If you’re a fan of lemon cheesecake and easy breakfasts, this Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats recipe is a must-try. It combines the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake with the convenience of overnight oats for a delightful morning treat that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for busy mornings when you still want something special!
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup milk (or almond milk)
¼ cup Greek yogurt (or cream cheese for extra richness)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for thickness)
2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers (for topping)
Directions
Mix Ingredients: In a jar or bowl, I combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and chia seeds. I stir everything well to make sure it’s evenly mixed.
Refrigerate Overnight: After mixing, I cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the oats to absorb all the flavors and gives the mixture time to thicken.
Serve & Enjoy: In the morning, I stir the oats, top them with crushed graham crackers, and enjoy! If I’m in the mood for more flavor, I sometimes add fresh berries or a drizzle of honey.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 1 (you can easily double or triple the recipe if making more)
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Refrigeration time: At least 4 hours or overnight
Variations
Non-dairy option: Swap out the Greek yogurt for non-dairy yogurt or use more almond milk.
Add fruit: For an extra burst of freshness, I love adding fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries before serving.
For a richer flavor: Try using cream cheese instead of Greek yogurt to achieve a cheesecake-like consistency.
Crunchy topping: If you don’t have graham crackers, I’ve used crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for a different kind of crunch.
Sweeteners: If I’m in the mood for a sugar-free option, I opt for stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of honey or maple syrup.
Storage/Reheating
I usually store any leftovers in the fridge, where they last for about 2-3 days. If I make a batch for the week, I just grab it each morning. There’s no need to reheat; I enjoy it cold, but if you prefer, you could microwave it for 30-60 seconds, although it’s best enjoyed chilled to retain its creamy texture.
FAQs
How long do I need to refrigerate overnight oats?
I recommend refrigerating the oats for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This gives the oats plenty of time to soak up the liquid and flavors, making it creamy and ready to eat in the morning.
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, I often use almond milk in this recipe, and it works wonderfully. You can also try other plant-based milks like oat milk or soy milk if you prefer.
Can I make these oats ahead of time for the whole week?
Definitely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Just make individual servings in jars or containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great option for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
Can I skip the chia seeds?
Yes, I sometimes skip the chia seeds, especially if I don’t want the oats to thicken too much. They do add a nice texture, but the recipe still works fine without them.
What other toppings can I add to these overnight oats?
I love adding crushed graham crackers, but fresh berries, nuts, or even a drizzle of extra honey can take it to the next level. Get creative with your toppings to match your taste!
Conclusion
Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats are a delicious and healthy way to start the day. With the creamy texture of cheesecake and the bright, tangy flavor of lemon, it’s a breakfast that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s super easy to make and customize, and it’s the perfect meal prep idea for busy mornings. Whether I’m in a rush or just want a tasty treat to look forward to, these overnight oats always hit the spot!
Recipe:

Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 4 hours (refrigeration time)
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, tangy, and healthy twist on cheesecake, this Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats combines lemon, vanilla, and honey flavors for a delightful breakfast treat. It's easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup milk (or almond milk)
¼ cup Greek yogurt (or cream cheese for extra richness)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for thickness)
2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers (for topping)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a jar or bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and chia seeds. Stir well to ensure even mixing.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the jar or bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This allows the oats to absorb the flavors and thicken.
- Serve & Enjoy: Stir the oats in the morning, top with crushed graham crackers, and enjoy. Optionally, add fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.
Notes
For a non-dairy version, use non-dairy yogurt or more almond milk.
To enhance the richness, swap Greek yogurt with cream cheese.
If you don’t have graham crackers, use crushed nuts like almonds or pecans as a topping.
For a sugar-free option, replace honey or maple syrup with stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
The oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-cook, Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg