Overnight Oats With Strawberries

Name: Overnight Oats With Strawberries
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice); 1 tablespoon chia seeds; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Highlighted under: Fresh Living Plates

I love starting my day with something nutritious yet delicious, and overnight oats have become my go-to breakfast. The combination of creamy oats soaked overnight with the sweetness of strawberries makes for a refreshing meal. I enjoy customizing it with various toppings, but strawberries always remain a favorite. Not only are they vibrant and tasty, but they add a fresh twist to my morning routine. Plus, the convenience of preparing them the night before means I can enjoy a healthy breakfast even on the busiest of mornings.

Created by

Ottilie James

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:46:12.220Z

When I first tried overnight oats, I was amazed at how such a simple dish could be so satisfying. I soaked my rolled oats in almond milk overnight, and by morning, they transformed into a creamy delight. The key is to use a good ratio of liquid to oats, making sure it's just right for that perfect texture. I've learned that adding a dash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor and creates a truly indulgent experience.

One of my favorite variations is to layer in fresh strawberries, which not only brighten the dish but also provide a natural sweetness. I found that slicing the strawberries the night before helps to infuse their flavor into the oats, making every bite delightful. It's a fun way to enjoy a balanced breakfast without fussing in the kitchen in the morning!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The natural sweetness of fresh strawberries complements the creamy oats.
It's a make-ahead breakfast that saves me time in the morning.
Full of dietary fiber and nutrients, it's a perfect start to my day.

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this overnight oats recipe serves a distinct purpose. The rolled oats act as the base, providing a hearty texture that absorbs liquids beautifully. When combined with almond milk, they transform into a creamy consistency that is both nourishing and satisfying. Chia seeds not only add a boost of fiber, but they also help thicken the mixture, resulting in a delightful, pudding-like texture by morning. Always choose high-quality, fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.

Fresh strawberries are the star of the show, enhancing the bowl with natural sweetness and vibrant color. It's essential to hull and slice the strawberries, allowing their juices to integrate into the oats as they soak overnight. When selecting strawberries, opt for ripe ones that yield slightly to pressure and have a deep red hue, indicating peak flavor. If strawberries are out of season, feel free to swap them with other berries or fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches for variety.

Prep and Storage Tips

Preparing overnight oats is incredibly convenient, and you can easily scale the recipe according to your needs. If you're making multiple servings, store them in individual jars for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. Just remember to layer the ingredients properly: oats on the bottom followed by liquids, and then the strawberries on top to keep them fresh. This method prevents the berries from becoming too mushy overnight, preserving their texture.

These oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making them an ideal meal prep option. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply increase the chia seeds or decrease the liquid slightly. On the other hand, if you find the oats too thick after refrigerating, add a splash of milk before serving to loosen it up. Reheating in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute is an option, but I enjoy them cold for a refreshing morning start.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started:

Overnight Oats Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Feel free to customize with your favorite fruits or nuts!

Instructions

Here's how to prepare your overnight oats:

Combine Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Add Strawberries

Fold in half of the sliced strawberries gently into the oat mixture.

Refrigerate

Transfer the mixture into airtight containers or jars and top with the remaining strawberries. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Serve

In the morning, give the oats a good stir and enjoy cold, or warm them up in the microwave if you prefer.

Enjoy your nutritious and delicious breakfast!

Pro Tips

For added texture, include nuts or seeds on top before serving. You can also experiment with different fruits according to the season.

Creative Variations

While strawberries are my favorite, experimenting with different fruit combinations can yield delightful results. Consider adding sliced bananas for a classic pairing or mixing in some blueberries for an antioxidant boost. You can also try a nutty twist by stirring in almond or peanut butter for extra richness and protein. Additionally, sprinkle a handful of nuts or seeds on top before serving for added crunch and nutritional benefits.

For a flavored version, try infusing the almond milk with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg while it warms, allowing the flavors to meld before mixing. If you're feeling adventurous, add a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of protein powder for a more filling option. This versatility allows you to tailor the oats to your personal taste, keeping breakfast exciting and satisfying.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your overnight oats too watery after refrigeration, it may be due to the oats not absorbing enough liquid. In such cases, reduce the amount of almond milk next time or add a bit more chia seeds to help thicken the mixture. On the contrary, if the oats are too thick, simply stir in some extra milk before enjoying them to reach your desired consistency.

Another common issue is the strawberries becoming mushy. To preserve their firmness, consider adding them just before serving rather than incorporating them into the mixture overnight. You can also layer the strawberries atop the oats right before eating, maintaining their texture and freshness for a visually appealing breakfast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the liquid amount and soaking time, as steel-cut oats require more liquid and a longer soaking period.

→ How long can I keep overnight oats in the refrigerator?

Overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a great meal prep option!

→ Can I freeze overnight oats?

Yes, you can freeze overnight oats. Just leave out any toppings and add them after thawing for the best texture.

→ What can I substitute for almond milk?

You can use any milk of choice, such as dairy milk, oat milk, or soy milk, depending on your dietary preferences.