Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats are a quick and tasty breakfast treat! They combine creamy yogurt, rolled oats, and your favorite berries, all mixed up to taste like dessert.
Honestly, who doesn’t want cheesecake for breakfast? Just mix, chill overnight, and wake up to a delicious start. I love garnishing mine with more berries—it’s a berry good day ahead!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base of your overnight oats. I like rolled oats for their texture, but if you want something quicker, instant oats work too, although they may be a bit mushy.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. If you’re looking for a lighter option, choose regular yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt.
Cream Cheese: Adds that cheesecake flair! If you’re avoiding dairy, you can swap in vegan cream cheese or omit it entirely for a lighter mix.
Chia Seeds: They boost nutrition and thicken the mixture. If you don’t have chia seeds, feel free to leave them out, but they do add a nice texture!
Honey or Maple Syrup: These sweeteners work well to enhance flavor. You can swap with agave or any sweetener you prefer. Adjust the sweetness to your taste—it’s your breakfast!
Mixed Berries: Fresh, frozen, or even dried berries can work here. If berries aren’t your thing, try diced peaches or apples instead for a change.
How Can I Ensure My Oats Are Creamy and Delicious?
The secret to creamy overnight oats is in the soaking! By mixing all the ingredients and letting them sit overnight, the oats absorb the moisture, softening perfectly. Here’s how to nail it:
- Choose jars or containers with tight lids to keep the oats fresh.
- Mix the base ingredients (yogurt, milk, cream cheese) thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Layer your ingredients effectively—this not only looks great but improves flavor with every bite.
- Let them sit overnight! If you’re short on time, let them chill for at least 4 hours.
- If they look thick in the morning, stir in a little extra milk to get your desired texture.
Enjoy your creamy and delicious overnight oats, perfect for busy mornings!
How to Make Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (for creaminess and cheesecake flavor)
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for texture and nutrition)
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen; blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
- Extra berries for topping
- Rolled oats or granola for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you simply need to let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This means you can whip it up in the evening and enjoy it the next morning—perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, milk, softened cream cheese, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy. This will form the base of your oats that really gives them that cheesecake flavor!
2. Add Oats and Chia Seeds:
Now, stir in the rolled oats and chia seeds (if you’re using them). Mix everything together thoroughly until all the oats are well coated with the creamy mixture.
3. Fold in the Berries:
Gently fold in half of the mixed berries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture. This will add bursts of berry flavor in every spoonful!
4. Layer in the Jar:
Next, scoop half of the oat mixture into a jar or a container with a lid. This will be your first layer. Then, place a layer of the remaining mixed berries on top.
5. Finish with More Oats:
Top the berry layer with the rest of the oat mixture. Make sure to spread it evenly over the berries for a deliciously layered look.
6. Chill in the Fridge:
Seal your jar or cover your container with a lid. Place it in the refrigerator and let it chill overnight or for at least 4 hours, which helps the oats soak up all those yummy flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to enjoy your overnight oats, give them a gentle stir. You can garnish with additional fresh berries and a sprinkle of rolled oats or granola on top for some crunch. Serve chilled either straight from the jar or in a bowl.
This recipe delivers creamy, berry-filled overnight oats with a cheesecake-like richness and vibrant berry flavors layered for a delightful breakfast or snack. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Milk?
Absolutely! You can use any milk you prefer, whether it’s dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose what you enjoy best!
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
No worries! If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can either omit it for a lighter version or use Greek yogurt alone for a creamy texture. If you want a richer flavor, consider using mascarpone cheese as an alternative.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
The overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container. If they thicken too much, simply stir in a splash of milk before enjoying!
Can I Substitute the Berries?
Definitely! Feel free to swap the mixed berries for your favorites. Slices of banana, diced apples, or even peach chunks can work well. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change with different fruits!