Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats are a yummy and easy breakfast! They mix creamy yogurt, oats, and bright lemon for a refreshing taste that you’ll love in the morning.
These oats taste like dessert for breakfast, and who doesn’t love that? I enjoy making them the night before so I can grab and go while sipping my coffee. Simple and delicious! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These oats are perfect for overnight oats as they soak up liquid easily without getting mushy. If you have steel-cut oats, use them with a bit of extra liquid and longer soaking time.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy flavor. You can substitute it with regular yogurt or dairy-free yogurt if you’re avoiding dairy.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that cheesecake texture. If you’re vegan, try a plant-based cream cheese or a thick cashew cream for a similar feel.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Fresh lemon zest brightens the flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will work, but zest will be missing.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These sweeteners balance out the tanginess. Feel free to use agave syrup or coconut sugar based on your preference.
Chia Seeds: Adding chia seeds boosts nutrition and helps the mixture thicken. If you don’t have chia seeds, you can skip them or replace them with ground flaxseeds.
How Do I Make Creamy Overnight Oats?
To achieve that perfect, creamy texture, focus on mixing your ingredients thoroughly! Start by whisking the yogurt, cream cheese, and milk together until they’re smooth. This ensures all flavors meld together nicely!
- Mix the wet ingredients first, making sure there’s no clumping from the cream cheese.
- Add the oats last and stir gently to coat each oat.
- Cover the jars tightly before refrigerating—this helps maintain freshness.
The longer they soak, the creamier they’ll become, so try to wait at least 6 hours—or overnight for the best results!
How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess and “cheesecake” feel)
- 1/4 cup milk (any type, for soaking oats)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for texture and nutrition)
- Granola, for topping
- Lemon slices and edible flowers, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 6 hours (or overnight) for the oats to soak and soften. You’ll get a delicious, no-cook breakfast ready to enjoy in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, milk, honey (or maple syrup), lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until everything is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps from the cream cheese!
2. Add Oats:
Stir in the rolled oats and chia seeds (if you’re using them) until well combined. This mixture should have a lovely, creamy texture thanks to the yogurt and cream cheese.
3. Portion Out:
Divide the mixture evenly into two serving glasses or jars. You can use anything you have on hand – mason jars work great for this!
4. Refrigerate:
Cover the jars with a lid or plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Let them sit overnight or for at least 6 hours. This will give the oats time to absorb all the flavors and soften up.
5. Top It Off:
When you’re ready to enjoy your oats, take them out of the fridge. Before serving, sprinkle some granola on top for a nice crunch!
6. Garnish:
If you want to make your dish look extra special, you can garnish with a thin lemon slice and a few edible flowers. They add a beautiful touch and a little bit of extra flavor!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your creamy, zesty lemon cheesecake-flavored breakfast! It’s refreshing, filling, and perfect for a busy morning.
Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with rolled oats for this recipe, as they soak up the liquid perfectly overnight. If you prefer steel-cut oats, you’ll need to increase the soaking time and possibly add more liquid since they take longer to soften.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt with Non-Dairy Options?
Absolutely! You can use any non-dairy yogurt, such as almond, coconut, or soy yogurt. Just check that it’s plain and unsweetened for the best results.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
These overnight oats can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep them covered in a sealed container. You may need to stir in a bit of additional milk before serving if they thicken up too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make it vegan! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth, use maple syrup or agave for sweetness, and choose a plant-based yogurt.
