as a breakfast, snack or dessert!
- If you’re absolutely loving overnight oats, give our Apple Pie and Peanut Butter flavors a try, too! Use the simple overnight oats base to come up with your own delightful concoctions and let us know how they come out.
Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds, optional
- 1 cup plant-based milk, use full-fat coconut milk for extra creaminess and decadence
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ cup strawberries, half diced, half sliced and reserved for topping
Optional toppings
- coconut whipped cream
- sliced strawberries
- granola
Instructions
- In a container, cup, or glass jar, add the rolled oats, chia seeds (optional), plant-based milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup, diced strawberries, and any other desired add-ins and mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for 3+ hours).
- Remove from fridge and enjoy chilled! If you’d like, you may top with sliced fresh strawberries and add a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream on top (recipe link below).
Notes
Nutrition
Photos by Amanda McGillicuddy for World of Vegan.
You may also like...
Enter to Win Our Monthly Giveaway!
Submit your name and email below for a chance to win a new copy of The Friendly Vegan Cookbook! You’ll also receive our free weekly e-newsletter with plant-based recipes, news, vegan coupons, and more. Come back each month for a chance to win new prizes!
Leave a Comment
Love overnight oats
my kind of oats! so sweet and delicious!
Sooooo good! Love this strawberries and cream overnight oats recipe!
YUM – These overnight oats that will more than satisfy any strawberry lover!
Perfect for meal prep and spring breakfasts!
Love the creaminess of the coconut milk in this strawberry overnight oats recipe! Such a delicious combo!