These Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats bring all the zesty flavor of a traditional dessert into a healthy breakfast. With creamy yogurt, oats, and a touch of lemon zest, they’re oh-so-refreshing!
Plus, you get that sweet meringue topping right in your bowl! If you love lemony treats like I do, these oats might just become your new morning favorite. 🌞
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are perfect for this recipe because they soak up the liquid well. If you need a gluten-free option, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Milk: You can use any type of milk for this, whether it’s cow’s milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Each will add a unique flavor!
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt gives a nice creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, a coconut yogurt or almond yogurt is a great substitute.
Chia Seeds: These add a nice thickness and texture. If you don’t have chia seeds, you could use crushed flax seeds, but the texture will vary slightly.
Lemon Curd: You can use store-bought lemon curd to save time, or make it from scratch. If you don’t like lemon, consider using another fruit curd, like raspberry or passion fruit!
Meringue: The meringue uses egg whites. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, try aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as a substitute!
How Do I Get My Meringue to Be Perfectly Toasted?
Toasting the meringue is key to giving it that adorable look and a wonderful flavor. To ensure success, follow these steps:
- Make sure your egg whites are completely free of any yolk and your bowl is clean. Any fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then slowly add sugar to help stabilize the meringue.
- After spooning the meringue over your oats, use a kitchen torch to toast the top. Keep the torch moving to prevent burning.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, place the meringue under a broiler for a very brief time but watch it closely, as it can burn quickly!
These techniques will give you a beautiful golden meringue topping that enhances your Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats and makes them stunning!
Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Then you’ll need to refrigerate it overnight or for at least 4 hours to allow the oats and chia seeds to soften. If you’re toasting the meringue, set aside another 5-10 minutes for that step. So, you’re looking at around 15 minutes of active time plus the chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oats Mixture:
In a jar or bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, honey, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix it all together well. You want everything nicely combined for the best flavor!
2. Refrigerate:
Seal the jar or cover the bowl and place it in the fridge overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This will give the oats and chia seeds time to soak up the liquid and become soft and creamy.
3. Make the Meringue Topping:
When you’re ready to put it all together, start by making the meringue. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add in granulated sugar, continuing to beat until you have stiff, glossy peaks. This step is key for a fluffy meringue!
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Once the oats have soaked, remove them from the fridge. Spoon the lemon curd over the top of the oats mixture in your jar. Make sure to cover it nicely.
5. Add the Meringue:
Next, spoon or pipe the fluffy meringue over the lemon curd layer. Be generous with the meringue—it gives a lovely texture and taste!
6. Toast the Meringue:
If you have a kitchen torch, carefully toast the meringue until it turns a lovely golden brown. If not, you can place it under a broiler for a minute or two, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
7. Garnish and Serve:
For a beautiful finish, garnish your overnight oats with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of lemon zest. You can enjoy these immediately, or let them chill briefly before digging in. Either way, you’ll love the fresh, creamy, lemony flavors that remind you of classic lemon meringue pie!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats, but be aware that they will absorb liquid more quickly, so adjust your soaking time accordingly. You might only need to refrigerate them for about 2-3 hours instead of overnight.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, use a vegan sweetener, and replace the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) for the meringue. Just whip it until stiff peaks form, just like egg whites!
How Long Do the Leftovers Last?
These overnight oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to store the meringue separately if you’re not eating it immediately, as it can lose its texture. When ready to eat, simply reassemble and toast the meringue if desired!
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Lemon Curd?
If you don’t have lemon curd on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon-flavored yogurt or even a homemade lemon pudding. If neither of those is an option, consider using a mixture of fresh lemon juice, zest, and a bit of sweetener to mimic the tangy flavor!
