Strawberry Overnight Oats with Coconut Milk

This recipe serves one, however, it can be easily doubled, tripled, etc. to feed a whole family or to set yourself up with one jar of overnight oats for every morning of the week.

These strawberry overnight oats with coconut milk make a great after school snack or you can even throw one into your kids’ lunch bag, as well. Don’t forget a spoon!

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Oats ~ Raw old-fashioned rolled oats is what you want to use. Steel cut oats will be too hard for this recipe and quick oats will turn mushy if left to soak overnight.

Look for certified gluten-free brands if you need/want these strawberry overnight oats to be gluten-free. While oats are gluten-free by nature, they are often processed in facilities that also process wheat, so definitely look for the certified gluten-free symbol.

Chia seeds ~ I love adding a sprinkle of chia seeds to my overnight oats. Not only are they are loaded with nutrients, like protein, fiber, healthy fats, calcium, iron, zinc, B vitamins, antioxidants, and more [source], but they also help to thicken the oats to a perfect consistency.

Milk ~ In this recipe, we are using coconut milk. I prefer light coconut milk. It’s creamier than most dairy-free milks, but not quite as thick as full fat coconut milk. It also has a milder coconut flavor than the full fat variety.

The coconut and strawberries are a match made in heaven. Like eating dessert for breakfast!

Most overnight oats recipes call for an equal amount of oats to liquid, however, because coconut milk is thicker than other milks, I suggest using a bit more of the milk for the best texture.

If you don’t have or don’t want to use coconut milk, you can use any unsweetened dairy-free milk, like almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, oat milk, etc.

Sweetener ~ Just a few teaspoons of pure maple syrup is all you need. Although, coconut milk is naturally sweet on its own, so you may opt to omit the sweetener.

Fruit ~ Just like for my Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes, fresh diced strawberries are my #1 choice for these overnight oats with coconut milk. However, you could use fresh blueberries, or raspberries.

You could also add sliced bananas or diced kiwi, but I suggest adding those right before serving as they may get slimy it soaked overnight.

Extras ~ Pure vanilla extract adds a little something that takes the taste of these overnight oats above and beyond.

Sometimes I add a pinch of salt to the oats when mixing everything together. And sometimes I forget. Ha! I do prefer the taste with the salt as it balances the sweetness, so I suggest adding it, but it’s optional.

I also like to add some unsweetened coconut flakes as a garnish before serving. They add a nice crunchy texture that offsets the soft, creamy oats.

A tablespoon of vegan protein powder stirred before serving would be great if you want an extra punch of plant protein.

Other garnishes to consider: a sprinkle of granola, tablespoon of chopped nuts, sprinkle of ground cinnamon, more fresh fruit, vegan vanilla yogurt, etc.

How to make the recipe

Please scroll down to the recipe card for exact ingredient measurements and instructions.

Add the oats, chia seeds, and fresh diced strawberries to a jar.

Pour in the maple syrup, vanilla and coconut milk.

Stir well. Close the jar tightly and place in the fridge.

After 30 minutes, stir again to ensure the chia seeds distribute evenly and don’t sink to the bottom of the jar.

Close the jar tightly again and place back in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, stir again. Add additional milk if you like a thinner consistency. Garnish with any toppings you desire. Enjoy!

~ Use old-fashioned rolled oats. Not steel cut oats and not quick oats.

~ Be sure to choose certified gluten-free oats if you need this recipe to be gluten-free.

~ Use light coconut milk for best texture.

~ When serving add additional milk if you like a thinner consistency.

~ Garnish with any toppings that you enjoy: extra fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, etc. Add garnishes right before serving.