Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are a tasty and quick breakfast! With cream cheese, oats, and fresh berries, they’re like having dessert for breakfast—what a treat!
I love how simple these are to make. Just mix everything in a jar, pop it in the fridge, and wake up to yummy goodness. Plus, they’re great for busy mornings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are perfect for overnight oats because they soak up liquid well and remain slightly chewy. If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use quick oats, but they might be softer in texture. Avoid steel-cut oats as they need more cooking time.
Milk: You can use any milk you like! Almond, soy, or oat milk are great for dairy-free versions. Regular cow’s milk works just as well if you prefer it. Adjust the milk amount based on how creamy you want your oats.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular yogurt works fine, or you can use a dairy-free yogurt. I personally enjoy using vanilla-flavored yogurt to enhance the taste.
Cream Cheese: This gives the creamy cheesecake taste. You can substitute it with mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor or leave it out for a lighter version, using extra yogurt instead.
Mixed Berries: Fresh or frozen berries work well! If you can’t find fresh berries, I recommend frozen ones since they keep their flavor and nutrients. You can mix it up with your favorite fruits too—bananas and peaches are great choices!
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Texture for My Oats?
Achieving creamy and delicious overnight oats is all about balancing ingredients and giving them enough time in the fridge. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by whisking the cream cheese, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. This helps to avoid chunks of cream cheese in your oats.
- Mix in your oats and milk gradually. Stir well to ensure all the oats are coated.
- Fold in your berries gently. This allows some berries to stay whole while others break down, creating that lovely marble effect.
- Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours) so the oats can absorb moisture, which makes them creamy and soft.
Remember, if the mixture seems too thick in the morning, just add a splash of milk and stir to loosen it up. Enjoy your creamy creation!
Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- Additional berries for topping
- 1-2 tbsp crushed graham crackers or granola for topping
- 1 tsp nut butter (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and requires at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to chill in the fridge. It’s a super easy, make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk Together the Base:
In a mixing bowl, start by whisking the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract together. Make sure the mixture is smooth and creamy, so you won’t have any lumps when you add the oats.
2. Mix in Oats and Milk:
Add the rolled oats and milk to the bowl. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. This helps the oats soak up all the delicious flavors from the yogurt and cream cheese.
3. Add Your Berries:
Gently fold in the mixed berries. You can lightly mash some of them to create a marbled effect, which gives your overnight oats that lovely cheesecake look and flavor.
4. Transfer to a Jar:
Pour the oat mixture into a jar or any container with a lid. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep everything fresh in the fridge.
5. Chill in the Fridge:
Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This waiting time allows the oats to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Top and Serve:
When you’re ready to eat, remove the jar from the fridge. Top it with more fresh berries, a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or granola, and a drizzle of nut butter if you like.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in! These Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are creamy, fruity, and oh-so-delicious—perfect for kickstarting your day!
Can I Use Other Types of Oats?
Yes, you can! While rolled oats are best for overnight oats due to their texture, you can use quick oats for a softer consistency. Just avoid using steel-cut oats, as they require longer cooking times and won’t soften enough overnight.
Can I Use Different Sweeteners?
Absolutely! You can replace honey or maple syrup with agave syrup, coconut sugar, or even a sugar-free sweetener if you prefer. Adjust to your taste for sweetness!
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftover overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give them a good stir before eating, and you may want to add a little extra milk to loosen them up if they seem too thick.
Can I Freeze These Overnight Oats?
While it’s best to eat them fresh, you can freeze the mixture before adding fresh toppings if you need to make them ahead. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and top as desired before serving!
