Two words: Overnight oats.
They rank among my favorite breakfast words—right up there with pancakes and coffee. If you thought I couldn’t come up with another variation, think again: I currently have three different overnight oat ideas queued up and I space them out so I don’t overdo it. Whenever I ask readers what they want, overnight oats is the top response, so I deliver.
Recently I shared Strawberry S’mores Pretzel Bites, a snack that quickly became a weekly favorite in our house. With Graeter’s releasing S’mores ice cream around the same time, I kept thinking about how to bring that campfire flavor to breakfast without launching myself into a mid-morning sugar crash.
There’s no rule against marshmallows at breakfast in my book—even if they were contraband treats when we were kids. Still, I prefer not to start the day with something cloyingly sweet. This recipe balances sweet elements with wholesome oats so you get mounds of flavor without an unavoidable slump.
These strawberry s’mores overnight oats would make a delightful campfire breakfast this summer. One big toasted marshmallow on top would certainly complete the look. The combination of chocolate, strawberries, marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers makes for a nostalgic and fun make-ahead breakfast.
I have a soft spot for overnight oats that taste like dessert. Past favorites include coconut cream pie overnight oats, carrot cake overnight oats, apple pie overnight oats, and peanut butter cup overnight oats. This recipe falls squarely in that dessert-flavored category while still being easy to prepare and reasonably balanced.
There are a few ways to personalize this recipe. I love soggy graham crackers—growing up I often dipped them in milk and liked them once they softened. For these oats I crush graham crackers and layer them at the bottom of the jar so they absorb liquid and soften overnight. If you prefer the crackers to stay crunchy, wait and sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top in the morning instead.
I also toasted a few marshmallows with a small flame for a campfire effect. That step is optional and should be done with caution—it’s not necessary and can be unsafe for children. Beyond that, the method is straightforward: combine the ingredients, refrigerate overnight, and finish with your preferred garnishes in the morning.
Stir everything together, chill, then dress the oats before serving. The flavor will remind you of evenings by a campfire, sharing stories and enjoying sweet treats—except this time it’s breakfast.
Strawberry S’mores Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 c rolled oats, regular or gluten free
- 1/2 c milk of choice (chocolate almond milk is great; add more when serving if too thick)
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 2 tsp maple syrup (or honey/sweetener of choice)
- 1 tsp heaping cocoa powder
- 1/2 graham cracker sheet (2 of the 4 pieces)
- 3-4 strawberries, diced
- 7-10 mini marshmallows
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- dash of sea salt
- dark chocolate chips, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Crush the graham cracker and place it in the bottom of the jar or bowl you’ll use for the oats. If you prefer crunchy crackers, reserve the crumbs to add on top in the morning.
- Combine the oats, milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, cocoa powder, diced strawberries, mini marshmallows, vanilla, and a dash of sea salt in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the oat mixture over the graham cracker layer, seal the jar or cover the bowl, and chill in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
- In the morning, eat the oats cold or warm them slightly. Top with crushed graham crackers or dark chocolate chips if desired, and enjoy.