Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oatmeal: A Deliciously Healthy, Gluten-Free & Vegan-Friendly Breakfast
Prepare yourself for a new breakfast obsession: this Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oatmeal is truly irresistible. Thankfully, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious! This recipe is also naturally gluten-free and sweetened, making it a perfect wholesome start to your day or a satisfying snack.
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, my craving for warm oatmeal bowls transitions to a desire for something refreshingly cool and creamy. And honestly, I couldn’t be happier about it! Chilled overnight oats are my go-to for spring and summer mornings, offering all the comfort of a hearty breakfast without the heat.
Just last week, I was reveling in the glorious weather. It was absolutely perfect for enjoying my morning coffee outdoors on the deck. The sun was shining brightly, a gentle breeze rustled through the trees, and the air was filled with the promise of new life. The entire weekend was a beautiful invitation to spend time outside. I dedicated a significant portion of it to gardening—weeding, pruning, and preparing the beds for a burst of much-needed color. After the long, dreary grayness of winter, I’m desperate for vibrant hues and the rejuvenating energy of spring!
Let’s dive into the star of the show: this incredible Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oatmeal. After all, that’s why you’re here, right? This healthy breakfast or satisfying midday snack is surprisingly easy to whip up. It all begins with a simple, homemade strawberry compote—a flavorful blend of fresh strawberries and a touch of maple syrup.
Don’t let the word “compote” intimidate you. It’s essentially a rustic, chunkier version of jam, incredibly easy to make. You simply combine the chopped strawberries and maple syrup in a saucepan and let them simmer over medium-low heat. This gentle cooking process allows the strawberries to soften, release their natural sugars, and create a beautifully thick, luscious sauce. The best part? This entire process takes just about 5 minutes, transforming simple berries into a concentrated burst of strawberry flavor.
Once your vibrant compote is ready and has cooled slightly, it’s time to assemble the overnight oats. Combine the cooled compote with the other oatmeal ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring everything is thoroughly mixed. For ultimate convenience, I recommend dividing the mixture among individual glass jars. These portion-controlled jars are perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts, making your busy mornings a breeze. They fit perfectly in a lunchbox and can be enjoyed at your desk, ensuring you have a healthy and delicious meal wherever your day takes you. Meal prepping these ahead of time means you’ll have a wholesome breakfast ready for up to five days.
This recipe isn’t just about taste; it’s also about sustained energy. The carefully selected, protein-rich ingredients are designed to keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. To elevate the experience, I love to top my creamy overnight oats with toasted Diamond of California sliced almonds. The warm, nutty flavor and delightful crunch of the almonds provide a fantastic textural contrast to the smooth, creamy oats, proving that textural balance is key to a truly enjoyable dish!
While toasted almonds are a personal favorite, the beauty of overnight oats lies in their versatility. The topping possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to customize your breakfast to suit your mood and what you have on hand. Consider a sprinkle of flax or hemp seeds for an extra boost of omega-3s and fiber. Add more fresh, chopped strawberries or a medley of other seasonal fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas. For a decadent treat (a suggestion from my husband!), a drizzle of melted chocolate can transform your breakfast into a dessert-like experience. Or, for an added layer of crunch and flavor, a generous sprinkle of your favorite granola works wonderfully. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative; these oats are a blank canvas for your culinary imagination!
What truly sets this Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oatmeal apart is the vibrant, bold strawberry flavor beautifully harmonized with the rich, aromatic notes of vanilla bean. Each spoonful transports me back to my childhood, reminding me of those instant strawberries and cream oatmeal packets I adored. However, this homemade version offers all the nostalgic taste without any of the unhealthy additives. Unlike those processed options, every single ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen for its health benefits. From the protein-packed Greek yogurt that keeps you satiated to the creamy toasted coconut almond milk that adds a subtle exotic sweetness, everything about these overnight oats is truly good for you. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes your body and delights your taste buds!
If you’re already a fan of the convenience and deliciousness of overnight oats and are looking for more exciting variations, be sure to explore my other recipes. You might love my Apple Pie Overnight Oatmeal for a comforting, spiced option, or perhaps the refreshing Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats for another fruity favorite. These recipes provide diverse flavor profiles while maintaining the simplicity and health benefits you love.
Strawberries & Cream Overnight Oatmeal
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Ingredients
Strawberry Compote
- 2 heaping cups chopped strawberries
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Overnight Oatmeal
- 2 cups gluten-free old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
- 2 cups cow’s milk or unsweetened non-dairy milk, I used toasted coconut almond
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 1 cup toasted sliced Diamond of California Almonds, for topping
Instructions
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To make the compote, add strawberries and maple syrup (or honey) to a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring often, until the strawberry mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, add oats, yogurt, milk, vanilla bean paste and extract, maple syrup, and chopped strawberries to a large bowl. Stir to combine. Fold in the strawberry compote.
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Divide the mixture between 5 glass mason jars. Place the jars in the refrigerator to chill overnight. The jars will stay fresh for up to 7 days in the fridge. Top with toasted almonds, fresh fruit, flax or hemp seeds, and granola before serving.
Notes
- Regular old-fashioned oats can be substituted for gluten-free old-fashioned oats if you’re not following a gluten-free diet.
- For a vegan option, substitute equal amounts of non-dairy yogurt for Greek yogurt.
- If you don’t have vanilla bean paste handy, add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract or the seeds from 1 vanilla bean.
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Disclosure: This recipe was created in partnership with Harris Teeter. All text and opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for your continued support as I work with brands I love and that make One Sweet Mess possible!