Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats offer a bright and creamy twist on the classic overnight oats recipe. Combining zesty lemon, smooth cream cheese, and crunchy graham crackers, this dish is perfect for a refreshing and nutritious breakfast ready to enjoy right out of the fridge.

Ingredients

• 2 graham crackers, crushed
• 1 tsp milk (of choice)
• 1/2 cup oats (quick, minute, or rolled)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup milk (of choice)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tbsp lemon zest (about half of one medium lemon)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp light cream cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (about half of one medium lemon)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In three separate bowls, combine the ingredients for each of the three layers: crust, oats, and cheesecake topping.
2. Step 2: Press the crushed graham cracker mixture, mixed with 1 tsp milk, firmly into the bottom of a mason jar or container to form the crust.
3. Step 3: Add the oat mixture (oats, chia seeds, protein powder, 1/2 cup milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest) as the second layer, spreading evenly over the crust.
4. Step 4: Top with the cheesecake layer made from Greek yogurt, honey, light cream cheese, and lemon juice.
5. Step 5: Cover the jar or container and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld and the oats soften.
6. Step 6: In the morning, garnish with additional crushed graham cracker crumbs and lemon zest if desired, then enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use any milk you prefer, such as almond, oat, or dairy milk, to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Add fresh berries or a sprinkle of nuts on top for extra texture and flavor.
• If you don’t have light cream cheese, you can substitute with full-fat or leave it out for a lighter option.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey depending on your preference.

Storage

Store the prepared overnight oats in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, consume within 24-48 hours. When ready to eat, stir gently and add toppings as desired; no reheating is necessary since this is a cold dish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, rolled oats work perfectly for this recipe and will give a slightly chewier texture compared to quick oats.

Is the protein powder necessary?

No, the protein powder is optional and can be omitted if you prefer. It adds extra protein but doesn’t affect the overall flavor much.

Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 61 reviews

This Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats recipe offers a refreshing and creamy twist on traditional overnight oats, combining layers of graham cracker crust, zesty lemon, protein-packed oats, and a tangy cheesecake topping. Perfect for a nutritious and delicious make-ahead breakfast that’s ready in the morning.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust Layer

• 2 graham crackers, crushed
• 1 tsp milk (of choice)

Oat Layer

• 1/2 cup oats (quick, minute, or rolled)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup milk (of choice)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tbsp lemon zest (about half of one medium lemon)

Cheesecake Topping

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp light cream cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (about half of one medium lemon)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Layers: In three separate bowls, combine the ingredients for the crust, oat mixture, and cheesecake topping respectively to keep the layers distinct and flavorful.
2. Form the Crust: In a mason jar or container, press the crushed graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom to form the crust base for your layered oats.
3. Assemble the Oats: Spoon the oat mixture gently over the crust layer, smoothing it out evenly.
4. Add the Cheesecake Topping: Carefully layer the cheesecake topping over the oats to complete the triple-layered jar.
5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the jar or container and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the oats to soak and the flavors to meld.
6. Serve: In the morning, optionally top with additional crushed graham cracker crumbs and lemon zest for extra texture and brightness before serving.

Notes

• You can use any type of milk—dairy or plant-based—to suit your preference or dietary needs.
• If you skip the protein powder and cream cheese, the recipe is naturally lower in fat and calories.
• For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Make sure to gently press the graham cracker crust to create a compact base for layering.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to taste.

Keywords: overnight oats, lemon cheesecake oats, healthy breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, layered oats, Greek yogurt, chia seeds