Strawberry Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal: A Delicious and Healthy Breakfast Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal is a delightful twist on traditional breakfast fare that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the wholesome goodness of oats. As someone who has always cherished the comforting flavors of baked oatmeal, I was thrilled to discover this recipe that elevates it to a whole new level. The vibrant strawberries not only add a pop of color but also infuse the dish with a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake layer.

This dish has its roots in the classic cheesecake, a dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries, often associated with celebrations and gatherings. People love Strawberry Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal not just for its delicious taste and creamy texture, but also for its convenience. It’s a make-ahead breakfast that can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it has become a favorite in my kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Oatmeal Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your baked oatmeal cooks evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed. This will help distribute the baking powder and spices evenly throughout the oats.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. The sweetness from the maple syrup will complement the strawberries beautifully.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. You want to make sure that all the oats are coated with the liquid, but don’t overmix. Set this mixture aside while we prepare the cheesecake layer.

Preparing the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk, but a mixer will make this process much easier.
2. Add the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) to the cream cheese and mix until well combined. This will add a nice tanginess to the cheesecake layer.
3. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help incorporate the eggs fully into the mixture, ensuring a smooth texture.
4. If you prefer a sweeter cheesecake layer, you can add powdered sugar to taste at this point. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

Assembling the Baked Oatmeal

1. Now it’s time to assemble everything! Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Spread the oatmeal mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
3. Next, dollop the cheesecake mixture over the oatmeal layer. You can use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture across the oatmeal. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the cheesecake will spread as it bakes.
4. Finally, scatter the sliced strawberries over the top of the cheesecake layer. You can arrange them in a pattern or just sprinkle them randomly for a more rustic look.

Baking the Oatmeal

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
2. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the layers set a bit more and make it easier to cut into squares.

Serving Suggestions

1. Once cooled, cut the baked oatmeal into squares. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
2. If you want to elevate your serving, consider drizzling a little extra maple syrup or honey over the top. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would also be delightful!
3. For a fresh touch, garnish with mint leaves or additional sliced strawberries. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor.

Storage Tips

Conclusion:

In summary, this Strawberry Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game or indulge in a delightful dessert that feels like a treat but is packed with wholesome ingredients. The creamy cheesecake flavor combined with the sweet, juicy strawberries creates a harmonious blend that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, the ease of preparation makes it a perfect choice for busy mornings or a cozy weekend brunch with friends and family. For serving suggestions, consider topping your baked oatmeal with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for added creaminess and sweetness. You can also experiment with variations by swapping out strawberries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even adding a sprinkle of nuts or chocolate chips for an extra crunch. The possibilities are endless! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for this Strawberry Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal together! Happy baking! Print