Strawberry Cheesecake Oatmeal Bake

Here’s a delicious and straightforward recipe for a Strawberry Cheesecake Oatmeal Bake—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert-like treat! 🍓🧀

Ingredients

Oatmeal Base:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup maple syrup or honey

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup melted butter or coconut oil

Strawberry Cheesecake Layer:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• ¼ cup sugar or sweetener of choice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping (optional):

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• ¼ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds)

• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Oatmeal Base
   In a large bowl, mix oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
   In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted butter.
   Combine wet and dry ingredients until well mixed. Pour half of this oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish.

3. Make Cheesecake Layer
   In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread this mixture over the oatmeal layer in the baking dish.

4. Add Remaining Oatmeal
   Spoon the remaining oatmeal mixture over the cheesecake layer. It will not fully cover, and that’s okay—it creates a “marbled” effect.

5. Top with Strawberries
   Arrange sliced strawberries on top. Sprinkle nuts and brown sugar if using.

6. Bake
   Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and slightly golden on top.

7. Cool & Serve
   Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, or refrigerate for a chilled version that slices like a dessert bar.

Tips & Variations

• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).

• Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake layer for a tangy kick.

• Extra Fruity: Mix some chopped strawberries into the oatmeal layers for more strawberry flavor.

If you want, I can also create a shortcut one-bowl version that’s less layered but still tastes like strawberry cheesecake heaven—perfect for lazy mornings.