This Healthy Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal is a healthy and delicious way to fuel up for your day. With a boost of extra fiber and protein from chia seeds and protein powder, this oatmeal will keep you full all day.
My brother and I used to eat a lot of instant oatmeal growing up (it was the 90’s who didn’t?). The packets of strawberries and cream were always our favorite, with a close second for me being the peaches and cream flavor. When developing this healthy oatmeal recipe, I was craving something reminiscent of that classic instant oatmeal strawberries and cream flavor. But I wanted something that would be a lot healthier and more filling.
This Healthy Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal recipe fit the bill. It has all of the classic strawberries and cream flavor, just enough sweetness (without being too sweet), and packs in lots of extra protein and fiber with a scoop of protein powder and some chia seeds. Plus, with no added sugar (other than a couple of white chocolate chips, if you desire), this quick oatmeal recipe cuts out all of the extra sugar that those packets had, which is always a good thing.
This Healthy Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal is a quick and easy breakfast that will leave you fueled up and ready to take on whatever the day brings.
How Do You Make This Easy Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal?
You can make this Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal in the microwave in just a couple of minutes, so it is the perfect quick and easy oatmeal for a weekday breakfast. It is so quick that it honestly only takes about a minute or so longer than the instant stuff.
To make it you will need:
- Milk: Use your choice of milk for this recipe – regular dairy milk or any non dairy milk will do, including almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Just be sure to keep an eye on the added sugars in your non dairy milk, as some can have really high sugar content.
- Rolled Oats: I recommend using old fashioned or rolled oats for this recipe. They have a slightly chewier texture when cooked, making this oatmeal more satisfying. Plus rolled oats have a lower glycemic index as they take longer for your body to digest.
- Berry Protein Powder: Adding in a scoop of berry flavored protein powder adds extra berry flavor throughout, plus it boosts the protein, making this oatmeal a more filling and satisfying breakfast. My favorite plant based protein powder is Vega Protein and Greens, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
- Chia Seeds: I always add a spoonful of chia seeds in to my oatmeal and overnight oats for extra protein and fiber.
- Strawberries: You can use fresh or frozen strawberries in this Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal. No need to thaw if using frozen, just slice them up, and they will cook in the microwave.
- Vanilla Bean Paste and Almond Extract: A dash of vanilla bean paste and almond extract enhance the flavors, giving this oatmeal that little something extra.
- White Chocolate Chips: These are optional, but I highly recommend them. Tossing a couple of white chocolate chips on the oatmeal just as it comes out of the microwave allows the residual heat to melt the white chocolate. Then you can stir it in as you eat to get little bits of creamy sweetness. The melted white chocolate chips give whipped cream vibes, making this more like a Strawberry Shortcake Oatmeal – kinda like this Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie that I can’t get enough of!
Can I Make This Healthy Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal on the Stovetop?
I made this Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal recipe in the microwave to keep it super quick and simple, but you can modify it to make on the stovetop as well. This might be a good idea if you plan to double or triple the recipe or if you just don’t have a microwave.
To make this oatmeal on the stove, whisk together cold milk and protein powder in a small pot. Add oats, chia seeds, strawberries, vanilla bean paste, and almond extract, and mix. Bring to boil over medium heat, cooking 3 – 5 minutes until thickened to your liking. Serve topped with chopped white chocolate chips if desired.
Where Can I Find Other Healthy Breakfast Recipes?
If you like this Healthy Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal and are looking for more quick and easy, healthy breakfast ideas, here are some of my other favorite recipes:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Oatmeal (High Protein) – because who says you can’t have cookies for breakfast and be healthy too
- Healthy Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie – my go-to smoothie for healthy and quick breakfasts or snacks that is bursting with decadent strawberry shortcake flavor
- Ham and Cheese Frittata for Two – a simple frittata that is easy to make for two
- High Protein Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Bread Bars – a great grab and go breakfast option that you can make ahead and keep in the fridge or freezer
Healthy Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non dairy milk)
- 1 scoop berry flavored protein powder
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 cup chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl or mug, stir together milk and protein powder until well mixed. Add in oats, chia seeds, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and strawberries and stir to combine.
- Microwave 1 minute and 30 seconds. Stir and heat another 30 seconds, if needed.
- Top with white chocolate chips if desired - the heat from the oatmeal will melt the chocolate.