Creamy, fruity breakfast bliss 🍓
If you love the cozy comfort of baked oats and the indulgent flavor of cheesecake, this Strawberry Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal is about to become your new favorite breakfast recipe. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and bursting with juicy strawberries in every bite. Perfect for meal prep, weekend brunch, or a make-ahead weekday breakfast, this healthy baked oatmeal feels like dessert—but fuels your morning like a champ. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep, it’s ideal for busy mornings when you still want something special. Think strawberry cheesecake vibes… but wholesome and oven-baked!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Servings: 6
📝 Ingredients List
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, enhances cheesecake flavor)
- 2 cups milk (dairy or almond milk)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Knife and cutting board
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2️⃣ Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir well.
3️⃣ Blend the cheesecake base. In a separate bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, eggs, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and lemon zest until mostly smooth. A few tiny cream cheese bits are okay!
4️⃣ Combine everything. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until fully combined. Fold in diced strawberries gently 🍓
5️⃣ Pour and spread. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Smooth the top evenly.
6️⃣ Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. The oatmeal should look slightly puffed and no longer jiggly in the center.
7️⃣ Cool slightly for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up into perfect squares.
Enjoy warm as-is, or top with extra strawberries and a dollop of Greek yogurt 😋
💡 Pro Tips
- Make it ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
- Freezer-friendly: Slice into portions and freeze individually for up to 2 months.
- Lower sugar option: Reduce maple syrup to ¼ cup if you prefer lightly sweet oatmeal.
- Extra creamy swirl: Reserve a few spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese and swirl it into the top before baking.
🔄 Variations
- Strawberry Almond: Add ¼ cup sliced almonds for crunch.
- Mixed Berry Cheesecake: Swap half the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries.
- Chocolate Strawberry: Add 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips for dessert-style vibes.
- Protein Boost: Stir in 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (reduce milk slightly if needed).
❓ FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and coconut oil instead of butter.
Why is my baked oatmeal too soft?
It may need 5 extra minutes in the oven. The center should be set before removing.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase baking time by 5–10 minutes.