Nothing says summertime like a big ol’ bowl of juicy strawberries drowned in creamy milk or yogurt: Am I right? As soon as those sun-ripened red beauties start popping up at the farmer’s market, I get major cravings. I just want to eat berries and cream with a spoon, straight up.
Well, turns out I’m not the only one who thinks this is an awesome flavor combination. Strawberries and cream have been joined at the hip for centuries! Back in the day, French royalty like King Louis XIV couldn’t get enough of it. Bowl after bowl of ripe strawberries soaked in velvety cream. Talk about living the sweet life!
Flash forward to now and us common folk get to enjoy this royal dessert too. Berries and cream reminds me of lounging on a hillside picnic in the English countryside. Like something straight out of a movie. Once I took a vacay to England and had my fair share of the combo while I was there. Now every time I whip it up, it takes me right back to those sweet summertime vibes.
Which brings me to my inspiration for strawberries and cream oatmeal: I wanted a breakfast version of this iconic flavor duo. And let me tell you, it hits the spot. Sweet strawberries get all juicy and mingled with creamy milk and hearty oats. Read on to learn about how I make it.
Ingredients
- Rolled Oats – 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats gives you the heartiness and fiber that makes oatmeal so filling. The oats cook up creamy when simmered in liquid.
- Milk – 2 cups of dairy or non-dairy milk adds protein while also lending a silky texture as the oats cook. I like to use almond or oat milk.
- Strawberries – 1 cup of fresh strawberries get diced up so the sweet juicy bits get distributed throughout the oatmeal. Frozen berries work too when fresh aren’t in season!
- Honey – A touch of honey lends natural sweetness. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to your taste.
- Vanilla Extract – Just 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the flavors.
- Salt – A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and highlights the other layers of flavor.
- Heavy Cream – Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for an extra creamy texture. Totally optional.
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- Garnishes – Top with additional sliced strawberries and drizzle with more cream to really round out the strawberries and cream experience
Tips for the Best Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal
- Use fresh, juicy strawberries when in season for maximum flavor. The rest of the year, thawed frozen berries work too.
- Play around with different types of milk – dairy, almond, oat, soy all work well.
- For a protein boost, stir in Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Top with crushed graham crackers or granola for crunch.
- Make it a meal prep – cook a big batch of oatmeal, then portion out servings and refrigerate or freeze.
Other ways to customize your bowl
The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings and mix-ins for strawberry cream oatmeal. Get creative with your favorite flavors! Ideas include:
- Sliced banana
- Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
- Pecans, walnuts, sliced almonds
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Coconut flakes
- Chia seeds or flaxseed
- Granola or cereal crumbs
- Shredded coconut
- Maple syrup, honey, brown sugar
- Vanilla extract or vanilla yogurt
- Lemon or orange zest
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger
- Mini chocolate chips
Health Benefits of Oatmeal
Not only is oatmeal delicious, it also packs some major nutritional perks! Here are some of the top health benefits of starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal:
- Fiber – Oats contain both insoluble and soluble fiber. This fiber helps keep you feeling full, promotes digestion, and feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
- Lower cholesterol – The soluble fiber in oats has been linked with reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
- Blood sugar control – The fiber in oats causes a slow, steady rise in blood sugar rather than spikes and crashes.
- Nutrients – Oats contain manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc and B vitamins. The grains are enriched with more iron and B vitamins.
- Heart health – Thanks to fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients, oatmeal has been shown to reduce risk for heart disease.
- Weight loss – Oatmeal can aid in weight loss when eaten as part of a balanced, calorie-controlled diet. The fiber promotes fullness.
Strawberries and cream oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups milk or a milk alternative
- 1 cup fresh strawberries diced
- 2 tbsp honey adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream optional
- Additional strawberries and cream for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Gather rolled oats, milk, strawberries, honey, vanilla, salt, and cream.
- Cook the oats: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rolled oats, milk (or milk alternative), and a pinch of salt. Stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the oats are tender and the mixture thickens.
- Add Sweetness and Flavor: Stir in the honey and vanilla extract to sweeten and flavor your oatmeal. Adjust the sweetness to your preference. The honey will complement the natural sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
- Incorporate the Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries. These vibrant red gems will add a burst of freshness and fruity goodness to your oatmeal.
- Optional Creamy Indulgence: For an extra layer of indulgence, pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. This step is optional but highly recommended for a truly luxurious experience.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the strawberry and cream oatmeal into bowls. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries and a drizzle of cream, if desired. The contrast of colors and textures is not only visually appealing but also adds to the overall taste experience.
Wow! This is great
Friends loved it for a special brunch