Zesty Lemon Meringue Overnight Oats

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If you love starting your day with something refreshing and a little indulgent, these Lemon Meringue Overnight Oats are perfect for you. They take the nostalgic, zesty flavor of lemon meringue pie and turn it into a healthy and convenient breakfast.

This dish combines creamy Greek yogurt, bright lemon juice and zest, and hearty rolled oats into a satisfying, make ahead meal. Whether you’re preparing breakfast for busy weekdays or want something extra special for a relaxed weekend, this recipe checks all the boxes.

lemon overnight oats recipe

When I first made these oats, I was just experimenting with citrus in breakfast recipes. But one spoonful of this creamy, lemony mix instantly reminded me of my favorite lemon meringue pie dessert.

Since then, it’s been a go-to in my weekly meal prep. Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it also puts a smile on my face every morning.

\With just a few ingredients and almost no effort, you can enjoy a dessert-inspired breakfast that’s good for your body and mood.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright lemon flavor with a creamy texture that tastes like pie in a jar
  • Only 10 minutes of prep the night before
  • No cooking needed — perfect for busy mornings
  • Great for meal prep and make-ahead breakfasts
  • Naturally gluten-free and easy to make vegan
  • Budget-friendly and customizable to your taste
  • Keeps you full and satisfied for hours

These overnight oats are creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet, reminiscent of a lemon meringue pie. The oats soak up the flavors overnight, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for warm days.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient, there are plenty of simple swaps that still keep the flavor intact:

Milk: You can use any type of milk you like. Oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or traditional dairy milk all work great.

Yogurt: Greek yogurt gives a creamy texture and protein boost, but plant-based yogurts like coconut or almond yogurt are perfect for a dairy-free version.

Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup adds a gentle sweetness, but you can use agave syrup, date syrup, or even a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. You can also try a mix of lemon and lime juice for a fun twist.

Vanilla Extract: Optional, but it adds warmth and depth. You can skip it or substitute with almond extract.

Optional Add-Ins: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for extra protein, or a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed for fiber and omega-3s.

Lemon meringue overnight oats

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Fridge: Store your lemon meringue oats in airtight containers or mason jars in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: You can freeze the oats for up to 1 month, although the texture may change slightly. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.
  • Reheating: These oats are usually enjoyed cold for a refreshing breakfast. But if you prefer them warm, microwave for 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway. Add a splash of milk to loosen the texture if needed.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Toppings: Add a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed meringue cookies for a pie-like experience. Fresh lemon zest, lemon slices, or coconut flakes also make great toppings.
  • Add Fruit: Pair with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and added nutrition.
  • Serve With: These oats go well with a cup of herbal tea or a hot mug of green tea. You can also enjoy them with a boiled egg or a smoothie on the side for extra protein.
  • Dessert Option: If you’re hosting brunch, layer the oats in a glass with extra yogurt and top with lemon curd or granola for a breakfast parfait that looks and tastes like dessert.

How to prepare Lemon Meringue Overnight Oats

Yield: 2

Creamy Lemon Meringue Overnight Oats Recipe

lemon cheesecake overnight oats

These Lemon Meringue Overnight Oats are creamy, tangy, and sweet — a healthy twist on your favorite dessert. Prep in 10 minutes for a refreshing breakfast ready to grab from the fridge!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional toppings: whipped cream, lemon slices, crushed meringue cookies

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix oats, milk, yogurt, lemon juice, honey or syrup, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  2. Chill Overnight: Transfer the mixture into individual jars or containers. Seal and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 3 hours.
  3. Serve: In the morning, stir the oats and adjust the consistency with a splash of milk if needed. Top with whipped cream, lemon zest, or crushed meringue cookies for a true dessert-like finish.

Notes

  • Calories: 320 kcal per serving
  • Fat: 8g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g

Did you make this recipe?

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These Lemon Meringue Overnight Oats bring the refreshing flavors of lemon meringue pie into a creamy, nutritious breakfast. Perfect for meal prep or a special weekend treat, they’re sure to brighten your mornings!

Give them a try and let us know how you topped yours in the comments. Enjoy!

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Angelica. Woman smiling in sunglasses, holding a festive drink outdoors on a sunny day.

Hi, I'm Angelica

Hi, I’m Angelica. I love experimenting in the kitchen… not as a chef, just as someone who adores creating and sharing joy through food. I'm the creator + editor of all the recipes found in Pepper Basil.

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