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These strawberry protein overnight oats are a wholesome and delicious way to start the day! Beautifully creamy and thick, they\u2019re filled with bright fruit flavor. This healthy oatmeal is really easy to make too. You only need 5 minutes! Perfect for make-ahead meal prep and busy weekdays!<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0 After lots of time dressing up our dolls, watching Disney movies, and whispering to each other in her bunk bed in the dark (to avoid her mom overhearing and reprimanding us to go to sleep!), we woke up early the next morning and bounded downstairs for breakfast. Still in our PJs, we clambered up onto dining chairs while her mom opened the cupboards. \u00a0 Yet on chilly weekend mornings, we gravitated more towards hot breakfasts: buttery toast showered with cinnamon sugar, jam-filled toaster pastries drizzled with icing, and even \u201cfancy\u201d bowls of oatmeal. Her mom bought fun flavors like strawberries \u2019n cream and dinosaur eggs, where the hot water melted the icing eggs to reveal dinosaur-shaped sprinkles underneath.<\/p>\n Those felt extra special compared to the oatmeal options at my own house. My mom mainly bought apple cinnamon \u2014 partially because my brother and I were picky (yet we still ate apples almost every day!) \u2014 and never strawberry or dinosaur eggs\u2026 So those quickly turned into new favorites! \u00a0 It\u2019s made with entirely wholesome ingredients, yet it\u2019s just as fruity and satisfying as those little packets I remember eating at my friend\u2019s house on weekends. This oatmeal recipe is also full of protein and incredibly easy to make! \u00a0<\/p>\n Difficulty:<\/strong><\/span> Very easy, including for beginner bakers (or, in this case, beginner overnight oats makers!).<\/p>\n Taste:<\/strong><\/span> Comforting and fruity, with bright pops of natural sweetness from the berries.<\/p>\n Texture:<\/strong><\/span> Thick and very creamy, with juicy bits of fruit throughout. \u00a0<\/p>\n Overnight oats are a special type of oatmeal. Traditionally, oatmeal is prepared by cooking oats with liquid on the stove or in the microwave to make it soft, creamy, and thick. Overnight oats simply remove that cooking step! Instead, they\u2019re allowed to rest and chill overnight. This long \u201csoak\u201d gives them the same thick and creamy consistency as traditional oatmeal!<\/p>\n Overnight oats have turned into a breakfast staple in my family. My dad especially loves them and goes through phases where he makes them every day of the week! They\u2019re so quick and easy to whip up, making them perfect for make-ahead meal prepping, chaotic weekdays, and lazy mornings\u2026 Or those of us who just want to sneak in a few extra minutes of sleep! \u00a0<\/p>\n With that quick definition out of the way\u2026 Let\u2019s go over what you\u2019ll need to make these healthy strawberry protein overnight oats!<\/p>\n Oats.<\/strong><\/span> The most obvious ingredient in this entire recipe, I\u2019m sure! Both old-fashioned rolled oats<\/a> and quick oats<\/a> (also called \u201cquick-cooking,\u201d \u201cone-minute,\u201d or \u201cinstant\u201d oats) work equally well, so you\u2019re welcome to use whichever you already have in your pantry. Because old-fashioned rolled oats are thicker, they\u2019ll yield overnight oats with a slightly heartier consistency, whereas the smaller and thinner quick oats result in a subtly creamier texture.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/span> If you\u2019d like to make these strawberry protein overnight oats gluten-free, then use certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats<\/a> or certified gluten-free quick oats<\/a>. Both work perfectly!<\/p>\n Greek yogurt.<\/strong><\/span> After the oats, Greek yogurt is the second most important ingredient in my high protein overnight oats recipes<\/a>. (\u2190 Have you tried any of my other flavors yet? The banana bread one is my dad\u2019s favorite!) With its stiffer consistency, Greek yogurt creates a beautifully thick and creamy texture in your overnight oats. It also adds a big protein boost \u2014 without any protein powder! Regular yogurt contains around 8g of protein per cup\u2026 But Greek yogurt boasts about 21g per cup instead!<\/p>\n Tip:<\/span> Not all Greek yogurts are created equal! For the best results, use one that only contains milk with live and active cultures. Some brands also include additional ingredients, such as milk protein concentrate or cornstarch, but I\u2019ve found those are often looser and runnier, which yields overnight oats with a less creamy and more liquidy consistency. They also tend to have a stronger yogurt \u201ctang\u201d to their flavor. My current favorite is FAGE plain nonfat Greek yogurt<\/a>. It has a much more subtle \u201ctang\u201d and one of the thickest textures! \u00a0 Sweetener.<\/strong><\/span> Many types will work, but I generally turn to liquid stevia<\/a>. Stevia is a plant-based, sugar-free, no-calorie sweetener that\u2019s clean eating friendly \u2014 meaning it contains nothing refined or artificial. It\u2019s also highly concentrated. You just need \u00bc teaspoon to sweeten this entire jar!<\/p>\n Tip:<\/span> Many stevia brands and products have different sweetness levels, so they\u2019re not necessarily 1-for-1 substitutes for each other. For the best flavor, I highly recommend using the same one that I do. I buy it online here<\/a> because that\u2019s the best price I\u2019ve found, and I love how it doesn\u2019t have a strong aftertaste like some other stevia products. (You\u2019ll also use it to make all of these recipes<\/a> of mine as well \u2014 it\u2019s not a \u201cone-time use\u201d ingredient!) \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n Now that you\u2019ve gathered your ingredients, let\u2019s quickly cover how to make the best healthy strawberry protein overnight oats. They\u2019re really easy to whip up \u2014 I promise!<\/p>\n Dice the strawberries.<\/strong><\/span> I typically cut them to be about the same size as chocolate chips. This ensures they\u2019re distributed evenly and every bite tastes sweet and fruity!<\/p>\n Stir.<\/strong><\/span> As striking as the photo above looks\u2026 Do not<\/u><\/em> leave the ingredients layered in your mason jar like that! The oats need to be fully mixed in with the yogurt and milk in order to absorb those liquid ingredients and soften properly. Stir thoroughly with your spoon, and you\u2019ll be rewarded with the best thick and creamy consistency in your high protein overnight oats! \u00a0 Enjoy.<\/strong><\/span> Grab a spoon and dig in! That\u2019s right \u2014 overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold, straight from the refrigerator. Because you let the oats swim around in that bath of yogurt and milk for 8+ hours, they\u2019ll be just as soft and creamy as if you had cooked them. No need to heat them up! \u00a0<\/p>\n Are these healthy strawberry protein overnight oats sugar-free, gluten-free, low calorie, clean eating, or vegan?<\/strong><\/span> If you\u2019d like to make your overnight oats dairy-free and vegan, then see the Notes section of the recipe. I\u2019ve included how to do so there!<\/p>\n What are the best oats to use for overnight oats?<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0 Regular (non-Greek!) yogurt works too, along with vegan and dairy-free yogurts (ie soy- or oat-based). Just keep in mind that these typically aren\u2019t as thick as Greek yogurt, so I\u2019d recommend reducing the milk by a touch to ensure your strawberry protein overnight oats still turn out with a similar thick and creamy consistency.<\/p>\n What about another type of milk?<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0 Will frozen strawberries work?<\/strong><\/span> If you do decide to use frozen strawberries, it\u2019s better to thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid adding the excess thawing liquid to the jar. (Otherwise, your overnight oats will be runnier and looser, instead of thick and creamy!) \u00a0 Can I heat up my overnight oats in the morning? I don\u2019t like eating cold oatmeal\u2026<\/strong><\/span> What\u2019s the best way to store these healthy strawberry protein overnight oats? How long will they last?<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0 \u00a9 <\/span>Amy’s Healthy Baking<\/span><\/p>\n These high protein overnight oats are a wholesome and delicious way to start the day! Beautifully creamy and thick, they\u2019re filled with bright fruit flavor. This healthy oatmeal is really quick and easy too. Perfect for make-ahead meal prep, busy weekdays, and even squeezing in a little extra sleep! Jars will keep for at least three or four days (mainly depending on the state of your strawberries!) if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/amyshealthybaking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/strawberry-protein-overnight-oats-3056.jpg\")
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In elementary school, one of my closest friends lived right around the corner from my house. We met for play dates at least once a week, and as we grew older, some of those transitioned into sleepovers on the weekends.<\/p>\n
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Her mom had established a breakfast cereal rule for their house before we started kindergarten. She insisted on wholesome options on weekdays, like plain corn flakes or Raisin Bran, but her daughters could pick anything they liked on weekends and special occasions. Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Cap\u2019n Crunch, Cocoa Pops, Golden Grahams\u2026 Anything on their kitchen shelves was fair game for our slumber parties!<\/p>\n
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And now, when I whip up bowls of these healthy strawberry protein overnight oats<\/strong><\/span>, those childhood sleepover memories come flooding back\u2026 But unlike in elementary school, I can enjoy this oatmeal any day of the week!<\/p>\n
\u00a0 <\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\nQUICK OVERVIEW \u2013 HEALTHY STRAWBERRY PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\nWHAT ARE OVERNIGHT OATS?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\nINGREDIENTS TO MAKE HEALTHY STRAWBERRY PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Milk.<\/strong><\/span> A small amount of milk makes it easier to combine everything together. It also helps the oats soften and creates a beautifully comforting and cozy consistency. Just about any type will work, so feel free to use whatever you already have in your fridge. No need for a special trip to the grocery store!<\/p>\n
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Strawberries.<\/strong><\/span> The final ingredient \u2014 and another very obvious one! Try to pick strawberries that look especially plump and red. They tend to be juicier with a stronger and sweeter flavor. (I love how they naturally dye these overnight oats a pretty pastel pink too!)
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\nHOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Refrigerate.<\/strong><\/span> Time for the easy part\u2026 Once your jar looks more like the photo above, then pop the lid on and chill it overnight. Let the fridge work its magic while you sleep!<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a><\/div>\nFAQS ABOUT STRAWBERRY PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Yes \u2014 to almost everything! As written, these strawberry protein overnight oats are gluten-free, egg-free, clean eating, and lower calorie (compared to other traditional recipes made with whole milk or cream!). They have no added sugar, only the kind naturally found in fruit and dairy products, and they\u2019re obviously high protein too.<\/p>\n
Old-fashioned rolled oats<\/a> and quick oats<\/a> (also called \u201cquick cooking,\u201d \u201cinstant\u201d or \u201cone-minute\u201d oats!) both work really well. So do the certified gluten-free versions of each! However, do not substitute steel-cut oats. They don\u2019t soften properly and remain rather crunchy and toothsome.
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Can I substitute a different yogurt?<\/strong><\/span>
You sure can! If you\u2019re not a fan of the plain nonfat variety, just about any type of Greek yogurt will work. Vanilla, strawberry\u2026 Even other flavors like coconut or strawberry cheesecake could make for fun combinations! You can also substitute Greek yogurt with other fat percentages (like 1%, 2%, 5%, etc).<\/p>\n
Absolutely! Just about any type will work, so feel free to use whatever you already have on hand.
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Can I use another sweetener?<\/strong><\/span>
Yes again! I know stevia doesn\u2019t work for some people, so I\u2019ve included many options in the Notes section of the recipe. Check there for some other alternatives!<\/p>\n
In a pinch\u2026 Yes. I prefer fresh strawberries to make these high protein overnight oats. Frozen ones sometimes seem to disintegrate, but fresh berries hold together better. I also find fresh ones taste stronger and sweeter.<\/p>\n
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What jars do you use to make overnight oats?<\/strong><\/span>
Mine are 12-ounce glass jars. The ones I used in these photos are no longer sold in stores, but these jars<\/a> are really similar!<\/p>\n
You can try! Just be really careful. Don\u2019t curdle the yogurt by heating them too much!<\/p>\n
Store them in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. They\u2019ll keep for at least three or four days, sometimes longer (mainly depending on the state of your strawberries!), so they\u2019re great for make-ahead meal prepping!
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Time for breakfast! And when you make your own, remember to snap a picture and share it on Instagram<\/a> using #amyshealthybaking<\/a> and tagging @amyshealthybaking<\/a> IN the photo itself! (That guarantees I\u2019ll see your picture! \ud83d\ude42 ) I\u2019d love to see your healthy strawberry protein overnight oats!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHealthy Strawberry Protein Overnight Oats<\/h2>\n