Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are a tasty way to start your day! They mix creamy yogurt, oats, and fresh berries for a sweet treat that feels like dessert for breakfast.
The best part? No cooking required! Just mix everything in a jar the night before, and it’s ready to enjoy in the morning. I love adding extra berries on top—because who can resist more fruit? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These oats are great for overnight oats as they soak up the liquid and soften nicely. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can do the trick, but they might get mushy faster.
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds add thickness and nutrition. If you’re not a fan, you can replace them with ground flaxseeds, or just use more oats, but be aware it’ll be less creamy.
Greek Yogurt: I prefer Greek yogurt for its creaminess and protein content. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt or almond yogurt works well, and it adds a subtle flavor, too!
Cream Cheese: This gives that cheesecake flavor. If you want to go lighter, you can use a lower-fat cream cheese or even ricotta cheese as a substitute.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweeten to your liking! If you’re looking to cut sugar, try using mashed banana or a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
How Do I Make Sure My Oats Turn Out Creamy and Delicious?
The key to creamy overnight oats is proper soaking. Here’s how to ensure you get it just right:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly, especially the cream cheese. It’s essential for a smooth texture.
- Let it sit overnight. This gives the oats and seeds enough time to absorb the liquid and soften.
- In the morning, if it’s too thick, just add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency. It’s all about what you like!
Don’t forget to layer your oats with additional berries and toppings. It not only looks pretty but adds fun flavor and texture with every spoonful.
Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (for the cheesecake flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit and Toppings:
- 3/4 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen; blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter (optional, for topping)
- Additional fresh berries for garnish
- Granola or chopped nuts for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Once you’ve mixed everything together, you’ll just need to let it chill in the fridge overnight (or at least for 4 hours). So, set it up in the evening and wake up to a delicious breakfast waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Mix:
In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, milk, softened cream cheese, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture well until the cream cheese is completely mixed in and everything is smooth. This is the heart of your overnight oats!
2. Add the Berries:
Gently fold in half of the mixed berries, letting some of the berry juices mix through the oats. This creates a beautiful marbled effect with both flavor and color—so pretty!
3. Portion Into Jars:
Spoon the mixture into a jar or container. Feel free to layer the oats and berries for a lovely visual treat. Adding color and texture makes breakfast all the more enjoyable!
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
Seal the jar and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This wait allows the oats and chia seeds to soak up the liquid and become creamy and delicious.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
The next morning, give the oats a good stir. Then, add the remaining fresh berries on top, a drizzle of peanut or almond butter if you like, and some crunchy granola or nuts for a perfect finish. Your Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are now ready to enjoy!
6. Tasting Time!
Dig in and savor the creamy, fruity goodness that combines the tang of cream cheese with sweet berries and hearty oats. It’s a delicious and satisfying way to start your day!
Can I Use Different Types of Oats?
Yes! While rolled oats give the best texture, you can use quick oats as well. Just keep in mind that they may absorb liquid faster and could turn mushy if left too long.
Can I Make These Overnight Oats Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use a non-dairy milk. You can also swap the cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative or simply omit it.
How Do I Store Leftover Overnight Oats?
Store any leftover oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give them a good stir before serving, and if they seem too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen them up.
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Berries?
Of course! Feel free to mix it up with fruits like diced apples, bananas, or peaches. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!