Do you wish you could eat cheesecake for breakfast without guilt? Now you can! This berry cheesecake overnight oats recipe is the perfect healthy make-ahead breakfast that also tastes like dessert!
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I’m currently on a dessert-for-breakfast binge. I’ve made birthday cake oats, almond joy smoothies, and now this berry cheesecake overnight oats.
It’s really similar to my blueberry cheesecake overnight oats but I wanted to enjoy something for breakfast no matter which berries I had stocked that day. It tastes shockingly like cheesecake but in oatmeal form!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have breakfast prepped fast for busy mornings. I meal prep overnight oats weekly so that I have a delicious and filling breakfast each day, yet I only had to spend five minutes preparing it the night before.
- Nutritious and filling: Oats provide a hearty dose of fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime.
- Perfectly sweet: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and healthfulness. The natural sweetness of the berries and a touch of maple syrup complement the creamy cheesecake flavor without overwhelming your tastebuds with sugar.
- Versatile anytime meal: While it makes a delicious breakfast, it’s equally delicious as a midday snack or a post-workout refuel. You can even prepare it in jars for an on-the-go treat!
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need simple and wholesome ingredients for these cheesecake oats—no cream cheese required! While a light cream cheese can be used, these oats use yogurt and healthy ingredients to obtain that same great flavor! Here’s what you need:
- Rolled Oats: Opt for old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Avoid steel-cut oats, as they won’t soften properly in the overnight soaking process. You can use quick oats if needed, you may just need to add more milk since they tend to absorb more liquid. Use certified gluten-free oats as needed.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Any plain non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk will work well in this recipe. I prefer unsweetened almond milk but feel free to use your favorite non-dairy milk. For a creamier consistency, use coconut milk.
- Non-Dairy Yogurt: Use plain, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt to add creaminess and tanginess to the oats. Greek-style yogurt also works great for a thicker consistency.
- Chia Seeds: Chia seeds not only add a boost of nutrition but also help thicken the mixture as they absorb liquid. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can omit them or reduce the amount.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness to the oats without overwhelming the flavors. If you use sweetened milk, you can adjust it according to your taste preferences.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the cheesecake flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A touch of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness of the berries and maple syrup.
- Mixed Berries: You can use a combination of fresh or frozen berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Feel free to use your favorites! I used fresh strawberries to make strawberry cheesecake overnight oats.
- Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers are used as a topping to mimic the crust of a cheesecake. You can crush them finely or leave them slightly chunky for added texture.
Step-By-Step Process
Step 1: In a sealable container like a mason jar, combine the rolled oats, non-dairy milk, non-dairy yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. If using frozen berries, you can add them now either by mixing them into the oat mixture or placing them directly on top.
Step 2: Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the oats to soften and thicken as they absorb the liquid and flavors.
Step 3: When ready to enjoy your berry cheesecake overnight oats, add a layer of crushed graham crackers to the bottom of a glass or serving. Alternatively, you can sprinkle them on top at the end. Then, spoon in the prepared oat mixture. Top with more fresh berries, crushed graham crackers or a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream as desired.
Tips
Tips
- Use jam as your berry topping if you’d like or make a delicious berry reduction for a layered effect. Add 1/2 cup of berries with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to a saucepan over medium heat. Once the berries have softened, mash them gently with a fork or the back of a spoon. Then simmer until your desired consistency is reached.
- Don’t skip the graham crackers if you want that authentic cheesecake flavor! Simply place them in a sealable bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. While I prefer to add the graham crackers just before serving to preserve their crunchiness, you can also mix them into the oat mixture.
Topping Ideas
It’s a no-brainer that fresh berries are a great addition for a pop of color and extra fruity goodness. But what else can you add? Here are some more delicious topping ideas to elevate your berry cheesecake overnight oats:
- Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a satisfying crunch. You can also add a sprinkle of seeds such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
- Dairy-Free Whipped Cream: Top your oats with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream for a creamy and indulgent finish. Coconut whipped cream or almond-based whipped topping are great options.
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle some dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs over your oats. They’ll add a delightful chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the berries.
- Shredded Coconut: Toasted or untoasted shredded coconut adds a subtle sweetness to your oats. It’s a delicious complement to the cheesecake flavors.
- Syrup: Drizzle a little extra maple syrup or some vegan honey over the top for added sweetness.
- Granola: For extra crunch and a hearty texture, sprinkle some granola on top of your oats. Look for a dairy-free or homemade granola for a healthier option.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Dust a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg over your oats. It adds a cozy touch reminiscent of a freshly baked dessert.
- Chia Jam: If you have some homemade or store-bought chia jam on hand, spoon a dollop of it over your oats for extra sweetness and fruity flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own signature masterpiece!
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate cheesecake: Add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder to the oats before refrigerating. Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips before serving.
- Peanut butter banana: Mix a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the oat mixture before chilling. Top with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for a satisfying sweet and nutty flavor combo.
- Apple cinnamon crunch: Instead of berries, use diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon in this oat recipe. The next morning, top with a spoonful of almond butter and a handful of granola.
- Protein-packed: Make protein overnight oatmeal by incorporating your favorite protein powder. Or add ground flax seeds or hemp seeds to up the protein content. Plain Greek yogurt tends to have a good amount of protein, too. I like Silk or Kite Hill for dairy-free options.
FAQ’s
Various factors affect the creaminess. If it’s too thick, add some more milk. If it’s too liquidy, it may need more time to soak, or you may need to add more oats. Make sure you’re using rolled or old fashioned oats and not steel cut oats.
Overnight oats can typically last for 4-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container. The longer they sit, the softer and thicker they become. Add a splash of milk and give them a good stir to loosen them up.
While overnight oats are highly customizable, there are a few ingredients that don’t work well. Acidic fruits like pineapple or kiwi can break down the oats, making it mushy. If you want to use these fruits, it’s best to add them right before serving. Super crunchy ingredients are also best added right before serving to avoid it absorbing moisture and becoming mushy. Lastly, while oats are safe to eat raw after soaking overnight, other grains or beans may not be and could cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Storage
Store the overnight oats for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator. While they are best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal freshness and texture, they can typically last in the fridge for several days without any issues.
When ready to enjoy, simply remove the container from the fridge and give the oats a quick stir. You can eat them cold straight from the fridge or heat them gently in the microwave for a warm breakfast option.
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Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 ¼ cup plain non-dairy milk
- ½ cup unsweetened non-dairy yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- pinch of salt
- ½ cup mixed berries fresh or frozen
- graham crackers crushed
Instructions
- Add the rolled oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt to a sealable container and mix well to combine. If using frozen berries you can add them at this time either by mixing in or placing directly on top. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften and thicken.
- When ready to eat, add a layer of crushed graham crackers to the bottom of a glass jar, then layer the oat mixture on top of the graham cracker base. If desired top with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream or more yogurt, and add your fresh berries on top if using. Enjoy!
