Breakfast
Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Overnight Oats
Creamy vanilla-yogurt oats layered with fresh strawberries and a little lemon for a cheesecake-like breakfast that is ready when you wake up.
Inspired by Strawberry cheesecake breakfast jars
Prep
15 min + overnight chill
Cook
0 min
Serves
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Pantry match
Uses the current servings and temporary recipe changes.
Missing 9 ingredients
- • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)
- • 1 1/2 cups milk
- • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
- • 2 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
- • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- • Pinch of kosher salt
View ingredient-by-ingredient match
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oatsMissing
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)Missing
- 1 1/2 cups milkMissing
- 2 tablespoons chia seedsMissing
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extractMissing
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zestMissing
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, dividedMissing
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and dicedMissing
- Pinch of kosher saltMissing
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Method
Recipe notes
The lemon zest supplies a cheesecake-like tang without cream cheese. Use plain, unsweetened yogurt so the berries remain the main flavor.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add the reserved fresh berries just before eating; do not freeze assembled jars.
Make-ahead tips
Assemble the oat bases the night before or up to 4 days ahead. Prep the finishing berries separately for the best texture.
What to serve with it
- - A boiled egg
- - Coffee or unsweetened tea
- - Extra fresh berries
Equipment needed
- - Mixing bowl
- - Whisk
- - Four lidded jars
Difficulty explained
No cooking is needed; the only important step is stirring the chia twice and allowing enough time to chill.
Recipe calculator
Nutrition facts
Updating nutrition…
Alternatives
Apply a reviewed substitution to this temporary working copy. The published recipe stays unchanged.
Browse reviewed options
High-protein dairy-free yogurt
Use the same amount of a thick, plain, high-protein dairy-free yogurt.
Unsweetened oat milk
Use an equal amount of unsweetened oat milk for a widely available dairy-free swap.
Lactose-free milk
Use the same amount of lactose-free dairy milk.
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Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Quick oats become much softer than rolled oats after an overnight soak.
- Chia can form dry clumps if the mixture is not stirred a second time.
- Fresh berries mixed in days ahead can make the jars watery; reserve some for serving.
Nutrition Context
- Oats and chia contribute fiber, while Greek yogurt and milk supply most of the protein.
- Per-serving numbers are estimates; yogurt and milk brands and the amount of maple syrup change the result.
FAQ
Can I warm the oats?
Yes. Remove a portion from its jar and warm gently, then add fresh berries after heating.
Do I need protein powder?
No. Greek yogurt and milk provide protein without a supplement.
How long must the oats chill?
At least 6 hours gives rolled oats time to soften and the chia time to thicken.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Thaw and drain them for the mashed layer; use fresh berries on top for the best texture.
Why did the mixture become stiff?
Oats and chia absorb liquid over time; loosen a jar with a little milk just before eating.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include A boiled egg; Coffee or unsweetened tea; Extra fresh berries. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.