Amazing 5 Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

Folks, if you are looking for a reason to stop skipping breakfast, listen up! My name is Jordan Bell, and back in Asheville, NC, when I was working toward a big, life-changing 80-pound weight loss, I learned that “clean eating” didn’t have to taste like punishment. That’s why I’m thrilled to share these Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats. Yes, you read that right—it tastes like the sweet, creamy dessert you crave, but it’s packed with good stuff. It’s the perfect marriage of the Southern comfort food I grew up on and the simple, detox-friendly recipes I share on my blog.

We’re sneaking in protein and fiber while tricking our brains into thinking we are having a rich, decadent treat. This recipe is the definition of my “make-ahead magic” approach to healthy eating. It’s ready when you are!

Why You Will Love This Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats Recipe

Honestly, why wouldn’t you love this? It solves so many morning problems. I keep these layered in jars because they look gorgeous. Here’s the quick rundown on why they are a staple in my meal prep rotation:

• It tastes exactly like strawberry shortcake dessert. Seriously!
• Prep time is under 15 minutes, which is lightning fast.
• You make it completely the night before—zero morning effort needed.
• It’s packed with protein thanks to that Greek yogurt.
• The layering looks so pretty in a clear jar!

Gathering Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

When you’re making something that tastes this much like a treat, you have to respect the ingredients! Trust me, using good quality components here makes all the difference in achieving that perfect Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats vibe. We’re keeping things clean—no weird extracts or artificial stuff here, just simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully overnight.

I always lay everything out before I start mixing. It keeps things organized, especially when you’re working fast before the morning rush hits! Quality matters, so grab the best vanilla and freshest berries you can find. You can see more of my favorite healthy tips on my Medium profile.

Essential Components List

Here’s exactly what you need to gather up for four to six servings:

• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons chia seeds
• One quarter teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 cups milk dairy or unsweetened plant based
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely chopped strawberries fresh or thawed
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (for the strawberries)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (for topping)
• Extra chopped strawberries (for topping)
• A small handful of granola or crushed vanilla cookies (optional topping)

Ingredient Notes and Simple Swaps

A couple of quick notes on texture, because that’s key here. You absolutely must use old fashioned rolled oats. Those quick-cook ones turn to mush, and we want that satisfying chew! For the liquid, 2 cups of milk works whether you use traditional dairy or an unsweetened plant-based option like almond or oat milk. They both absorb the flavor nicely. If you are looking for other great breakfast ideas, check out my post on masala oats.

If you are all out of Greek yogurt for the base, you can try swapping it for regular plain yogurt, but you might need a tiny bit less milk overall since it’s thinner. And don’t skip the lemon juice with the berries; it really brightens up that shortcake flavor!

Equipment Needed for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this, which is the best part! Keep it simple. Morning prep is fast when your tools are ready to go. I usually just grab a couple of mixing bowls and my favorite whisk. For more quick meal ideas, check out my high protein mini pancakes.

• One large mixing bowl (for the main oat mixture)
• One small bowl (for macerating the berries)
• A whisk or sturdy spoon
• Four to six clear, sealable jars or airtight storage containers

Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

Okay, Jordan here again, and this is where the magic happens! Don’t let the steps scare you; this is assembly work, not actual cooking. We are building flavor layers, and timing is everything, especially with those strawberries. Follow these steps exactly, and you will wake up to breakfast perfection. Remember, we are aiming for that creamy, dessert-like texture, so pay attention to the mixing!

Preparing the Strawberry Layer

First things first, we need to get those strawberries ready to release their sweet juices. Grab your small bowl. You’re going to combine your 2 cups of finely chopped strawberries with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and that tiny splash—1 teaspoon—of fresh lemon juice. Give that a good stir. Now, this is important: let this mixture sit on the counter for about 10 minutes while you handle the oats. This is called macerating, and it draws out the natural sweetness and creates a little pool of strawberry syrup!

Mixing the Creamy Oat Base

While your berries are chilling out, grab that big mixing bowl. We’re building the creamy foundation. Whisk together your milk (2 cups), 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and that quarter teaspoon of salt. Whisk it well until everything looks smooth and uniform—no streaks of yogurt left behind. Now, dump in your 2 cups of rolled oats and your 3 tablespoons of chia seeds. Stir this mixture really thoroughly. You need to make sure every single oat flake and chia seed is coated in that creamy liquid. The chia seeds start thickening things up immediately! For more ideas on using chia seeds, check out my chia pudding recipe.

Layering and Chilling Your Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

Time to build those gorgeous layers in your jars! Take your containers, and spoon a layer of your strawberry mix right into the bottom. Then, top that with some of the oat mixture. Keep alternating: strawberry layer, oat layer, until your jars are almost full. Don’t pack it down too hard! Finish each jar with a dollop of that extra cup of Greek yogurt, a few more fresh berries on top, and your optional crunchy sprinkle. Seal them up tightly! Cover them completely, and they must go straight into the refrigerator. They need a minimum of 4 hours, but trust me, overnight chilling is when they truly transform into decadent, thick Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats.

Tips for Success with Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

I’ve made a ton of these, so here are the little secrets I’ve picked up to make sure yours turn out perfectly creamy every single time. First, if you wake up and yours seem a little too stiff—maybe the oats absorbed too much liquid—don’t panic! Just stir in a tablespoon or two of extra milk until you hit that perfect, spoonable consistency. It’s an easy fix.

My biggest non-negotiable tip is about texture, specifically the crunch. You absolutely must wait until the moment you are ready to eat before adding those granola bits or crushed cookies. If you mix them in the night before, they dissolve right into the yogurt, and we lose that essential shortcake topping texture! Keep those crunchy toppings separate until serving time. You can find more of my recipe tips on Pinterest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

I get so many questions about these oats because they are so easy, people think they must have a catch! But nope, they are just that good. Here are the things I hear most often about making this quick breakfast.

Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely, that’s the beauty of them! You can prepare these oats and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just remember, since they are served cold, they are ready to go whenever you need a fast meal. However, never leave them sitting out for more than two hours; you need to keep them chilled for safety.

How do I adjust the thickness of my finished Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats?

If you find that your rolled oats absorbed a little too much liquid overnight and your mixture is too stiff for your liking, don’t stress! Just stir in a splash more milk—either dairy or plant-based—one tablespoon at a time until you reach that creamy texture you love. It’s super simple to fix in the morning.

What are good variations for Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats?

Oh, you can have so much fun with these! If strawberries aren’t in season or you just want a change, swap them out for finely diced apples or pears. You can also use a vanilla or even lemon-flavored yogurt instead of plain. A little sprinkle of cinnamon mixed into the oat base tastes amazing too!

Storing and Serving Your Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

The best part about prepping these creamy jars is how long they last! Since we aren’t cooking anything, they stay fresh, tasting great for days. Just remember that these are meant to be eaten cold, just like a real shortcake dessert straight from the fridge. Keep the crunchy toppings separate until the very last second, or they lose their crunch!

Storage and Reheating Table

Storage Time	Reheating Method
Up to four days, refrigerated	Eat cold or let sit briefly at room temperature

What Our Readers Say About Our Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats

I absolutely love hearing from you all once you’ve tried these morning treats! Knowing that these simple recipes help you stay on track with your goals—while still enjoying delicious food—is why I share everything from my kitchen in Asheville. Please take a moment after you’ve enjoyed your first jar to leave a rating or drop a comment below. If you are interested in other make-ahead recipes, check out my guide on baked oats for weight loss.

Tell me what you thought of the texture, how the layers looked in your jar, and if anyone in your family tried to sneak a jar before breakfast was officially served! Your feedback helps me keep creating the easy, clean comfort food you love.

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