The English language lacks a good word for the Goldilocks midpoint between lumpy and creamy, but that’s precisely where overnight oats for toddlers have to land. Make them too thick and a small child will get hung up on the texture and grittiness, regardless of how pleasant or sweet the flavor is; make them too thin, and your child will quickly lose interest in spooning up brothy porridge, because who wants to eat soup for breakfast? In short: overnight oats are no given.

The secret, as we have shown elsewhere, is to cheesecake them: use cream cheese – and, here, too, cottage cheese – to create an almost yogurt-like texture that fits where your kid’s dessert-for-breakfast dreams lie. Add some strawberries and some graham cracker crumbs and you’re hitting all those dessert notes in a bowl with a day’s worth of protein and tons of fiber–everyone wins!


Ingredients Overview

These overnight oats use rolled oats, milk, strawberries, cottage cheese, and a small amount of cream cheese to create a creamy, cheesecake-inspired base without added heaviness. Chia seeds add thickness and fiber, while maple syrup provides light sweetness appropriate for toddlers.


Steps Summary

  1. Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften.
  2. Add the rolled oats and chia seeds to a medium or large mixing bowl and stir to combine evenly.
  3. Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut them in half. Add them to a blender along with softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
  4. Blend until smooth and the strawberries are fully broken down, about 30–45 seconds.
  5. Pour the blended mixture over the oats and chia seeds and stir thoroughly until fully combined.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the oats have softened and thickened.
  7. When ready to serve, spoon into a bowl and top with graham cracker crumbs and additional chopped strawberries if desired.

FAQ

Can I make these overnight oats for toddlers without cream cheese?
Yes. You can omit the cream cheese and still get a creamy result from the cottage cheese and milk, though the flavor will be less cheesecake-like.

Are overnight oats safe for toddlers?
Yes, when made with age-appropriate ingredients and textures. The oats soften fully overnight, and the strawberries can be finely chopped or blended to reduce choking risk.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid before mixing to avoid watery oats.

How long do these keep in the fridge?
They keep well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.


Recipe Links

What to Serve With Overnight Oats for Toddlers

  • Green Smoothie — Boost of brightness and vegetables plays well with a rich breakfast.
  • High Protein Pancakes — Use that cottage cheese to make creamy, lemony pancakes.

More Toddler-Friendly Recipes Like This

Check out our other great breakfast recipes!

Prep Time 10 mins Total Time 4 hrs 10 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6

Description

This strawberry cheesecake overnight oats blend creamy cottage cheese and cream cheese with juicy strawberries, chia seeds, and oats for a balanced, kid-friendly breakfast that tastes like a fun treat. It’s easy to prep the night before and serves a toddler-sized portion with gentle sweetness from maple syrup and bright berry flavor

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

Instructions

Prep and Assemble

  1. Let your cream cheese sit out for 10-15 minutes before use to soften.
  2. To a medium- or large-sized bowl, add the oats and chia seeds; toss or sift to mix.
  3. Remove stems from strawberries; halve each piece of fruit. Toss into blender.
  4. To the blender, add the cream cheese, cottage cheese, a big glug of maple syrup, and a splash of vanilla extract; if using, add milk. Blend on High for 30-45 seconds.

  5. Pour blender contents into bowl; stir thoroughly to fully mix oats and liquid.
  6. Refrigerate for at least four hours, if not overnight. If extremely thick, add a splash or two of milk to loosen.

Serve

  1. We take a parfait approach here: a layer of oats + dusting of graham cracker crumbs + another layer of oats + diced strawberries and graham cracker crumbs. Feel free to mix the graham cracker crumbs right in, or leave out altogether. A small bowl or ramekin works best for serving the oats, as the walls will help your child scoop and pull up servings.

    (Pro tip: we really think these shine brightest topped with a few reaspberries and some basil.)

Adapt

  1. We’ve got blueberry, banana nut, and carrot cake variations of overnight oats on the site, too.

Keywords: breakfast ideas for toddlers, healthy breakfast for kids, toddler breakfast, breakfast for kids, breakfast ideas for kids, overnight oats for toddlers, overnight oats recipes for kids, cheesecake recipes for kids, kids oatmeal
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The recipe author and his then-infant son
Brad

Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.

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  1. Plane Jane
    Recommends this recipe

    All of us–including our 8 and 3 year olds–ate this up!

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