Buttermilk Overnight Oats With Strawberries
Jump start your day with these fresh and creamy Strawberry Buttermilk Overnight Oats. With the tang of buttermilk, sweet, juicy strawberries, and just a touch of vanilla, this breakfast is as filling as it is delightful.
These oats soak up all of the flavors overnight, so they form a nice thick creamy base that pairs so well with some plain yogurt and a drizzle of honey on top. Toasted slivered almonds add crunch and light nutty flavor, for that touch of texture.
This make-ahead recipe is great for busy mornings and can be prepped in advance to have a quick, healthy breakfast in any of the seven days. It’s an easy, healthful way to reap the merits of oats with some fruit flavor.
Strawberry Buttermilk Overnight Oats – What You Will Need
Old-fashioned oats are the chewy, filling base for this dish, soaking overnight and soaking up all the creamy flavors. Buttermilk gives this a tangy richness that works well with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Vanilla or almond extract adds a subtle, aromatic depth, amplifying the other flavors without competing with them. And plain yogurt lends a creamy texture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness of honey.
Fresh strawberries add a touch of invigorating sweetness, and a drizzle of honey brings everything together. I add optional toasted slivered almonds for crunch with a nutty finish.
Recipe Tips
Control the Sweetness: This recipe is meant to be subtly sweet, letting the natural flavors of strawberry and buttermilk shine through. For a sweeter version, just add more honey when you prep the strawberries, or stir it into the oat mixture directly. You can always modify to your taste even making it as sweet or mild as possible.
Oats: The oats will have softened overnight, though, if you want a thicker or thinner consistency, feel free to add a little more or less buttermilk and yogurt. Decrease the buttermilk for a thicker texture; increase the yogurt or buttermilk for a creamier, more fluid consistency. This will help get it how you like your oats.
Storage and Meal Prep: You can prep this recipe a few days ahead, and it will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, making it pakka meal prep food. You might think about doubling the batch, then dividing it into individual jars and adding the almonds on the day of serving, for convenience and freshness over the week.
What to Serve with Strawberry Buttermilk Overnight Oats
Fat-free Seasonal Fruit Chaat: The crunchy and zesty seasonal fruits such as mango, kiwi, and blueberries are balanced by creamy and tangy oats for a deliciously light fruit salad. The honeyed sweetness and refreshing taste of the fruit brings out the strawberry flavor and makes for a balanced, nutritious breakfast or brunch pairing.
Nut Butter Toast: For a heartier breakfast, serve the overnight oats with a slice of whole-grain toast smeared with almond or peanut butter. The nutty richness of the spread pairs perfectly with the oats’ creaminess and adds a protein punch to your meal, giving it all the more umph.
Herbal Tea or Iced Coffee: Enjoy your breakfast with a cup of herbal tea with mint or chamomile, for a relaxing experience. Or an iced coffee or cold brew od make a great pick me up for those who like to start their day (right next to this refreshing meal) with a cup joe.
FAQ
Can I sub in regular milk for the buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk, but the texture and tanginess of the oats will be mildly different. To imitate buttermilk’s acidity, one option is to add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the milk for a similar flavor.
Can I leave out the yogurt in this recipe?
The yogurt gives it creaminess and a bit of tang, but you can leave it out, if you like. Try replacing with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut yogurt, or simply use a little extra buttermilk for a creamier texture.
How long is overnight oats good in the refrigerator?
You can keep these oats in the fridge for five days, so it’s a great meal-prep candidate. Make sure they stay fresh by storing them in an airtight container.
Do I have to use fresh strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries are great to use in this recipe. Let them thaw a little before slicing and tossing with honey. Remember, the strawberries will make even more juice as they thaw, which can be extra sweet goodness for the oats!
Buttermilk Overnight Oats With Strawberries
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- 1/2 cup strawberries sliced
- 2 to 3 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon toasted slivered almonds optional
Instructions
- Prepare the oats and strawberries: In a small bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, buttermilk, and vanilla or almond extract. In another bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with honey, then stir gently to coat them evenly.
- Refrigerate overnight — Cover both bowls and keep them refrigerated overnight to let the oats soak up the buttermilk and get tender. Make-ahead: This dish can be made in advance, and the oatmeal cups will keep well for up to five days in the fridge when stored properly.
- Make the oats in the morning: The next day, the oats will have thickened to a creamy consistency. Spoon the sweetened strawberries, juice and all, over the yogurt. Sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds for texture, and dig in.
- Another Way: Stir all the ingredients together, except for the almonds, in a pint-size jar. Stir well, cover and refrigerate overnight. Top with almonds in the morning, and serve.
