Dive into a bowl of juicy berry flavor with strawberry oatmeal recipe! It’s fast and easy to make as a satisfying breakfast: the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
It’s easy to get in a rut with breakfasts. Here’s a fun spin on the classic breakfast that will make you look forward to mornings: strawberry oatmeal! Who can say no to pink oatmeal? The sweet berry flavor is irresistible, and topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup and a hint of cream, it’s absolutely sublime.
Why we love this recipe: Alex and I eat a lot of oatmeal around here (it’s a daily occurrence!). This berry spin is our new favorite because it’s so much fun: sweet, cozy, and such a fun way to use seasonal berries. Strawberries and cream? Count us obsessed.
Ingredients in strawberry oatmeal
This strawberry oatmeal recipe relies on simple ingredients to make a fun, wholesome breakfast. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Old Fashioned rolled oats: Old Fashioned oats are the key to the texture and cook time. Avoid substituting instant oats, quick cook oats, or steel cut oats here.
- Diced strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best in this recipe: they have the sweetest flavor, and they are necessary as a garnish for the full flavor to come out. You can use frozen berries too, but they have a slightly more tart flavor (add extra sweetener if desired).
- Pure maple syrup: Maple syrup is our natural sweetener of choice. You can also use honey or granulated sugar, if desired.
- Heavy cream or half and half: To make the strawberries and cream vibe, we’ve used a hint of heavy cream here. If desired, you can use half and half, whole milk, or a non-dairy creamer or coconut milk (oat milk is an option, but it doesn’t have the rich quality that cream brings).
- Vanilla extract and kosher salt: These ingredients round out the flavor.
How to make strawberry oatmeal: step by step
Strawberry oatmeal is quick and easy to make: the entire process takes about 10 minutes. It’s a great fun easy breakfast idea to look forward to. Here are the basic steps (or go to the full recipe):
Step 1
Dice the strawberries.
Step 2
In a saucepan, add the oats, water, strawberries, syrup, and vanilla extract, stirring. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and the oats are tender. Smash the berries with the back of a large spoon as you stir.
Step 3
Garnish with fresh strawberries and maple syrup. This is important to allow the flavor to pop! If desired, add a drizzle of cream.
Fresh vs frozen strawberries
🍓Both fresh or frozen strawberries work here, but it’s best with fresh berries because the have the sweetest flavor. Also, adding fresh strawberries as a garnish is what makes the strawberry flavor pop.
But if all you have is frozen strawberries, they work too! Consider saving out a few and thawing them for a garnish (you don’t need to thaw the berries that go into the pot with the oatmeal). Since they’re more tart than fresh berries, you may need to add a little extra maple syrup.
Flavor variations for strawberry oatmeal
We think this strawberries and cream oatmeal is so much fun as a healthy breakfast idea: there’s really no need to change the flavor at all! But if you love changing things up, here are a few flavors that would pair well:
- Nuts and seeds: A topping of sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds add a nice crunch and healthy fats.
- Nut butter: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter as a topping (for PB&J vibes)
- Cinnamon: Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon while cooking.
- Blueberries: You can make this with blueberries instead: go to Blueberry Oatmeal.
Leftover storage and make ahead tips
Leftovers store refrigerated for up 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, and make sure to garnish again with fresh strawberries and maple syrup.
Dietary notes
This strawberry oatmeal recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free (using gluten-free oats). For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, use plain non-dairy creamer or coconut milk.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of oats are best for strawberry oatmeal?
Rolled oats are the perfect choice for stovetop oatmeal, offering a creamy texture that complements the strawberries. If you prefer a quicker option, you can use instant oats, but be aware they might cook up a bit mushier.
Fresh or frozen strawberries?
Both work well! Fresh strawberries offer a brighter flavor, while frozen strawberries can add a thicker consistency (add additional sweetener to taste).
How can I sweeten my strawberry oatmeal?
Honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or even chopped dates are all delicious options. You can also use a sprinkle of brown sugar for a touch of caramel flavor.
What are some other toppings for strawberry oatmeal?
Nuts and Seeds: Sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds add a nice crunch and healthy fats.
Yogurt: A dollop of plain or flavored yogurt adds a creamy richness.
Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top.
Chocolate: A drizzle of chocolate syrup or dark chocolate shavings is a decadent treat.
Strawberry Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Old Fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup diced strawberries fresh or frozen*
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or oat milk, for vegan
- For topping: maple syrup and fresh strawberries required
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add the oats, water, strawberries, maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract, stirring. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened and the oats are tender, smashing the berries with the back of a large spoon as you stir. (Try to smash the majority of the berries to give the oatmeal its pink color.)
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cream. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup and sliced strawberries: this is required and what brings out the strawberry flavor. If desired, add a drizzle of cream.
- Leftovers store refrigerated for up 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, and make sure to garnish again with fresh strawberries and maple syrup.