These Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats are a tasty breakfast treat! With creamy oats, a zesty lemon flavor, and fluffy meringue topping, they’re like dessert for breakfast.
I love making these the night before; all I have to do in the morning is grab a spoon and dig in! Plus, the bright lemon flavor wakes me up like a slice of sunshine! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are perfect for overnight oats since they absorb liquid well. Quick oats can be used, but they might be a bit mushy. Steel-cut oats are too firm and need to be cooked before serving!
Milk: You can use any type of milk you prefer, whether it’s dairy, almond, oat, or coconut milk. Each adds its own flavor; almond is subtly sweet, while coconut gives a nice creaminess.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. If you’re dairy-free, try coconut yogurt or a protein-rich plant-based yogurt for a similar texture.
Chia Seeds: They give the oats a thicker consistency. Flax seeds can be a good alternative, or you can skip them altogether if you want a creamier texture.
Lemon Curd: This is the star for flavor! If you don’t want to use store-bought, you can make your own with fresh lemons, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. But store-bought works just fine for convenience!
How Can I Make the Perfect Meringue Topping?
The meringue adds a lovely fluffy topping to your overnight oats, but it can be tricky! Here’s how to get it right:
- Ensure your bowl and beaters are clean and dry – any fat can prevent egg whites from beating properly.
- Whip the egg whites until soft peaks form – this means they should hold a shape but still be smooth.
- Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, to help the meringue develop nice structure. Whip until stiff and glossy peaks form, which means the mixture stands up well when you lift the beaters.
- If you’re toasting the meringue with a torch, have it close and move it quickly to avoid burning.
With these tips, your meringue should come out perfectly every time! Enjoy your Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats!
How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oats:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
For the Meringue Topping:
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For Garnish:
- Lemon slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to let it chill in the fridge overnight (or at least 6 hours). The meringue topping will only take a few minutes to whip up when you are ready to serve. So, it’s all pretty simple and straightforward!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Oat Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir everything together well until it’s fully combined and looks creamy.
2. Divide and Chill:
Pour the oat mixture evenly into individual serving jars or containers. Cover them with lids or plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator overnight to soak up all the flavors and get nice and soft.
3. Add the Lemon Curd:
When you’re ready to serve, take out the jars. Give the lemon curd a little stir to soften it up, then spread a generous layer over the top of the soaked oats in each jar. It adds a delicious lemony kick!
4. Whip Up the Meringue:
In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Then, slowly add the granulated sugar while continuing to whisk. Keep whisking until you get stiff, glossy peaks that stand tall. This will create the lovely fluffy meringue topping!
5. Top the Jars with Meringue:
Using a spoon or a piping bag, carefully add the meringue on top of each jar of oats, creating beautiful swirls or peaks.
6. Toast the Meringue:
If you have a kitchen torch, carefully brown the meringue until it’s golden and toasted. If not, you can briefly broil the jars in the oven—just keep a close eye to prevent burning!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by garnishing each jar with a fresh lemon slice. You can serve them right away or keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy. Yum!
Enjoy your bright, creamy, and indulgent Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats for a refreshing breakfast or snack!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with rolled oats for this recipe, as instant oats can become too mushy and lose that delightful texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use quick oats, but be aware the consistency may be slightly different.
How Can I Make These Overnight Oats Dairy-Free?
Simply swap the regular milk for any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Additionally, use a dairy-free yogurt option for the Greek yogurt to keep the creamy texture intact!
What Should I Do with Leftover Meringue?
You can store leftover meringue in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a day. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh! If you have leftovers, consider using them as a topping for other desserts or sweet dishes.
Can I Prepare These Oats Without Chia Seeds?
Yes! If you prefer to skip the chia seeds, simply leave them out. However, keep in mind that they help thicken the oats. You might want to add a little extra yogurt or reduce the milk slightly to achieve a similar consistency.
