A creamy and zesty twist on your traditional overnight oats, Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats deliver a deliciously tangy and indulgent breakfast that tastes like dessert! This recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you want a nutritious, grab-and-go option that’s bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: Just mix the ingredients, refrigerate overnight, and enjoy in the morning.
- Delicious and healthy: Combines the indulgent flavor of cheesecake with the wholesome benefits of oats.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make several servings at once to simplify your week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rolled oats
- Greek yogurt
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Cream cheese
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Maple syrup or honey
- Vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: fresh berries, nuts, or granola
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, Greek yogurt, and milk until well blended.
- Add cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture into jars or airtight containers.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4-6 hours.
- In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Add your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, nuts, or granola.
Enjoy your Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats chilled or warmed slightly in the microwave if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 2 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4-6 hours (or overnight)
Variations
- Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt, dairy-free milk, and vegan cream cheese. Replace honey with maple syrup.
- High-Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture. Adjust the milk to maintain the desired consistency.
- Low-Sugar: Opt for unsweetened yogurt and reduce the sweetener to taste.
- Nutty Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of almond butter or sprinkle chopped almonds on top.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: While these oats are typically enjoyed cold, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for 30 seconds if you prefer a cozy breakfast.
FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats work, but the texture will be softer.
2. Can I make these oats sugar-free?
Yes, use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol instead of maple syrup or honey.
3. How can I make the oats thicker?
Reduce the amount of milk or add chia seeds to absorb extra liquid.
4. What toppings go well with these oats?
Fresh berries, granola, crushed graham crackers, or a drizzle of lemon curd are excellent choices.
5. Can I freeze overnight oats?
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the oats and yogurt.
6. What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a fine grater or microplane, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath the yellow skin.
7. Can I use flavored yogurt?
Yes, lemon or vanilla-flavored yogurt can enhance the taste, but adjust the sweetener accordingly.
8. Are these oats gluten-free?
If using certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
9. Can I substitute cream cheese?
Mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative works well.
10. How far in advance can I make these oats?
Prepare them up to 3 days ahead for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats are the perfect way to start your day with a balance of indulgence and nutrition. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week or simply want to savor a dessert-inspired breakfast, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it today and experience a delightful twist on traditional oats!
Print
Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, zesty twist on overnight oats! These Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats combine the tangy flavor of lemon with the richness of cream cheese, making for a decadent yet nutritious breakfast that’s easy to prep ahead.
Ingredients
- Base:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based, e.g., almond or oat milk)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Toppings (optional):
- Fresh berries (e.g., blueberries, raspberries)
- Granola or crushed graham crackers
- Additional lemon zest
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a bowl or mason jar, combine the oats, milk, Greek yogurt, cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed smoothly.
- Chill: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
- Serve: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Add a splash of milk if they seem too thick.
- Top & Enjoy: Add fresh berries, granola, crushed graham crackers, or more lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Texture Tip: For a creamier consistency, blend the mixture before refrigerating.
- Dietary Variations: Use dairy-free yogurt and cream cheese to make this recipe vegan.
- Storage: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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