Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats are a healthy and easy breakfast recipe for those weekdays when you are on the go! All you need is a Mason jar filled with fresh strawberries, rolled oats, milk and sweetener of your choice, and chia seeds prepped the night before. This method is the best way to get a satisfying yet simple meal with zero work in the morning.

Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats are an excellent way to keep you full all morning while still eating healthy. 

This simple recipe only requires a few basic ingredients (rolled oats are a must!), and the result is a super satisfying meal that you’ll want to queue up all week long. This is, hands down, the BEST make ahead breakfast.

And if you’re looking for other options for busy mornings, check out How to Make Overnight Oats and learn how to customize the ingredients to your liking.

You just might be seeing the Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats fairy in your dreams the night before you get to enjoy this tasty breakfast treat!

Ingredients

To make Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats you will need these simple ingredients:

• Oats. The best option is old-fashioned rolled oats. They keep a chewy yet creamy texture after sitting in the fridge all night. While there is no rule against using instant oats or steel cut oats, you will need to adjust the amount of liquid, and the consistency will be quite different. You can also look for certified gluten-free oats brand if needed.
• Milk. You can use whatever kind of milk you have on hand. Cashew milk is my usual go-to because it’s creamy and tastes great. But, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, and regular milk can all be used.
• Strawberries. Fresh work amazing, but feel free to use frozen berries if they aren’t available or affordable in the produce section. Dice the strawberries into small pieces.
• Sweetener. Pure maple syrup, not the artificial pancake variety, is best. You can also use honey. If needed, you can opt for white or brown sugar, or coconut sugar. But these will affect the sweetness. You can always add more before serving, so add less upfront.
• Chia Seeds. While not totally necessary, they are super healthy and add a creamy texture.
• Optional add-ins. Feel free to get creative here! Everything from yogurt to protein powder and toasted nuts to spices can be added to increase health benefits and flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

The process of making this easy Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats recipe is relatively simple to follow:

Add the Strawberries to the Jar

Stick with glass Mason jars when making this recipe if possible. 8-ounce jars are super easy to find and will fit a single serving of overnight oats.

Add the chopped strawberries to the bottom of the jar. Microwave the fruit for about one minute until it is soft and has a jam-like consistency.

Combine Remaining Ingredients

Pour the oats, chia seeds, milk, and sweetener into the jar with the softened strawberries.

Use a spoon to give the mixture a good stir until everything is well combined.

Refrigerate to Set

Place the lid on the jar and set the oat mixture in the fridge.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

Serve with your favorite toppings, like toasted pecans, roasted almonds, your favorite spices, extra strawberries, or even a few chocolate chips for a sweet treat.

Meal Prep & Storage

• To prep and store: The beauty of this dish is how easy it is to whip up the day before. It will keep for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge, but it is best enjoyed within 24 hours. After this time, it will start to get mushy. You can, however, combine everything except for the milk, then add that the night before serving to ensure a fresh and creamy oatmeal.
• To freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the texture won’t be the same. It will get too watery.

Are overnight oats healthy?

Yes! When you stick to this basic recipe, overnight oats are a super healthy breakfast option. This dish is filling and packed with nutrients. However, be careful of extra add-ins that increase the sugar and calorie count.

How long do overnight oats last?

Overnight oats will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days after being made. However, they are best within the first 24 hours, and afterwards they become mushy. You can prepare everything in the jar except for the milk to prep, then simply stir it in the night before enjoying.

Do I serve overnight oats warm or cold?

Dealer’s choice! These overnight oats are delicious straight out of the fridge or warmed up for 1 to 2 minutes in the microwave. You might, however, need to add in some extra milk to get the creamy consistency after heating. Cold overnight oats are a super easy breakfast if you’re in a rush.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and vegetarian as written.  Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Dairy-free. Go for a plant-based milk.
• Nut-free. Skip the nut toppings.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Rolling away. Rolled oats are best for this recipe as they yield the perfect consistency.
• One dish meal. If you mix everything in the Mason jar you are storing it in, you save dishes and clean up.
• Don’t skip the add-ins. There are so many things to enhance this oatmeal. Try protein powder, Greek yogurt, nuts, and spices.
• Keep it chill. These overnight oats need at least 4 hours in the fridge but are best after a full night.
• Meal prep for the week. Make a big batch by mixing everything except for the milk in enough jars to serve breakfast for several days.

Other Overnight Oats Recipes

If this hits the spot, you will love these other overnight oats recipes! With these, you have breakfast for a whole week of busy mornings.

Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats and Pumpkin Overnight Oats are so delicious when the weather is cold.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats are satisfying and filling.

Both Blueberry Overnight Oats and Peach Cobbler Overnight Oats are great ways to get a serving of fruit in.

More Strawberry Recipes

Strawberries are not only delicious, but they are also super healthy and versatile. Check out How to Freeze Strawberries if you’ve never tried.

If you love smoothies, then check out these Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie and Strawberry Banana Smoothie recipes.

For an awesome breakfast, stick with these irresistible Paleo Chocolate Crepes with Strawberries or Baked Oatmeal with Strawberries.