Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats

Jump to Recipe·★★★★★5 from 2 reviews

These creamy and tangy lemon cheesecake overnight oats are made with a wholesome blend of nutritious ingredients, making them a healthy and convenient treat for busy mornings, quick snacks on-the-go, or meal prep. With their refreshing flavor and creamy texture, they’re perfect for starting your day on a delicious note!

Are you a fan of lemon cheesecake? How about enjoying its delightful flavors in a healthy and convenient breakfast? This lemon cheesecake overnight oats recipe is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make!

Lemon cheesecake overnight oats with layers of granola at the bottom, lemon-infused oats in the middle, topped with more granola, lemon zest, and a lemon slice; background includes additional jar of overnight oats, bowl of granola, and bowl of lemon slices.

If you haven’t experienced the delightful addition of lemon to your oatmeals, you’re in for a treat. By simply incorporating the juice and zest of a fresh lemon, you can effortlessly create a burst of amazing flavor in your overnight oats. For an extra touch of creaminess and a dessert-like twist reminiscent of lemon cheesecake, I love adding thick yogurt to the mix, which can also be vegan.

While the star ingredient in overnight oats is, of course, oats, this combination offers a fantastic option for your everyday meals. The result is a delicious and nourishing treat that you can enjoy anytime!

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What is lemon cheesecake overnight oats?
Ingredient notes
How to make lemon cheesecake overnight oats
Recipe video
Tips & recipe notes
Serving suggestions
Variations
Storage tips
FAQs
Recipe

What is lemon cheesecake overnight oats?

If you’re not familiar with overnight oats, they’re a convenient no-cook oatmeal preparation method. Rolled oats are soaked in liquid (such as milk, yogurt, or plant-based milk) and left to rest in the refrigerator overnight. The beauty of overnight oats lies in their customizability, ease of preparation, and ability to keep you feeling full and energized.

When it comes to flavor options, the possibilities are endless! You can enjoy a delightful variety of overnight oats every week or even every day. Think fruity combinations like apple cinnamon and chocolate banana, or indulge in the richness of almond joy and chunky monkey.

These lemon cheesecake overnight oats take inspiration from the classic dessert. They boast a super creamy texture with a delightful hint of tanginess, perfectly complemented by the addition of our homemade cashew butter granola—a delicious twist on traditional graham crackers. Trust me, it’s delicious!

This wholesome treat can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or warmed up to your liking, making it a versatile and satisfying option for a quick and delicious breakfast or snack.

Ingredient notes

To make these lemon cheesecake overnight oats, you’ll only need a few readily available ingredients.

A flatlay image of all the ingredients needed to make lemon cheesecake overnight oats, including lemon, rolled oats, almond milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt, arranged on a marble background.

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Rolled oats the best oats for overnight oats because they have a flat, oval shape that helps them soak up liquid easily. When you soak or cook rolled oats, they become pleasantly chewy. Quick-cooking oats are also an option, but they tend to become too mushy and lose their texture when soaked overnight. Use gluten-free rolled oats if needed.
Almond Milk: I like using unsweetened almond milk for recipes like this because of its neutral flavor, but feel free to use any type of milk that suits your taste preferences. Use a dairy-free option (oat, cashew, coconut) to keep this vegan if needed. Soy milk is great for added protein.
Yogurt: Yogurt makes these overnight oats super creamy and adds a subtle tanginess that resembles the taste of cheesecake. You can use Greek yogurt if you’re not following a dairy-free diet, or opt for any vegan yogurt of your choice, like soy yogurt. Make sure the yogurt is thick for a richer texture.
Lemon: We incorporate the juice and zest of a fresh lemon, infusing the overnight oats with a burst of refreshing citrus flavor that adds a tangy twist.
Maple Syrup: This is my favorite sweetener for overnight oats because it’s liquid, so it blends in well with the oat mixture, and a little goes a long way.
Chia Seeds: I usually make overnight oats with chia seeds as they add a nutritional boost (omega-3 fatty acids and protein). Additionally, chia seeds absorb liquid, resulting in a thicker consistency for the oats.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds extra depth to the recipe and enhances the overall flavor.
Salt: A tiny pinch of salt is a good flavor enhancer.

Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. This section covers notes on ingredients and possible substitutions.

How to make lemon cheesecake overnight oats

Making overnight oats is as simple as stirring together the ingredients!

Simply add oats, chia seeds, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and almond milk to a bowl or container and stir everything together until well combined.

Sequence of two images: 1) A bowl filled with rolled oats, almond milk, yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt for making lemon cheesecake overnight oats; 2) Stirring the mixture in the bowl.

After that, cover and refrigerate oats overnight (or for at least 4 hours). The oatmeal softens and thickens into a pudding-like consistency.

When ready to consume, uncover the container, stir the mixture again before serving, add toppings if you like, and enjoy!

Creamy lemon cheesecake overnight oats in a bowl with a spoon in it.

Recipe video

Watch how to make this recipe:

Tips & recipe notes

I find it easier to mix the ingredients in a big container or bowl. However, you can also make this recipe directly in an individual jar, such as mason jars or weck jars. For the amount of ingredients listed for this recipe, you might need 3 to 4 jars.
You can adjust the ratio of liquid to oats according to your preference. If you prefer a thicker and creamier texture, use less liquid. If you prefer a thinner consistency, use more liquid. It’s always best to start with a smaller amount of liquid and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency. This way, you can even adjust the consistency after oats are soaked.
Avoid using steel-cut oats for this recipe. They have a longer cooking time compared to rolled or quick oats, and they require more liquid to cook. Soaking steel cut oats overnight may not be enough to soften them to the desired texture, which can result in a chewy and unpleasant texture.

Serving suggestions

You can enjoy the lemon cheesecake overnight oats as is, or you can take them to the next level by adding some delicious toppings. Here are some ideas:

Sprinkle a handful of cashew butter granola on top. This homemade granola recipe is a healthier alternative to graham crackers and adds a delightful crunch with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
Top your lemon cheesecake oats with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The combination of tart berries and creamy oats is simply delightful.
Enhance the flavor and texture with coconut flakes, which add a tropical twist to the oats.
For an extra burst of fruity sweetness, swirl in a spoonful of your favorite fruit jam. It complements the tangy lemon flavor perfectly.
Add some chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

A spoon emerges from a jar containing creamy lemon overnight oats, with a sprinkling of granola and lemon zest on top; background includes another jar of overnight oats, a bowl of granola, and a bowl of lemon slices.

Variations

Feel free to customize your lemon cheesecake overnight oats according to your taste preferences!

Add traditional or vegan cream cheese to make it even more decadently cheesecake-like. Simply incorporate about 2-4 tablespoons of cream cheese along with the other ingredients when stirring them together.
Create a variety of berry cheesecake overnight oats by adding blueberries, strawberries, cherries, or raspberries to the mixture. For some inspiration, you can check out our blueberry cheesecake overnight oats recipe.
Easily boost the protein content of your overnight oats by adding 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder. If you choose to do so, you may need to add some additional milk to maintain the desired creamy consistency.
For an extra dose of healthy fats and flavor, stir in a spoonful of nut butter such as almond butter or cashew butter.
Easily substitute lime for lemon to create a refreshing lime flavor in your overnight oats.

Note: The amount of liquid needed for your overnight oats may vary depending on the other ingredients you use. My advice is to let the oats soak overnight, then adjust the liquid when you’re ready to eat them. That way, you can get the perfect consistency every time.

Storage tips

Once you’ve prepared your lemon cheesecake overnight oats, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for a make-ahead breakfast!

If you have any leftover overnight oats that you don’t plan on eating within 3 days, you can freeze them. Simply place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the fridge before eating. Keep in mind that freezing and thawing may affect the texture of your oats, so it’s best to freeze them only if necessary.

FAQs

Do you eat overnight oats cold?

Yes, overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold. After soaking overnight, they become soft and ready to be eaten straight from the refrigerator. They make a refreshing breakfast or snack, particularly during the summer or on warmer days.

Can you heat up overnight oats?

Absolutely! If you prefer your overnight oats warm, you can easily heat them up. Simply microwave them for about 30 seconds or warm them on the stovetop. Adjust the amount of liquid to maintain their creamy texture, if needed.

How long do overnight oats need to sit?

While overnight soaking is traditional, it’s not necessary. You can achieve the desired consistency in about 4 hours. This flexibility allows you to prepare and enjoy your overnight oats in a shorter time frame.

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