Overnight Oats Strawberry Chia (Print Version)

Creamy oats combined with sweet strawberry chia topping for a make-ahead energizing breakfast.

# What You'll Need:

→ Overnight Oats Base

01 - 1 cup rolled oats, gluten-free variety optional
02 - 1 cup milk, dairy or plant-based alternative
03 - 1/2 cup plain yogurt, Greek or dairy-free variety
04 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
05 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Strawberry Chia Jam

07 - 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
09 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds
10 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, optional

→ Garnish

11 - Sliced fresh strawberries for topping
12 - Chopped nuts or seeds, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine chopped strawberries and maple syrup in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until strawberries soften and begin to break down, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Mash with a fork or potato masher to achieve desired consistency. Stir in chia seeds and lemon juice if desired. Remove from heat and allow to cool; mixture will thicken as it cools.
02 - In a mixing bowl or jar, combine rolled oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Divide oat mixture evenly between two jars or bowls. Top each portion with 2 to 3 tablespoons of cooled strawberry chia jam.
03 - Cover jars or bowls with lids or plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours until oats are fully softened and flavors have melded.
04 - Remove from refrigerator. Stir gently if desired to combine layers. Top each serving with sliced fresh strawberries and chopped nuts or seeds before consuming.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Zero morning stress because your breakfast is literally waiting for you in the fridge, ready to eat or customize.
  • The strawberry chia jam thickens overnight in a way that feels like a small kitchen miracle, naturally sweet without being cloying.
  • It genuinely tastes indulgent—creamy, jammy, satisfying—yet it's packed with protein and fiber, so you'll actually stay full past mid-morning.
02 -
  • Don't skip letting the jam cool—if you layer it warm over the oats, it can break down the structure and turn everything into one homogeneous mush, which defeats the purpose of having distinct layers.
  • The oats really do need that full overnight soak; if you're tempted to eat it after just a few hours, you'll hit a texture that's somewhere between crunchy and creamy, and honestly, it won't do the recipe justice.
03 -
  • If you're using frozen strawberries, don't thaw them first—they'll break down faster in the pan and release more of their natural pectin, which means your jam will set beautifully without any added thickeners.
  • Layer your oats and jam in a clear glass jar instead of an opaque bowl; watching those pretty magenta and cream layers in the morning genuinely makes breakfast feel more special and gives you a moment of calm before the day starts.
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