Made with fresh strawberries and a touch of cream, this Strawberry Oatmeal is the perfect breakfast option. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with loads of strawberry flavor!

Two white bowls filled with oatmeal and strawberries.

Strawberries and Cream Oatmeal

Oatmeal with strawberries? What a tasty combination! I’ve always been a fan of oatmeal, even as a kid. As an adult, I started branching out and adding more ingredients and flavors.

This strawberry oatmeal is a grown-up version of those little packets of strawberries and cream oatmeal we all know from childhood. Those packets of microwave oatmeal made a quick breakfast during elementary school.

Now I’m swapping the microwave for this stovetop oatmeal recipe. Also gone are the sugary, dehydrated strawberries in place of fresh, plump strawberries and old-fashioned oats take the place of quick oats. This childhood breakfast just got an adult makeover!

How to Make Stovetop Strawberry Oatmeal:

You’ll love getting out of bed for our oatmeal made with fresh strawberries and a splash of cream.

Here’s a snapshot of how we make it!

Scroll to the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full instructions.

Whisk together the water, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a rolling simmer but don’t let it come to a full boil.
Add the oats, and reduce to a low simmer.

Milk, water, brown sugar and vanilla in a pan.

Oats poured into a pan of milk and water.

Stir occasionally, and add ¾ cup of strawberries to the oatmeal a couple of minutes before it finishes cooking. As it cooks, use a spoon to smash the berries and stir them into the oats.
Cook until the oatmeal reaches the desired consistency. The exact amount of time will vary depending on how creamy you like the oatmeal.
Divide the oatmeal between two bowls. Top with the remaining fresh ¾ cup of strawberries and a drizzle of heavy cream.
Serve immediately!

Strawberry pieces on top oatmeal in a pan.

Tips for Success:

Use fresh strawberries for the best strawberry flavor.
Choose old-fashioned oats over quick oats for a heartier texture and chewier oatmeal.
When adding the strawberry pieces, mash some of them slightly to incorporate more strawberry flavor into the oatmeal.
Simmer instead of boiling to get perfectly cooked oatmeal that isn’t mushy.
Stir frequently so the oatmeal doesn’t stick to the bottom of your pan and scorch while cooking!
Add toppings such as nut butter, almond milk, nuts, or seeds if desired!
Try different variations by using other fruits such as blueberries, peaches, or bananas in place of strawberries! Or, try strawberry sauce or blueberry compote.
Add a swirl of strawberry jam in place of the fresh strawberries.
Use maple syrup, honey, or your favorite sweetener in place of the brown sugar.

How to Store Oatmeal with Strawberries:

Refrigerator: Store leftover oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Freeze extra oatmeal in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Top down view of a bowl of strawberries and cream oatmeal.

Can You Make this Oatmeal Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or individual servings in the freezer. Reheat it whenever you’re ready to have a serving.

Is This the Same as Overnight Oatmeal?

No, this is not the same as overnight strawberry oats. We make these oats fresh on the stovetop just before being served.

Can You Use Frozen Strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this oatmeal recipe. Be sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the cooked oats. For best results, add them a couple of minutes before the oats finish cooking so that they don’t become overly mushy.

Strawberries and cream on top of old fashioned oats.

Can You Add Protein Powder?

Yes, you can add protein powder. Just mix it in the beginning with the liquid ingredients.

Can You Use Quick Oats?

We love rolled oats for this recipe and have not tested it using quick oats. You can use quick oats; however, the texture may be slightly different. The amounts of liquid and water may need to be adjusted slightly.

Other Breakfast Recipes to Try: