Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats bring that zesty, sweet goodness to your breakfast! With bright lemon flavor, creamy yogurt, and a crunchy crumb topping, they are a real treat.
Who knew waking up could taste this good? I love how these oats are ready to go—just grab and enjoy. Perfect for those busy mornings when you need a delicious start!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base of your overnight oats. If you’re gluten-sensitive, look for gluten-free oats. Quick oats can also work but may be mushier!
Chia Seeds: They help thicken the mixture and add fiber. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them, but I recommend them for that pudding-like texture!
Milk: Any kind of milk works here! I love almond or oat milk for their creaminess. You can use skim or whole milk as well.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt instead.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweeten to your taste! You can use agave syrup or stevia as alternatives for a lower-calorie option.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice is key for bright flavor! If you only have bottled lemon juice, that’s okay too, but fresh is best. Lime can be a fun twist!
Aquafaba: This is the liquid from canned chickpeas and works great as a vegan substitute for egg whites. It whips to perfection!
How Do You Thicken the Lemon Curd?
Making the lemon curd wonderfully thick is crucial. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix lemon juice, zest, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan. Whisk well to combine.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Don’t rush it! Slow cooking ensures it develops the best flavor and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Meringue?
Whipping egg whites for meringue can be tricky! Follow these tips for success:
- Start with clean, dry bowls. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- Beat the egg whites until they’re frothy before adding sugar. This helps them whip to stiff peaks faster.
- Gradually add the sugar. Mixing it in slowly helps create that glossy texture.
- Once you see stiff peaks form, you’re ready to layer it on the oats!
This Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats recipe is not just tasty but also a fun way to start your day! Enjoy each layer for a burst of flavor.
Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oats Base:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Curd:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1/4 cup water
For the Meringue Topping:
- Egg whites from 2 eggs (or aquafaba for a vegan alternative)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Optional Toppings:
- Crushed graham crackers or granola
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 4 hours of chilling in the fridge. It’s best prepared the night before, so you can wake up to a delightful breakfast ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lemon Curd Layer:
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Whisk well to mix everything together. Heat over medium while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once it’s thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Overnight Oats Base:
In a mixing bowl or directly into individual jars, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, milk, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well mixed. Cover the bowl or jars and place them in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 4 hours) to allow the oats and chia seeds to soften and soak up the liquid.
3. Make the Meringue Topping:
In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites (or aquafaba) using an electric mixer until they become foamy. Gradually add the sugar as you continue to beat the mixture, and keep whisking until you reach stiff peaks. For an added touch, you can lightly toast the meringue using a kitchen torch to give it that beautiful lemon meringue pie appearance!
4. Assemble the Overnight Oats:
When it’s time to serve, if you like, add a layer of crushed graham crackers or granola at the bottom of your serving jars. Spoon the overnight oats mixture over this base. Then, generously layer the cooled lemon curd on top, followed by a lovely cloud of meringue. If you wish, use a kitchen torch to slightly brown the meringue, bringing a toasty flavor reminiscent of traditional lemon meringue pie!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the overnight oats immediately after browning the meringue, or keep them chilled and add the meringue just before serving. Garnish with some extra lemon zest if you’d like. Enjoy this refreshing, layered breakfast that captures all the flavors of lemon meringue pie in a nutritious way!
Can I Use a Different Sweetener in the Overnight Oats?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute honey or maple syrup with agave nectar, stevia, or even coconut sugar. Adjust the amount to your taste, keeping in mind that some sweeteners are sweeter than others.
Can I Prepare These Oats Without Chia Seeds?
Yes, you can skip the chia seeds if you’d like! Just be aware that they help with thickening and add some extra fiber. You might want to reduce the liquid slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Overnight Oats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The oats may soften more over time, but they’ll still be delicious! Just give them a quick stir before enjoying.
What If I Don’t Have a Culinary Torch for the Meringue?
No problem! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the meringue-topped oats under the broiler in your oven for a minute or two. Just watch them closely to prevent burning!
