The Overnight Oats That Make You Feel Like You’re Eating Dessert for Breakfast

Forget Everything You Know About Breakfast

This one’s not just oats soaked in milk. It’s strawberries sinking into creamy ricotta, a splash of vanilla that’s basically dessert perfume in a jar. I swear, I woke up craving that smell—the fruity, slightly tangy reminder of grandma’s strawberry shortcake, but in a portable, no-fuss bowl. You don’t need a fancy fridge or a million ingredients. Just a jar, a few strawberries, some oats—and patience. Because the best part? The texture: that first bite of soft oats and cool cream, with little pockets of jammy strawberry. It’s the kind of breakfast that sneaks up on you, makes you smile, makes you feel like you’re cheating on breakfast but you’re actually just doing it right—overnight magic, really. No urgency, no fuss. Just layers of flavor that hit you when you least expect it.

Strawberry Ricotta Overnight Oats

This dish features rolled oats soaked overnight in milk and vanilla, combined with creamy ricotta cheese and fresh strawberries. The final texture is a chilled, layered mixture of soft oats, smooth ricotta, and jammy strawberries, creating a no-fuss, dessert-like breakfast.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup rolled oats quick or old-fashioned
• 1/2 cup milk dairy or plant-based
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese full-fat recommended
• 6 pieces strawberries hulled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional, for sweetness

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Jar or container with lid
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Measure and combine the rolled oats, milk, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl, stirring until evenly combined. Pour the mixture into a jar or container with a lid. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
   1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2. While the oats soak, prepare the strawberries by hullying and slicing them into thin pieces. Gather the ricotta cheese and honey or syrup if using.
   1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 6 pieces strawberries, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
3. Once the oats have soaked, uncover the jar and gently fold in the ricotta cheese and honey or syrup to incorporate evenly, creating a creamy, layered look.
   1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
4. Top the mixture with the sliced strawberries, arranging them in a decorative pattern or simply sprinkling evenly over the surface.
   6 pieces strawberries
5. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled with additional strawberries if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, sprinkle a little more vanilla or add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds on top before serving.

And maybe, just maybe, you’ll wonder if this counts as a breakfast or dessert—either way, it’s perfect for mornings that need a little extra sweetness without fuss. Or mornings when you want to pretend you’re a fancy baker, even if you’re still in pajamas.