Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

There's something almost magical about waking up to breakfast that's already waiting for you, and this strawberry cheesecake overnight oats situation happened by accident one Thursday night when I had leftover cream cheese and too many strawberries on the counter. I threw everything into a jar thinking I'd eat it straight up, but when morning came and I took that first spoonful, the creamy oat base had transformed into something that actually tasted like dessert for breakfast. The graham cracker crumble came later, a small addition that changed everything about the texture and made it feel intentional rather than improvised.

My roommate took one bite and immediately asked if I could make it for her before her morning commute, which was honestly the highest compliment I could receive at 6 AM. Now she preps hers on Sunday nights, and we have this funny routine where we text each other photos of our breakfast jars like we're part of some exclusive club. It's become one of those recipes that bridges the gap between genuinely nourishing and actually delicious.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Use the thick-cut kind, not instant, because they need time to absorb liquid and create that creamy texture without getting mushy and one-note.
• Milk, dairy or plant-based (1 cup): This is your liquid base, and the ratio matters because too little and you've got dense oatmeal, too much and it's basically pudding.
• Plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): This adds tang and creaminess while boosting protein way more than regular yogurt ever could.
• Cream cheese, softened (3 tbsp): The secret ingredient that makes this taste like actual cheesecake instead of just oats with strawberries.
• Maple syrup or honey (2 tbsp): Choose one and stick with it; maple has a deeper flavor while honey is more floral and delicate.
• Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Don't skip this because it's the bridge that ties the cheesecake flavor together.
• Salt (pinch): Just enough to balance the sweetness and make every flavor pop.
• Fresh strawberries, diced (1 cup): Pick them when they're ripe but still slightly firm so they don't turn into mush overnight.
• Lemon juice (1 tsp): This keeps the strawberries bright and prevents them from browning while they sit.
• Graham crackers, crushed (2 crackers): Crush them by hand into uneven pieces so you get texture variation, not a fine powder.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1 tbsp): The butter is what turns plain crumbs into something that tastes toasted and intentional.
• Brown sugar (1 tsp): It dissolves slightly into the butter and creates little pockets of sweetness throughout the crumble.

Instructions

Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.

Check price on Amazon

Combine the creamy base:

In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, milk, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until everything is incorporated and smooth. The cream cheese will break up as you whisk, and that's exactly what you want.

Let it rest overnight:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is better because the oats continue to soften and the flavors get friendlier with each other. If you're in a rush, 6 hours works in a pinch.

Prepare the strawberry layer:

In a small bowl, toss your diced strawberries with lemon juice and maple syrup, then cover and refrigerate until you're ready to assemble. The lemon juice prevents browning while the extra syrup draws out the berries' natural juices.

Make the graham crumble:

Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar in a small bowl and stir until it looks like wet sand with little clusters throughout. Don't overmix or you'll end up with a paste instead of a crumble.

Assemble and serve:

Layer the oat mixture and strawberry mixture into jars or bowls, then top with the graham cracker crumble right before eating so it stays crispy. If you add it too early, the crumble gets soft and loses its charm.

Pin

This recipe stopped being just breakfast when a friend came over stressed about a work presentation and we sat at the kitchen counter eating these jars and suddenly her shoulders dropped and she laughed. Sometimes the smallest rituals do more for us than we expect.

Why Overnight Oats Win

The beauty of overnight oats is that they're technically done cooking while you're sleeping, which means you can grab a jar from the fridge and go without any morning stress. The cold temperature actually keeps them fresher longer than warm oatmeal, and there's something deeply satisfying about having breakfast pre-planned. I've noticed I eat breakfast more consistently when it's already there waiting, which sounds simple but has genuinely changed how I feel throughout the day.

The Cheesecake Transformation

Cream cheese in overnight oats sounds unusual, but it dissolves into the milk and yogurt to create a texture that's somehow both creamy and light at the same time. The vanilla and maple syrup work together to amplify the cheesecake vibe, and the strawberries bring brightness instead of just sweetness. This is how a breakfast becomes a dessert disguised as nutrition.

Customization and Storage

I've made this with raspberries when strawberries looked sad at the market, and honestly the tartness worked even better. The oats keep beautifully for up to 4 days in the fridge if you store the crumble separately, which means you can prep multiple jars on Sunday and have breakfast solved for the whole week. You could swap vanilla for almond extract, add a tiny bit of cinnamon, or even include crushed freeze-dried berries for extra texture.

• Keep the graham crumble in a separate container so it stays crispy until you're actually eating.
• If your oats seem too thick on day 4, just stir in a splash more milk to loosen them up.
• This works with any berry situation your farmers market throws at you.

Keeps paper towels accessible for wiping spills, drying hands, and cleaning surfaces while cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Pin

This recipe proves that breakfast doesn't have to be complicated to feel like something special. Make a batch and let tomorrow take care of itself.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can dairy substitutes be used in this dish?

Yes, plant-based milk, dairy-free yogurt, and vegan cream cheese can replace dairy ingredients to suit vegan or lactose-intolerant needs.

→ How long should the oats be chilled?

The oats should be refrigerated overnight or at least 4 hours to allow the oats to soften and absorb flavors thoroughly.

→ What is the purpose of the graham crumble?

It adds a buttery crunch and texture contrast, complementing the creamy oats and fresh strawberry layers.

→ Can other fruits be used instead of strawberries?

Yes, raspberries or blueberries can be substituted to vary flavor while maintaining the fresh fruit element.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

To keep it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and graham crackers, ensuring all ingredients are labeled gluten-free.