Strawberry Cheesecake Baked Oatmeal Is Our Favorite Dessert for Breakfast

If cake for breakfast sounds like a dream, this strawberry cheesecake baked oatmeal is about to make it a reality. With its creamy cheesecake swirl and juicy strawberries, this dish is indulgent without going overboard—and it’s surprisingly easy to make in under an hour. Plus, did we mention it’s packed with extra protein to fuel your day? Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend brunch or meal-prepping your mornings, this is one morning meal you won’t want to skip.

What is baked oatmeal?

Somewhere between classic oatmeal and a breakfast casserole lies baked oatmeal. Think of it as oatmeal’s more structured, sliceable cousin. Instead of the traditional stovetop method, the oats are mixed with wet ingredients and baked in the oven until set. The result? A soft, cake-like texture that holds its shape, making it perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd.

This version takes things to another level with a rich, tangy cheesecake swirl and bursts of sweet strawberries. It’s got all the cozy, comforting flavors of dessert but still packs plenty of nutrition. The ingredient list is simple and flexible: rolled oats (for the perfect texture), milk of your choice, protein-boosting Greek yogurt, eggs, fresh or frozen strawberries and just enough maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. A touch of butter keeps everything rich and moist, while vanilla extract brings the flavors together.

And of course, there’s the cheesecake swirl. Made with cream cheese, powdered sugar and strawberry jam, it’s what makes this baked oatmeal feel extra special. The swirl gives the dish a dessert-like quality without overpowering the wholesome oats.

Tips for the best strawberry cheesecake baked oatmeal

Ready to use those oats? We have some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Use rolled oats. We reccommend rolls oats in this recipe for the best texture. Instant oats will make it mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough.
• Soften your cream cheese. Whether you prefer low-fat or full-fat cream cheese, make sure it comes to room temperature before baking. This prevents any big clumps when mixing.
• Mix your jam. Some strawberry jams have a more gelatinous or clumpy texture. To loosen it, add some water or mix it thoroughly until you reach a pourable consistency.
• Avoid whey protein. If you choose to include protein powder, we recommend a plant-based variety (like pea) or a casein/whey blend. Many find whey protein powder to taste rubbery or off-putting in baked goods.

Variations to try

One of the best things about baked oatmeal is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Berry swap: Not a strawberry fan? Use blueberries, raspberries or a mix of all three.
• Nutty addition: Stir in chopped almonds or pecans for crunch.
• Chocolate twist: Add mini chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks to the batter for a sweet surprise.
• Dairy-free version: Use a plant-based yogurt and dairy-free cream cheese.

How to make strawberry cheesecake baked oatmeal

Making this recipe is as easy as stirring, swirling and baking. Here’s the breakdown with a delicious recipe from Peanut Butter & Fitness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to six days, and reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 2 scoops preferred vanilla protein powder
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or preferred neutral milk)
• ⅔ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• 2 cups strawberries, chopped
• 3 Tbs. pure maple syrup
• 3 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Cheesecake swirl

• ¼ cup preferred strawberry jam or preserves
• ½ cup reduced-fat cream cheese
• 3 Tbs. powdered sugar
• 1 Tbs. unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or preferred neutral milk)
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract.

Directions:

• Total time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F, then grease an 8×11-inch baking dish with neutral oil and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk all the ‘cheesecake swirl’ ingredients except the strawberry jam until smooth, then set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients (including the strawberries). In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients, then pour into the dry ingredients bowl. Pour the oatmeal mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Dollop the cream cheese swirl mixture on top of the oatmeal mixture. Then, add dollops of the strawberry jam. Swirl together with a knife or toothpick, being careful not to over mix.
5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the center appears firm.
6. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 5:00 PM.