If you love the zesty taste of lemon meringue pie, you’ll enjoy these overnight oats! They are creamy, slightly tangy, and topped with a fluffy meringue-inspired layer.
Making this dish is super easy! Just mix oats, yogurt, and a splash of lemon juice in a jar, let it sit overnight, and wake up to a tasty breakfast. Yum! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are perfect for overnight oats due to their chewy texture. If you prefer a quicker option, instant oats work too, but they may become mushy. Steel-cut oats can be used for a heartier texture but need longer soaking time.
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds thicken the mixture and add fiber. Don’t have them? Try flax seeds, but remember they’ll change the flavor a bit. You could also skip altogether if needed.
Greek Yogurt: It makes the oats creamy and adds protein. If you’re dairy-free, coconut or almond yogurt is a delicious substitute that still packs in the creaminess.
Lemon Curd: This adds a sweet and tart kick. Store-bought is convenient, but homemade is unbeatable! If you don’t have lemon curd, a mix of yogurt with extra lemon juice and a bit of sweetener can be a tasty alternative.
How Do You Make Perfect Meringue Topping?
Making meringue can be tricky, so here are some simple steps to ensure it turns out great.
- Start with clean, dry mixing bowls and beaters to avoid any grease.
- Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. This means they should fluff up but not hold a stiff shape just yet.
- Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating consistently. This helps dissolve the sugar and create stable peaks.
- Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, meaning the meringue stands tall and doesn’t fall over.
- Be gentle when spooning on the oats and lemon curd, creating peaks for toasting.
Following these tips will give you that beautiful toasted meringue topping everyone loves! Enjoy your breakfast treat!
Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oats:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
For the Meringue Topping:
- 2 egg whites (or aquafaba for vegan option)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Lemon wedge, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time. After mixing, you’ll need to let the oats sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best flavor and texture. On the day of serving, you’ll need an additional 10 minutes for making the meringue topping and toasting it to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Oats:
In a mixing bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, almond milk, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Stir or shake well to mix all ingredients until fully combined.
2. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the bowl or jar and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and become tender.
3. Prepare for Serving:
When you’re ready to serve, gently stir the oats to make sure everything is mixed well again. Layer spoonfuls of lemon curd on top of the oat mixture in each serving jar or bowl.
4. Make the Meringue Topping:
To create the meringue, beat the egg whites in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form (the mixture should hold its shape but still be soft). Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
5. Add Meringue to Jars:
Spoon or pipe the prepared meringue on top of each jar of oats and lemon curd in a decorative way, creating peaks that will toast beautifully.
6. Toast the Meringue:
Using a kitchen torch, carefully toast the meringue until golden brown peaks form. If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the jars under a broiler set on high for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish each serving with a small lemon wedge for a pop of color and extra zest. Serve immediately and dive into the creamy, tangy goodness that tastes just like a lemon meringue pie breakfast!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats, but keep in mind they may become mushy and won’t have the same texture as rolled oats. If you prefer a firmer bite, stick with rolled oats!
How Do I Store Leftover Overnight Oats?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to add the meringue topping fresh, right before serving, to keep it fluffy!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt and use aquafaba instead of egg whites for the meringue. Adjust sweetness as needed to fit your taste!
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
You can get creative with toppings! Consider adding fresh berries, crushed graham crackers, or a sprinkle of coconut for added texture and flavor. Enjoy experimenting!
