This recipe for Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal is a set-it-and-forget-it make-ahead breakfast featuring tender steel-cut oats, juicy strawberries, and creamy yogurt. Directions for making this Strawberry Oatmeal in the crockpot or on the stove.
Inspired by my super popular recipe for Crockpot Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal puts a fruity spin on a hearty breakfast.
I truly believe that starting each day with a balanced breakfast is key to success. But the problem with having breakfast on the table for my family once again is TIME. Between getting myself and the kids dressed and ready for the school day, I have little time to throw together breakfast. Sounds like your life too, huh?
I am all about make-ahead breakfasts to make my life easier! From Overnight Oats to Homemade Egg McMuffins to Overnight French Toast Casserole, to this recipe for Strawberry Oatmeal, overnight breakfast recipes are staples in my house.
Why You'll Love Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
- Easy. Crockpot Strawberry Oatmeal is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that cooks while you sleep. While it sounds too good to be true!
- Healthy. Low in fat, high in fiber, and filled with antioxidants and whole grains, this oatmeal recipe is packed with wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients.
- Hearty. Filled with fiber and protein, a bowl of this Strawberry Oatmeal will keep you full and satisfied for hours!
Notes on Ingredients
- Steel-Cut Oats: Use regular steel-cut oats, not quick-cook steel-cut oats, rolled oats, or quick-cooking rolled oats.
- Milk + Water: Using a combination of milk and water will help the milk not to scorch, yet the oats turn out super creamy. Use any fat percentage of regular milk or your favorite non-dairy milk.
- Maple Syrup: A bit of maple syrup will help to naturally sweeten the oatmeal. Feel free to replace the maple syrup with honey if desired.
- Cinnamon + Salt + Vanilla: A bit of each works to enhance the flavor of the strawberries and oatmeal itself.
- Strawberries: Use fresh strawberries for best results.
- Yogurt: Use plain, non-sweetened yogurt. Either Greek-style or regular yogurt works well. If you do use vanilla yogurt, I would reduce the addition of maple syrup.
Substitutions/Recipe Modifications
- Swap out the Strawberries. Feel free to use ANY fruit you like for this slow cooker steel-cut oats recipe. Blueberries, peaches, and raspberries have all been huge successes at my house.
- Like it Sweeter? Feel free to double the amount of maple syrup or add up to ¼ cup of brown sugar to make the oatmeal extra sweet.
- Using Frozen Berries: If you only have frozen strawberries on hand, defrost and drain them before preparing the oatmeal.
- Don't Care for Yogurt? The yogurt gives the oatmeal a nice creamy finish, but it is an optional ingredient. If you don't care for yogurt or don't have it on hand, just omit it.
- Bump up the Nutrients: Feel free to add up to ¼ cup each of chia seeds and/or ground flaxseed to the oatmeal for additional fiber and nutrients.
- Dairy-Free Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal: Use your favorite non-dairy milk and coconut, soy, or almond milk yogurt.
∗Tips for Making Strawberries & Cream Oatmeal ∗
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Grease the Slow Cooker. It is a really good idea to either grease insert in your slow cooker or use a slow-cooker liner for easy clean-up.
- Burnt Oats? I have never had an issue with the steel-cut oats burning in my slow cooker. However, each slow cooker is different. If your slow cooker burns the bottom of the oats, just don't stir the burnt bottom into the remaining oatmeal and you can eat the rest of the strawberry oatmeal. In the future, cut back cooking time by 2 hours.
- Short on Time? If you don't have the time to cook the Strawberry Oatmeal in the crockpot, you can make this on the stovetop. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, add in 2 cups milk, the oats, strawberries, and a dash of salt. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, or until thickened and oats are tender. Add in maple syrup, vanilla extract, and yogurt, and serve.
More Delicious Oatmeal Recipes
- Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
- Banana Baked Oatmeal
- Sweet Potato Oatmeal
- Instant Pot Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal
- Spiced Vanilla Chai Oatmeal
- Healthy Overnight Oats
If you enjoyed this recipe for Slow Cooker Strawberry Oatmeal, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
This recipe for Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal is a hearty and healthy breakfast featuring tender steel-cut oats, juicy strawberries, and creamy yogurt. Directions for making this Strawberry Oatmeal in the crockpot or on the stove.
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Servings: 8
Calories: 203kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups steel-cut oats no substitution
- 4 cups water (6 cups if using stove method)
- 3 cups milk any variety (2 cups if using stove method)
- 2 cups strawberries destemmed, and sliced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- dash of sea salt
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 cup plain Greek or regular yogurt
Instructions
Crockpot Instructions
- Grease the inside of the slow cooker with melted butter, coconut oil, or spray for easier clean-up.
- In the slow cooker, combine oats, water, milk, 1-½ cups strawberries, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt, and mix to combine.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 6 hours on low for a firm texture and 8 hours on low for a softer texture. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours.
- Right before serving stir in yogurt for a creamy addition.
- To serve, dish up oats and top with additional strawberries, a dollop of yogurt, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired.
Stovetop Instructions
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, add in 2 cups milk, the oats, strawberries, and a dash of salt.
- Cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, or until thickened and oats are tender.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and yogurt. Serve immediately.
Equipment Needed
Notes
Milk: Use any milk you like for this oatmeal recipe.
Note on Burning: I have never had an issue with the steel-cut oats burning in my slow cooker. However, each slow cooker is different. If your slow cooker burns the bottom of the oats, just don't stir the burnt bottom into the remaining oatmeal and you can eat the rest of the strawberry oatmeal. In the future, cut back cooking time by 2 hours.
Strawberries: Feel free to use ANY fruit you like for this slow cooker steel-cut oats recipe. Blueberries, peaches, and raspberries have all been huge successes at my house.
If you would like your oatmeal thinner, use 8 cups of liquid (5 cups water, 3 cups milk), if you would like thicker oatmeal, use 6 cups of liquid (4 cups of water, 2 cups of milk).
Storage: Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings as desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 125IU | Vitamin C: 21.2mg | Calcium: 136mg | Iron: 1.8mg
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Stefanie
I did not like this one at all. I think it was the yogurt, if I try again I would do it without the yogurt.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so sorry you didn't enjoy this recipe. The yogurt will add tang and creaminess. You may prefer Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal.
Alisha
Can you clarify the stovetop directions? I know this is primarily geared toward the overnight, crockpot method, but since you included the skeleton of the stovetop method it needs a little more structure. The amount of ingredients isn’t clear and doesn’t add up to the ingredient list.
Thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Alisha! I am sorry it seemed unclear to you. You would need the same amount of ingredients and here are the instructions again:
Bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer and then add in 2 cups milk, 2 cups of oats, and a dash of salt.
Cook 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Turn off heat.
Add in strawberries, vanilla extract, and yogurt.
Mix well and serve.
Kathy
Can leftovers be refrigerated?
Kristen Chidsey
Yes absolutely Kathy! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Marie
I'm planning to make this recipe for Valentine's Day breakfast tomorrow!
Kristen Chidsey
I hope you enjoy Marie!
Michele
Did you use frozen or fresh strawberries?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Michelle! I prefer fresh strawberries for this recipe. You can use frozen, but they may get mushy and bleed into the oatmeal.
Debbi Bruner
Has anyone had success in doubling this recipe for a large crowd? Thanks!
Kat
Two questions:
1) Can I use frozen strawberries?
2) There is a Nutrition Facts chart at the bottom that outlines what is in a serving but not how much oatmeal constitutes a portion. Do you know how much it is based on?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Kat! Frozen strawberries can be used, they just may leak out more of their juices, but still works 🙂 As for serving, each serving is about 1 cup of the finished oatmeal. I hope you enjoy!
Jessica
I just opened up my crockpot and I am not impressed. I think 7 cups of liquid is wayyyy too much for 2 cups of oats. Its just a watery brown paste with the occasional oat floating around. I think I will try it again with less water.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Jessica! By any chance did you use regular oats, not steel cut oats? Steel cut oats need much more liquid than regular oats.
Best
Do you think organic frozen strawberries could work for this? Sometimes their taste if more bankable than buying. a batch this time of year fresh from the store. I use them in smoothies sometimes
Kristen Chidsey
I do think they will work. Just give it a taste at the end to see if you need to add sweeteners.
Kayla
Hi yes I was planning on making this tomorrow for breakfeast is there a way make it on stove top?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Kayla,
Yes, you can certainly make this on the stove top.
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add in 2 cups almond milk, and then add in your oats.
Reduce heat and simmer and then add in 1 cup almond milk, your oats, and a dash of salt.
Cook 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add in strawberries, vanilla extract, and yogurt.
Mix well and serve.
Amber
I plan to make this Christmas morning but only want to use one cup of oats. How could I adjust the ingredients for this recipe? For just one cup of oats I also plan to add bananas along with the strawberries.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Amber!
This will make a fabulous Christmas morning breakfast. However, when cutting the amount of steel cut oats in half you need to make it in a smaller slow cooker, or it will all scorch. As steel cut oats cook overnight, a crust can form around on the bottom and by cutting this recipe down, the liquid covers too much of the cooking surface.
So, you would use 2-3 quart slow cooker and 3 cups milk, 1 1/2 cups water, 1/2 cup yougurt, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1-2 cups berries and bananas. If you want the berries and bananas to melt into the oats,cook together. Otherwise top oats with bananas and berries. Enjoy!! And merry Christmas