STRAWBERRIES & "CREAM" OVERNIGHT PROTEIN OATS

Strawberries & “Cream” Overnight Protein Oats (made with kefir and an extra teaspoon of red beet crystals), topped with fresh strawberries, toasted coconut chips, bee pollen, and Giddy Yo cacao nibs.

There are few breakfasts as simple and satisfying as overnight protein oats (or "proats").  You simply mix the ingredients together in a matter of minutes the night before, and they soak while you sleep.  In the morning, they're ready whenever you are!

I absolutely love this creamy strawberry and coconut version.  It's super yummy and packed with all the goods — vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, fibre, healthy fats, protein, and pre & probiotics, too! What a great way to start the day!

Sensational Strawberries

Not only do these pretty red berries taste delightful, but they're little nutrient-dense gems.  One cup of strawberries contains just under 50 calories and only 7 grams of sugar, but provides over 100% of our RDI of vitamin C, almost 90% of our recommended vitamin A, 3 grams of fibre, and loads of anti-inflammatory, disease-fighting antioxidants.  These powerful phytochemicals are believed to help protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.  

Strawberries & Cream Overnight Protein Oats topped with diced fresh berries, grapes & mango, grain-free granola, Eaton Hemp Maple Cinnamon toasted hemp seeds, Go Macro Maple Sea Salt protein bar, and maple almond butter.

Strawberries & Cream Overnight Protein Oats Recipe

Ingredients for 2 to 3 servings:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)

• 1 Tbsp chia seeds

• 1 generous cup fresh or frozen strawberries

• 1/2 can (approximately 3/4 cup) coconut milk (light here or full-fat)

• 1/3 cup plain probiotic Greek or coconut yogurt (I have also used kefir)

• 3 Tbsp Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla or Wild Strawberry protein powder (optional, see note below*)

• 1 tsp red beet crystals (optional, adjusted to desired colour and taste)

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• pinch salt

• Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener, stevia, raw honey (non-vegan), or sweetener of choice, adjusted to taste

• optional toppings: fresh or dried fruit, bee pollen, coconut chips, cacao nibs, granola, nuts/nut butter, or toppings of choice

*Note: If you prefer to avoid protein powder, omit or substitute Eaton Hemp hemp hearts (recommend adding to step 1).

Directions:

1. Combine oats and chia seeds in a medium bowl.

2. Put strawberries, coconut milk, yogurt, protein powder, red beet crystals, vanilla, and salt into blender container and blend well. Sweeten to taste.

3. Pour strawberry "smoothie" over the oat and chia mixture and stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 6 hours.

4. In the morning, stir, add additional milk or yogurt as desired, and serve with your choice of toppings.

Strawberries & Cream Overnight Protein Oats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.

Strawberries & “Cream” Overnight Protein Oats topped with fresh strawberries, grain-free granola, bee pollen, and warm Lakanto sugar-free Suntella Chocolate Sunflower Spread.

This recipe was first published on June 9, 2017. It was updated in 2018 and 2021.