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Whether or not you were a fan of those little packets of strawberries and cream instant oatmeal as a kid (or still are), there’s no way you won’t absolutely love this recipe! I didn’t think it could get much better than my recent Apple Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal recipe, but OH MY. This is by far the best oatmeal I’ve ever had, let alone made, and even my difficult-to-impress husband would agree! With strawberry season in full swing, this recipe is a must try and is the perfect, nutrient-dense breakfast to get your day started the right way. Save the leftovers to reheat and enjoy throughout the week.
Below is an informational list of ingredients and step-by-step guide to making this yummy oatmeal, with a full recipe summary and measurements at the bottom of the page.
Let’s talk about the ingredients and their benefits:
- Oats: These fantastic whole grains are incredibly beneficial and for our health. Oats are among the most nutrient-dense foods available to us and have been found to lower cholesterol and decrease your risk of heart disease due to all the nutrients, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals they provide us with. We are recommended to consume three servings of whole grains per day, so oats are an excellent source to meet your daily requirements!
- Strawberries: Compared to other fruits, berries are particularly high in flavonoids, which are phytochemicals that help protect the body against disease and cancer causing compounds. They’re also loaded with polyphenols, like ellagic acid and resveratrol, that inhibit inflammation, modulate gene expression, kill cancerous cells, and inhibit angiogenesis.
- Maple syrup: You may be surprised to hear that maple syrup actually contains lots of antioxidants and other nutrients and is on of the best options when it comes to plant-based sweeteners. Just be sure to use it in moderation to avoid consuming too much sugar!
- Vanilla extract: Composed of a the compound vanillin, may have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidative effects.
- Lemon juice: This too may come as a surprise but lemon juice is an essential ingredient in this recipe! The touch of acidity really helps to liven the flavor of the berries. Lemon juice is high in antioxidants and also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, so it’s a great contributor to the health and function of our immune system.
- Oat milk: Any type of plant-based milk will work for this recipe, but oat milk is my personal favorite! All plant-based milks contain a variety of nutrients, but oat milk in particular is a great source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals and has been shown to reduce blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and help protect against cancer.
Pro tip: Did you know it’s super easy to make your own vanilla extract? Check out my post on how to make it from scratch: Homemade Vanilla Extract
Step 1:
Rinse your strawberries and remove the stems, then slice them up. No need for perfection here since we’re going to mash them in the end.
Step 2:
Add strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt to a pot over medium heat and reduce for about 10 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened into a thick and bubbly compote.
Step 3:
Mash the strawberries using a potato masher. We’ve basically made jam that we’re adding the oats and liquids to.
Step 4:
Add the milk, water, and oats and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to sit for another 5 minutes to thicken.
Note: The oatmeal will still look runny after 10 minutes, but don’t worry as it will become much thicker after sitting for a bit.
After that it’s ready to serve! I recommend adding some fresh chopped strawberries for an extra pop of bright flavor and texture. Personally, I love to pour a little extra oat milk on top for a nice contrast in temperature and to make it extra creamy and delicious! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. I hope you try this recipe and love it as much as I do. Leave a comment below and please share with a friend if you enjoy this recipe!
Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh strawberries sliced *see notes
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 cups oat milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Add the strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt to a medium-sized pot over medium heat.
- Simmer the berries for about 10 minutes, or until the berries are well softened and the juices have evaporated, then mash with a potato masher.
- Add the oat milk, water, and oats and stir well to combine.
- Cook for another 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
