Start your day with a fun twist on breakfast! These Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats are creamy, zesty, and topped with fluffy meringue, giving you the taste of your favorite pie.
What’s great is you can prep this the night before! Just mix oats, yogurt, and lemon juice, let it sit, and wake up to a bright and tasty treat that’s just waiting for you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are the base of your overnight oats. Quick oats may become too mushy, while steel-cut oats need longer to soften. If you want a gluten-free option, choose certified gluten-free oats.
Milk: Any milk works well here! I often use almond or oat milk for a nut-free and dairy-free alternative. If you like creaminess, coconut milk is a fantastic choice!
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based yogurt like coconut or soy yogurt. Some prefer a tangy taste, so I suggest plain or vanilla flavors, but sweetened yogurts can also work.
Lemon Curd: Store-bought lemon curd is quick and easy. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade lemon curd is fabulous! You can substitute with lemon juice mixed with a little sugar if you don’t have lemon curd on hand.
Egg Whites: For the meringue, fresh egg whites are key. You can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for a vegan option; just whip it until peaks form!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Meringue?
Making meringue can seem tricky, but it’s all about technique. Here’s how to ensure your meringue turns out light and fluffy:
- Start with a clean, dry bowl. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping up nicely.
- Beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form before gradually adding in sugar. This helps it dissolve better.
- Once you reach stiff peaks, it should look glossy and hold its shape. Don’t stop beating until you achieve this!
- If using a kitchen torch, toast the meringue slowly and evenly. If broiling, keep a close watch as it can burn quickly!
With these steps, you’ll have a lovely meringue topping for your delicious oats!
How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oats:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Meringue Topping:
- 2 large egg whites
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Lemon zest (for garnish)
- Optional: a small kitchen torch for toasting the meringue
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe involves about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a minimum of 4 hours to chill (or ideally, overnight). This way, your oats can soak up all the flavors and thicken perfectly. Just a little patience results in a fantastic breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Oats:
Begin by grabbing a bowl or a mason jar. Combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, honey (if you like it sweeter), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. You’ll love how creamy it looks!
2. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover your jar or bowl tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Leave it overnight or for at least 4 hours. This soaking time allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid, making your oats thick and creamy. Yum!
3. Layer with Lemon Curd:
When you’re ready to serve, take your chilled oats out of the fridge. Spoon a layer of the oats into your serving glass or bowl, followed by dollops of lemon curd. Repeat this layering process until you reach the top of your container. Those zesty lemon layers will look beautiful!
4. Prepare the Meringue:
Now it’s time to make the meringue! In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer until soft peaks begin to form. This means they will hold shape but are still soft and billowy.
5. Add Sugar and Beat Stiff Peaks:
Gradually sprinkle the granulated sugar into the egg whites while you continue to beat. Keep mixing until the mixture turns glossy, and stiff peaks form. This is the key to your fluffy meringue!
6. Top with Meringue:
Next, take the meringue and spoon or pipe it generously onto the top of your layered oats and lemon curd. It should be a nice, thick layer of white goodness!
7. Toast the Meringue:
If you have a kitchen torch, carefully toast the meringue until it’s lightly golden and crispy on top. If you don’t have a torch, you can place it under a broiler for a very brief time—just be careful, as it can burn quickly!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off by sprinkling a bit of lemon zest on top for that extra zing! Serve your Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats immediately, and enjoy this refreshing breakfast that tastes just like dessert!
With these easy steps, you’ll have a delightful dish that combines the creamy sweetness of oats with the bright flavor of lemon curd and light meringue. Enjoy!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While you can use instant oats, keep in mind they will absorb liquid much faster, resulting in a softer texture. If you prefer a creamier texture, stick with rolled oats for this recipe!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, use plant-based milk, and replace the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for the meringue. This way, you can still enjoy a deliciously creamy result!
How Long Do Leftover Overnight Oats Last?
Your Lemon Meringue Pie Overnight Oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep the meringue separate if you plan to store leftovers, as it may lose its texture over time.
What If I Don’t Have a Kitchen Torch?
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the meringue-topped oats under a broiler for just a minute or two. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! Alternatively, you can skip toasting if you prefer a soft meringue topping.