Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats Recipe (High Protein)

This gluten free, high protein, healthy lemon overnight oats recipe is the perfect grab and go breakfast. Made with Greek yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, and lemon juice, this actually be my new favorite overnight oatmeal flavour!

Lemon overnight oats are the perfect breakfast- they are convenient, super quick to make, and they feel like you’re eating dessert. They are convenient because you add everything to a mason jar or to go container the night before, and grab it and go in the mornings. 

Super quick to make because they require limited and handy ingredients. And they truly do taste like you’re eating dessert for breakfast, except it’s healthy. 

If you love oatmeal recipes you need to try my Lemon Poppy Seed Baked Oats and my Gluten Free High Protein Carrot Cake Baked Oats! These overnight oats with protein powder are loaded with healthy fats and protein. 

If you’re looking for a healthy overnight oats recipe for weight loss, you’ve come to the right place. 

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE LEMON CHEESECAKE OVERNIGHT OATS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this healthy breakfast (the exact measurements, nutrition information and the printable recipe card are all below):

• Certified gluten free oats – you do not need to use gluten free oats for this recipe unless you are celiac or gluten intolerant, like myself. Can also use quick oats, old-fashioned oats, but stay away from steel cut oats.
• Unsweetened almond milk – any non-dairy milk will work such as soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk etc. Regular cow’s milk will work as well if you would prefer to use that.
• Chia seeds
• Protein powder – I love using protein powder in my overnight oats to make them more filling and nutritious. My favourite protein powder on the market is PEScience, I use their Gourmet Vanilla flavour in almost all of my overnight and baked oat recipes. If you want to try out any of their products use my code “BAILEY” at checkout to save yourself money!
• Fresh lemon juice – I prefer using freshly squeezed lemon juice, it adds much more depth to flavour profile
• Lemon zest – since you already have a fresh lemon for the juice, this will be no problem. This really adds to the lemon flavor.
• Pure maple syrup – optional, but I do recommend. You can also use honey in place if you would prefer.
• Plain greek yogurt – can use coconut yogurt for a vegan option however it will alter the flavors.
• White chocolate chips
• Cream cheese

HOW TO MAKE

1. Add all oat ingredients to a bowl or jar. Stir well and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour to set.
2. Once oats are set, microwave the white chocolate in a small bowl in 30 second intervals. Mix in with room temperature cream cheese, and greek yogurt. I used a whisk to get rid of clumps.
3. Remove oats from refrigerator, and pour the white chocolate mixture overtop. Put back in fridge overnight to set.
4. In the morning, top with small pieces of graham crackers, coconut shreds, lemon wedges, and grab and go for meal prep!

WHY I LOVE HOMEMADE OVERNIGHT OATS

They are great for digestion! Soaking the oats overnight breaks down the starches and reduces the natural phytic acid in the oats. 

This makes it easier for your body to digest the oats and use their nutrients more efficiently! However you do want to make sure you are soaking for a long enough period, minimum 5-6 hours, but preferably overnight. 

Another reason I love them if because you can take a base recipe, as switch up the flavours. I love adding fresh blueberries to this recipe to make them lemon blueberry overnight oats.

You could also add poppyseeds to the mix and make lemon poppyseed overnight oats.

They are perfect for on the run mornings and save a few minutes in the morning even if you’re working from home!

The ingredients in these lemon overnight oats are incredible. Greek yogurt is full of protein, making these protein overnight oats. The nutrition facts on greek yogurt are perfect if you are looking for a high protein snack or meal. 

CAN I USE INSTANT OATS FOR THIS OAT RECIPE?

Yes, you can use instant oats for this recipe. However, traditional rolled oats or old-fashioned oats are recommended for a heartier texture and better absorption of flavors.

Steer clear from steel-cut oats as they make the recipe chewy.

HOW LONG DO THE OATS HAVE TO SET IN THE REFRIGERATOR?

Overnight oats typically need at least 4 hours to soften and absorb the liquid. You can prepare them the night before and enjoy them the next morning for the perfect make-ahead breakfast.

​CAN I USE LEMON JUICE FROM THE BOTTLE INSTEAD OF FRESH LEMON JUICE?

While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice as a convenient alternative. Just be aware that the flavor might not be as vibrant.

CAN I ADD OTHER FRUITS TO THE OATS?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can add fresh berries, sliced bananas, diced apples, or any fresh fruit of your choice to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.

You can even switch it up entirely and remove the lemon juice and add peanut butter and jam for pb&j overnight oats.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS

You most likely will not have leftovers as this is single serving, but if you do here is how to store it.

1. Refrigeration: Place the container with the leftover overnight oats in the refrigerator as soon as possible after you’re done enjoying your meal.
2. Sealed Container: Transfer the leftover oats to an airtight container. This helps prevent any moisture from getting in and keeps the oats fresh.
3. Separation: Over time, the oats might settle, and the mixture may separate. Before eating, give the oats a good stir to mix everything back together evenly.
4. Fruit Toppings: If you’ve added fresh fruit as a topping, keep in mind that some fruits may become softer or release juices, which could affect the texture of the oats. Consider adding delicate fruits like berries just before you’re ready to eat to maintain their freshness.
5. Consumption: For the best quality and flavor, it’s recommended to consume leftover overnight oats within 2 days of preparing them. While the oats might still be safe to eat beyond that time frame, the texture and taste may change.

Other Easy Overnight Oats Recipes You May Like To Try

• Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
• Key Lime Pie Overnight Oats
• Biscoff Overnight Oats
• Easy Blueberry Overnight Oats 
• Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

IF YOU TRIED THIS EASY BREAKFAST RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails