Wake up to this delicious grab-and-go breakfast. These vegan Strawberry Overnight Oats are a hearty, sweet, satisfying, and wholesome meal. Throw them together in just 5 minutes for a quick and easy breakfast all week long.
It’s strawberry season and that is cause for celebration.
Recently it has seemed there is little cause for celebration. With most of the world sheltering-in-place while being crushed under the unbearable stresses of working from home with children, losing work altogether, or being in complete isolation, it’s been a rough spring.
I don’t want to minimize the pain and suffering around the world but I do want to continue to offering wholesome and satisfying vegan recipes that can be made with minimal prep and minimal ingredients. And these Strawberry Overnight Oats are exactly that.
Let’s take a closer look.
Ingredients & Substitutions
These oats are the perfect breakfast. They are creamy, sweet, hearty, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Not only are these strawberry overnight oats delicious, but they can also be made in just 5 minutes in 3 super easy steps making them the perfect breakfast for these long and stressful days ahead.
Here is everything you need.
Ingredient Notes
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats –I recommend extra-thick old fashioned oats. You want oats that will keep their shape overnight so that you have a full-bodied texture. Old fashioned oats will also work, but they aren’t preferred. If you are gluten-free, make sure to look for a gluten-free thick cut.
- Non-Dairy Milk – I recommend oat, soy, or cashew but any non-dairy milk will do.
- Maple Syrup – For a sweetener, I typically use maple syrup. Maple syrup adds a complex flavor without overly sweetening the oats (like some unrefined sweeteners can do). You could also use agave nectar, coconut sugar, or monk fruit.
- Mixins – For texture, I add chia seeds which are considered a superfood for being high in antioxidants and fiber as well as providing energy boosters and natural mood enhancers. You can also add cacao nibs, hemp hearts, or your favorite protein powder. Or you can omit superfood add-ins altogether.
- Strawberries – If you don’t have access to fresh strawberries, frozen berries will work in a pinch. You can also substitute any other berry (such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries) for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step One – Combine the Ingredients
Combine oats, milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract, salt, and maple syrup in a large bowl. Stir together until well combined.
Fold in chopped strawberries.
Pro Tip: Chop strawberries into small bite-sized pieces that incorporate easily into the oats. See the photo above.
Step Two – Divide and Refrigerate
Divide the oats into four overnight oat jars. Tightly cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until the oats have set up.
When ready to eat, top with the desired topping and serve.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
Serving and Storing
Serving – Let your oats set up at least 4 hours before serving. They are best left to sit overnight. Serve them with fresh strawberries, shredded coconut, or chopped almonds.
Storing – Store the oats in four separate serving sizes to be enjoyed throughout the week. Overnight oats should be eating within 4 days.
Tips and Tricks
- Use extra-thick old fashioned oats. You want oats that will keep their shape overnight so that you have a full-bodied texture. If you are gluten-free, make sure to look for a gluten-free thick cut.
- Chop strawberries into small bite-sized pieces that incorporate easily into the oats.
- Feel free to add a variety of mixins. In addition to chia seeds, you can add cacao nibs, hemp hearts, or your favorite protein powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Overnight oats should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When making this recipe, I use these overnight oat jars from Amazon. They are a perfect size and have a tight-fitting lid. You can also use regular 8oz Mason Jars.
Overnight oats should be eaten within 4 days of making them.
Yes! If you don’t have access to fresh strawberries, frozen berries will work in a pinch. You can also substitute any other berry (such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries) for this recipe.
Yes! You can swap in steel-cut oats for old fashioned oats. To do that, you’ll want to double the liquid in this recipe.
There is no right way to eat overnight oats. While they are traditionally served cold, you can definitely eat them warm. Heat them gently over the stovetop or in the microwave. You may want to add additional non-dairy milk to loosen up the oatmeal.
For sure! Pack the oats individually in airtight containers. When ready to eat, pull one container out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator the night before. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
More Overnight Oat Recipes
- Blueberry Coconut Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
- Snickerdoodle Overnight Oats
Strawberry Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Overnight Oats
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups non-dairy milk
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
Additional Toppings
- sliced strawberries
- sliced almonds, optional
- shredded coconut, optional
Instructions
- Combine oats, milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract, salt and maple syrup in a large bowl. Stir together until well combined.
- Fold in chopped strawberries.
- Divide into 4 overnight oat jars. Tightly cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until the oats have set up.
- When ready to eat, top with the desired topping and serve.
Notes
- Use extra-thick old fashioned oats. You want oats that will keep their shape overnight so that you have a full-bodied texture. If you are gluten-free, make sure to look for a gluten-free thick cut.
- Chop strawberries into small bite-sized pieces that incorporate easily into the oats.
- Feel free to add a variety of mixins. In addition to chia seeds, you can add cacao nibs, hemp hearts, or your favorite protein powder.
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes! If you don’t have access to fresh strawberries, frozen berries will work in a pinch. You can also substitute any other berry (such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries) for this recipe.
- Can I use Steel Cut Oats? Yes! You can swap in steel-cut oats for old fashioned oats. To do that, you’ll want to double the liquid in this recipe.
- Can my oats be served warm? There is no right way to eat overnight oats. While they are traditionally served cold, you can definitely eat them warm. Heat them gently over the stovetop or in the microwave. You may want to add additional non-dairy milk to loosen up the oatmeal.
Dana says
I’ve been looking for a good overnight breakfast recipe since I’m so busy in the morning. These overnight oats are perfect, easy to make, and delicious! I used a combination of blueberries and strawberries for more benefits.
Freya says
Hi Sarah, I have only discovered overnight oats in the last few years but I absolutely love them and am always looking for new interesting ways to make them- this recipe hit the spot!!
I also wanted to let you know I’ve included it in my Recipe Roundup of recipes for 12 foods high in antioxidants.
Here is the link if you want to check it out.
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing recipes!
Stephanie Treasure says
Is there a reason why 2 different types of milk is needed?
Suzanne says
Dear Sarah,
Divorce is so painful, but in time, there will be someone who makes your heart sing again. 32 years ago, my heart was wounded by divorce. Two years later, I met the love of my life, & we’ve been making beautiful music together ever since. I wish you Godspeed in your studies.
Debra says
Good for you! Some good news after a trying year! The recipe will be on the menu for breakfast tomorrow!
Luana says
Congratulations on being accepted in grad school! You’re an amazing woman! Nothing can stop you!! Bravo!
Amey Mathews says
Congratulations! That’s so wonderful! Down here in California, it’s pretty much all strawberries all the time, so I’m often looking for ideas for all my berries. This sounds perfect! Enjoy your down time <3
Rachel says
I am so excited to try this! I eat hot breakfast cereal literally every single day (have done so for the past 3 years!) and I am always looking for new ways to create variations of my same old favorite dish. I am curious if you used coconut milk from a can, or the boxed more liquidy kind? Thank you!
Caitlin says
weeee! congratulations, lady! and the oats look INCREDIBLE. i’m pretty sure they could pass for a luscious dessert.
Jess says
Congratulations on the grad school acceptance Sarah! Wonderful news. XO