A Strawberry Shortcake Dream
Think youโre eating cake for breakfast? You kinda areโbut itโs secretly good for you. These strawberries and cream baked oats are soft, sweet, and bursting with berry flavor, layered with a fluffy strawberry yogurt cream, whipped topping, and crushed vanilla wafers for the ultimate breakfast-meets-dessert moment.

Itโs giving strawberry shortcake baked oats but with a protein twist thatโll keep you full all morning. The base is a moist, vanilla-scented oatmeal bake thatโs packed with hidden protein and juicy fresh berries. Once cooled, itโs topped with the prettiest pink strawberry creamโmade from Greek yogurt and a hint of protein powderโthen finished with a cloud of whipped cream and crispy cookie crumbles.
The best part? Everything comes together in one dish. You bake the oats, whip up the strawberry cream, and layer it all up like dessert lasagna (in the best way possible). Once it sets, just slice and serveโperfect for make-ahead mornings or when you want something indulgent without the effort.
If youโve ever craved strawberries & cream vibes in a meal-prep-friendly format, this is it. These strawberries and cream protein baked oats are rich, refreshing, and secretly nourishingโand yes, someone will ask if youโre eating cake again.
Macros Per Serving
438 Cal | 59g Carbs | 8g Fat | 32g Protein
- Macros Per Serving
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients for this Strawberries and Cream Baked Oats
- Substitution Options
- Equipment and Tools
- How to Make Your Strawberries and Cream Baked Oats
- Tips and Tricks
- Storage Instructions
- More Baked Oats Recipes
- FAQs
- Save this recipe to your Pinterest Board
- Save this recipe to your Pinterest Board and share it with your family and friends!
- Macros Per Serving
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients for this —
- Substitution Options
- Equipment and Tools
- How to Make Your —
- Tips and Tricks
- Storage Instructions
- More — Recipes
- FAQs
- Recipe Card
- Save this recipe to your Pinterest Board
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If youโre all about healthy recipes that taste like dessert, you need to try these protein baked oats with strawberry cream. Hereโs why theyโll be your new favorite meal-prep go-to:
- Dessert for Breakfast: Tastes like strawberry shortcake but made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
- Meal Prep Magic: Made in one dish, sliceable into squares, and keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Protein Packed: With a high-protein oatmeal base and Greek yogurt strawberry cream, this recipe fuels you through the morning.
- No Blender Needed: Everything mixes easily by handโno fancy tools, no fuss.
- Strawberry Cream Layers: A thick layer of pretty pink strawberry yogurt cream adds that luscious touch youโll look forward to every morning.
- Crunchy Vanilla Finish: Crushed vanilla wafers on top give a nostalgic twist and add that irresistible texture.
Whether youโre craving strawberries and cream protein baked oats or looking for an easy way to elevate your morning routine, this one checks all the boxes. Itโs fruity, fluffy, indulgent, and high in proteinโall in one dreamy dish.

Key Ingredients for this Strawberries and Cream Baked Oats
These strawberries and cream baked oats are made with wholesome, protein-packed ingredients that bring both flavor and nutrition to the table. Each layer is crafted with careโfrom the soft oat base to the dreamy strawberry yogurt cream and vanilla wafer topping. Letโs take a look at what makes this recipe shine:
- Ripe Banana: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the oat base while keeping things soft and fluffy. A great way to sneak in fruit without needing added sugar.
- Large Brown Egg: Acts as a binder to help the baked oats hold their structure while adding a little protein and richness.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (0% Fat): Used in both the oat base and strawberry cream layer, this ingredient provides creaminess and a protein boost without extra fat.
- Nonfat Milk: Keeps the texture light and smooth while adding extra protein to the base.
- Old Fashioned Oats: A hearty whole grain that brings structure and chewiness to the base of these strawberries and cream baked oats.
- Oat Flour: Lightens the texture and helps the bake stay fluffy and moist without being dense.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Adds sweet vanilla flavor and turns this into a true high-protein breakfast.
- Baking Powder: Gives the oats a lift and helps achieve that cake-like texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings balance to the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Strawberries (Cubed): Juicy, fresh, and bursting with flavorโstirred into the oats and layered in the strawberry cream for that perfect strawberries and cream vibe.
- Tapioca Flour: Used in the strawberry layer to help thicken the fruit and create a jelly-like consistency for the cream.
- Whipped Topping (Reduced Fat): Brings the light, airy top layer that ties all the textures together in a decadent way.
- Vanilla Wafers (Crushed): Adds the signature crunch on top, giving major strawberry shortcake baked oats energy.
Substitution Options
Want to make this your own? No problem. These protein baked oats with strawberry cream are super flexible. Whether youโre out of an ingredient or just want to experiment with a new flavor twist, here are a few ideas to help you customize:
- Banana: If youโre not a banana fan, try using unsweetened applesauce or mashed pumpkin for a similar texture with a more neutral flavor.
- Greek Yogurt: Use dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond milk yogurt to keep this recipe lactose-free. Just note the texture might vary slightly.
- Nonfat Milk: Any milk works hereโalmond, oat, soy, or whatever you have on hand. Use what suits your taste and dietary needs.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Feel free to use your favorite plant-based protein if you need a vegan or dairy-free option. Unflavored or strawberry-flavored powders also work great.
- Tapioca Flour: Cornstarch or arrowroot powder are great substitutes if you donโt have tapioca on hand.
- Whipped Topping: Sub in a dairy-free whipped topping or use a dollop of coconut cream for a richer finish.
- Vanilla Wafers: Graham crackers or granola can be used instead for a different type of crunch, or skip it altogether for a lighter option.
Feel free to play around with the ingredients to create your ideal version of these strawberries and cream protein baked oats. The layers, the creaminess, the crunchโitโs all customizable to your liking.
**If there is a sub I haven’t mentioned above, it’s because I have not tested it and can’t speak for how well it would work for this recipe.
Equipment and Tools
You donโt need any fancy equipment to whip up these strawberries and cream baked oatsโjust a few kitchen staples and youโre good to go. This recipe is easy to prep, simple to clean up, and perfect for those who love baking without all the fuss.
Whether youโre layering on that fluffy strawberry yogurt cream or slicing into your perfectly chilled bars, these tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
- 8x6x2 Inch Baking Dish (6 Cup Capacity): The ideal size for baking the oat base and getting evenly sized squares.
- Mixing Bowls: One for the wet ingredients and another for making the strawberry yogurt cream.
- Fork or Potato Masher: To easily mash your ripe banana directly in the baking dish.
- Offset Icing Spatula or Spoon: Perfect for spreading the strawberry cream and whipped topping into smooth, even layers.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used to microwave and mash the strawberries into a thick jelly for the cream layer.
- Measuring Scale: Ensures accurate portions for all your ingredients and helps maintain the perfect texture.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For adding the milk, baking powder, and other small ingredients with precision.
Once everythingโs layered, baked, and toppedโyouโll be ready to slice into your strawberries and cream protein baked oats and enjoy a sweet, high-protein breakfast all week long.
How to Make Your Strawberries and Cream Baked Oats
These strawberry cream baked oats might look fancy, but they come together so easily in one baking dish. The prep is simple, the cleanup is minimal, and the final result is something youโll be dreaming about all week long.

Wet Ingredients
Start by grabbing your 8x6x2 inch (6-cup) baking dish. Mash the banana directly in the dish using a fork until smooth with a few lumps. Add in your egg, Greek yogurt, and nonfat milk. Mix until everything is well combined.

Dry Ingredients
Add the oats, oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt right on top of the wet mixture. Stir well until fully incorporated and no dry pockets remain. Gently fold in the cubed strawberries and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
Bake
Bake at 350ยฐF for 20โ25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before adding the toppings

Strawberry Yogurt Cream
In a small bowl, combine your cubed strawberries with tapioca flour and a splash of water. Microwave for about 1 minute until softened, then mash into a thick, jelly-like consistency.
In a separate bowl, whisk together your yogurt and protein powder until smooth. Fold in the strawberry mash to create a thick, pink, strawberry cream.

Once the baked oats are fully cooled, spread the strawberry cream over the top using a spoon or offset spatula.
Toppings
Dollop your whipped topping over the strawberry cream layer and spread evenly. Finish it all off by sprinkling a generous amount of crushed vanilla wafers over the top.

Cut into 6 squares and enjoy throughout the week. Two squares make one serving of the dreamiest strawberries and cream baked oats ever. Dessert vibes, done the healthy way.
Tips and Tricks
These strawberries and cream baked oats are simple to prep, but a few small tricks can make them even better. Whether youโre meal prepping or serving them up for a special breakfast, these tips will help you get the perfect texture, flavor, and finish every time.
From baking consistency to toppings and storage, hereโs how to make your strawberries and cream protein baked oats truly shine:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and softer your oat base will be. This also reduces the need for added sweeteners.
- Donโt Skip the Strawberry Jelly Step: Microwaving the strawberries with tapioca flour creates that thick, jammy texture that takes the strawberry cream layer to the next level.
- Let the Oats Cool Completely: Before spreading on the strawberry yogurt cream, make sure your oat base is completely cool. This prevents the cream from melting or becoming runny.
- Even Out the Layers: Use a spoon or offset spatula to get that clean, even spread for the strawberry cream and whipped topping. It makes for a beautiful presentation and more balanced bites.
- Crush Wafers Fresh: Add the crushed vanilla wafers right before serving or after the oat base has cooled fully to keep them nice and crunchy.
Follow these tips and youโll have dreamy strawberry shortcake baked oats that are perfectly prepped and full of flavorโevery single time.
Storage Instructions
Here are some storage tips to keep your strawberries and cream baked oats tasting just as amazing days after you make them. With the layered toppings and protein-packed base, proper storage will ensure the best texture and freshness.
Whether youโre prepping for busy mornings or saving leftovers, these tips have you covered:
- Refrigeration: Store your baked oats in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated and consume within 3โ4 days.
- Pre-Portion for Convenience: Cut into squares and store in individual containers to make grab-and-go breakfasts even easier.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the yogurt and whipped topping layers, freezing is not recommended as it may alter the creamy texture.
- Add Toppings Last Minute: If you know youโll be storing these for more than a day or two, wait to add the crushed vanilla wafers until right before eating to preserve their crunch.
By storing your strawberries and cream protein baked oats properly, youโll get that same dreamy taste and texture each time you pull one out of the fridge. Itโs the ultimate meal-prep breakfast with dessert vibes!

More Baked Oats Recipes
If youโre loving the cozy, creamy layers of these strawberries and cream baked oats, here are a few more baked oats recipes from my blog that you wonโt want to miss:
- Meal Prep Tres Leches Baked Oats
- Strawberry Pistachio Baked Oats
- Chocolate Biscoff Protein Baked Oats
- Strawberry Cheesecake Baked Oats
- Mango Tiramisu Protein Baked Oats
FAQs
Here are some common questions I get about these strawberries and cream baked oats! Whether youโre wondering about substitutions or storing leftovers, this section has you covered.
These oats are beginner-friendly, but still feel like a total treat. Letโs break down the most-asked questions:
-
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can easily swap the Greek yogurt and milk for your favorite non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut yogurt and oat or soy milk. Just make sure your protein powder and whipped topping are also dairy-free to keep it fully plant-based.
-
Can I skip the protein powder?
You can, but keep in mind the oats may be slightly less sweet and lower in protein. If skipping, you can add a little vanilla extract and a sweetener of choice to the yogurt cream layer for flavor balance.
-
How do I know when the oats are done baking?
The top should be lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking around the 20-minute mark.
-
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work great! Just thaw them beforehand and pat them dry to avoid adding too much moisture to the oat base or cream layer.
Recipe Card
Strawberries and Cream Baked Oats
Ingredients
Wet:
- 112 g Ripe Banana (mashed)
- 50 g Large Brown Egg (Vital Farms)
- 75 g 0% Fat Plain Greek Yogurt (Fage)
- 160 ml Nonfat Milk (Whole Foods)
Dry:
- 60 g Old Fashioned Oats (Trader Joeโs)
- 60 g Oat Flour (H-E-B)
- 31 g Vanilla Protein Powder (Quest)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- Pinch of Salt
- 90 g Strawberries (cubed (Driscoll))
Strawberry Yogurt Cream:
- 40 g Strawberries (cubed (Driscoll))
- 3 g Tapioca Flour (Bobโs Red Mill)
- 226 g 0% Fat Plain Greek Yogurt (Fage)
- 15 g Vanilla Protein Powder (Quest)
Topping:
- 45 g Reduced Fat Whipped Topping (Cool Whip)
- 30 g Vanilla Wafers (crushed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐ.
Wet:
- Grab your baking dish (I used an 8x6x2 inch / 6 cup dish) and add in your banana. Use a fork to mash it down well.112 g (1 large) Ripe Banana
- Add in the remaining wet ingredients and mix together until smooth. Itโs okay if there are some lumps from the banana.50 g (1 whole) Large Brown Egg, 75 g (0.33 cups) 0% Fat Plain Greek Yogurt, 160 ml (0.66 cups) Nonfat Milk
Dry:
- Add in the dry ingredients, not including the strawberries, directing on top and mix well until all incorporated. Ensure no dry bits are left on the sides.60 g (0.75 cups) Old Fashioned Oats, 60 g (0.5 cups) Oat Flour, 31 g (1 scoop) Vanilla Protein Powder, 1 tsp Baking Powder, Pinch of Salt
- Then add in the strawberry chunks and mix again. Even it all out in the dish.90 g (0.66 cups) Strawberries
- Bake at 350ยฐ for 20-25 minutes (oven temperatures may vary so keep an eye on it). Check with a toothpick to ensure it is not sticky.
- Carefully remove and let it cool while you prep the rest.
Strawberry Yogurt Cream:
- In a small bowl, add in your cubed strawberries and tapioca flour with about a tbsp of water. Mix together and then microwave for about a minute.40 g (0.25 cups) Strawberries, 3 g (1 tsp) Tapioca Flour
- Add more water as needed but mash it down with a fork until you have a jelly like consistency.
- In another bowl, mix together your yogurt and protein powder until smooth. Add in the strawberry jelly and mix together until you have a pretty pink fluffy cream.226 g (1 cup) 0% Fat Plain Greek Yogurt, 15 g (0.5 scoop) Vanilla Protein Powder
- Once the oats have cooled, spread it over into an even thick layer using a spoon or an offset icing spatula.โจToppings:
Toppings:
- Add dollops of your whipped cream and spread it around evenly as well.45 g (10 tbsp) Reduced Fat Whipped Topping
- Lastly, sprinkle the entire top with a thick and crunchy layer of crushed vanilla wafer.30 g (7 cookies) Vanilla Wafers
- Cut into 6 squares and enjoy throughout the week! (2 squares is one serving).
Nutrition Information
The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe.
Save this recipe to your Pinterest Board and share it with your family and friends!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Be sure to tag @tishasveggieeats on Instagram and hashtag #tishasveggieeats!














Like this recipe?