Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

Breakfast at a Glance

• Prep Time: 5 minutes (10-15 minutes if you need to roast pecans)
• Planning Ahead: Prep it at least the night before and up to 5 days ahead.
• Morning Effort: Minimal- top with pecans and eat!
• Protein: 23g per serving
• Fiber: 9g per serving

Nessy's Note

Berry cheesecake overnight oats bring together everything I love about yogurt overnight oats- creamy, filling and perfect for busy mornings- with the excitement of eating dessert (but for breakfast!).

The secret to this recipe is the combination of Greek yogurt and lemon for the tanginess reminiscent of cheesecake. Then the topping of berries and toasted nuts bring the elements of a berry compote and graham cracker crust but in a filling, high fiber breakfast from.

Like vanilla baked oats, it’s the kind of breakfast that feels indulgent but is packed with ingredients that actually keep you full and satisfied.

• Rolled Oats- These can be called old-fashioned oats or large flake oats.
  • Substitution: Instant or quick oats work but result in a "mushier" texture.
• Greek Yogurt- This is key for giving the "tang" of cheesecake and helps to make these overnight oats high protein (without needing protein powder).
  • Substitution: Use any type of plain yogurt or blended cottage cheese (you might need an extra splash of water or milk with it).
• Honey- I like the flavor of honey to sweeten the "cheesecake" filling.
  • Substitution: Maple syrup or your sweetener of choice can be used instead.
• Lemon juice- Adds a tangy brightness that when combined with the yogurt, gives these oats their cheesecake flavor.
  • Substitution: Lime juice also works but the flavor will be slightly different. This can also be left out but the oats will have a more berries and cream taste and less of a berry cheesecake taste (still delicious though!).
• Mixed berries- I like to use frozen mixed berries and simply let them thaw, which makes this recipe extra easy (just like I do in my berry chia overnight oats). When they thaw, they get juicier and it reminds me of the berry compote that you might find on cheesecake.
  • Substitution: Any combination of fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries, raspberries or strawberries will work. If using large fresh berries, cut them up into slices or chunks.
• Pecans- Adds crunch and a toastiness that mimics the graham cracker crust of cheesecake. You can use pre-roasted nuts or roast your own.
  • Substitute: Cashews (which I use in these strawberry cheesecake overnight oats) or almonds also work quite well. For a nut-free option, omit.
• Ground Flaxseed- These thicken the oats and add some fiber.
  • Substitution: Chia seeds can be used or they can be left out.
• Sea Salt- Balances the sweetness and brings out the tangy flavor.
  • Substitution: Kosher or table salt will also work.
• Vanilla Extract– Adds key depth of flavor that is essential for mimicking the essence of cheesecake- don't skip it!

Key Tips for Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

• Use frozen berries. Just like for lemon blueberry overnight oats, I recommend using frozen berries (I used a mixed berry blend) as it makes the recipe extra easy and the juices from the berries melting adds to it. Plus, frozen berries tend to be less expensive.
• Adjust the consistency. If the oats have thickened too much overnight for your tastes, you can stir in a splash of milk (or water) before serving.

More Overnight Oats...

• Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
• Cinnamon Overnight Oats
• Cookie Dough Overnight Oats