
I am so over-the-moon excited to share this lemon cheesecake overnight oats recipe with you!
Last weekend, while I was meal prepping with Isabella and Emma (they love helping in the kitchen), we were craving something that tasted like dessert but was actually healthy enough for breakfast.
That’s when this magical recipe was born – it literally tastes like lemon cheesecake in a jar, but it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that’ll keep you satisfied all morning long.
Trust me, this recipe has become our family’s new obsession.
Henry keeps asking me to make extra jars because he sneaks them for his afternoon snacks too!
The creamy texture, bright lemon flavor, and that satisfying crunch from the graham crackers make these overnight oats feel like a special treat every single morning.
Plus, they’re perfect for busy mornings when you need something nutritious that’s ready to grab and go.
If you’re looking for more high-protein breakfast options, you’ll definitely want to check out my high protein cheesecake jars that pair beautifully with these oats for a complete breakfast spread.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats Recipe
- No cooking required Just mix, refrigerate, and wake up to breakfast perfection
- Meal prep friendly Make 5 jars on Sunday for the entire work week
- Tastes like dessert Seriously, it’s like eating lemon cheesecake for breakfast guilt-free
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free Perfect for various dietary needs
- High in fiber and protein Keeps you full and energized until lunch
- Kid-approved Even picky eaters love the sweet, creamy texture

Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup (100 grams) rolled or old fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or 2 chopped Medjool dates)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 very small pinches fine sea salt
- 1½ cups (360 mls) plant milk (not soy milk)
Lemon Cheesecake Flavor:
- Zest of 1 medium fresh lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 to 2 vegan graham crackers or digestive biscuits (optional but recommended)
- 2 small dollops of vegan lemon curd (optional)
Pro tip: I always use oat milk or almond milk for the creamiest texture.
Avoid soy milk because it can curdle when mixed with the lemon juice – learned that the hard way!
How to Make the Best Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Step 1: Take 2 wide-mouth mason jars or small lidded containers.
To each jar, add ½ cup (50 grams) oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and a small pinch of salt.
Step 2: Pour ¾ cup plant milk into each jar, then add the zest of half a lemon and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to each container.
Step 3: Stir really well – this is crucial!
Make sure everything is completely combined so the chia seeds don’t clump together.
I usually stir for about 30 seconds to get everything perfectly mixed.
Step 4: Put the lids on tightly and refrigerate overnight, or for up to 5 days for meal prep.
Step 5: Before serving, crumble the graham crackers on top and add a dollop of lemon curd if you’re feeling fancy.
I serve them right in the jars to save on dishes – because who has time for extra cleanup?

Storage and Meal Prep Tips for Overnight Oats
These lemon cheesecake overnight oats are perfect for meal prep!
Simply put, they’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in sealed containers.
Storage guidelines:
- Keep in airtight containers or mason jars
- Store in the refrigerator at all times
- Don’t freeze – the texture becomes weird when thawed
- Add toppings right before eating for best texture
The flavors actually develop and get better after the first night, so don’t worry if they taste a bit intense initially.
By day two, the lemon flavor mellows perfectly with the oats.
Creative Variations for Your Lemon Overnight Oats
Protein boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and an extra splash of plant milk to thin it out.
Extra indulgent: Swirl in some cashew cream or coconut whipped cream for that authentic cheesecake texture.
Tropical twist: Replace half the lemon juice with lime juice and add shredded coconut.
Berry delicious: Top with fresh blueberries or strawberries for extra antioxidants and natural sweetness.
Crunchy factor: Try different cookies like vanilla wafers, gingersnaps, or even crushed pecans instead of graham crackers.
FAQs About Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats
Can I make lemon cheesecake overnight oats without chia seeds?
Yes, you can definitely omit chia seeds, but they add incredible thickness and extra nutrition (hello, omega-3s!).
For similar texture, substitute with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or add an extra 2 tablespoons of oats per serving.
The chia seeds really help create that pudding-like consistency that makes these taste more like cheesecake.
How long do lemon cheesecake overnight oats last in the fridge?
These overnight oats stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in sealed containers.
This makes them absolutely perfect for meal prep and grab-and-go breakfasts.
I usually make a big batch on Sunday and have breakfast sorted for the entire work week!
What’s the best plant milk for lemon cheesecake overnight oats?
Oat milk or almond milk work best for that creamy, cheesecake-like texture.
Definitely avoid soy milk as it can curdle with the lemon juice – trust me on this one!
Coconut milk creates an extra rich, indulgent consistency if you want to go all out.
Can I substitute the maple syrup in overnight oats?
Absolutely! You can replace maple syrup with 2 chopped Medjool dates, agave nectar, or honey (if you’re not strictly vegan).
For a lower-calorie option, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener to taste.
The dates actually add extra creaminess, which works beautifully in this recipe.

Conclusion
This lemon cheesecake overnight oats recipe has honestly revolutionized our breakfast routine.
It’s one of those rare recipes that checks all the boxes healthy, delicious, convenient, and satisfying.
The bright lemon flavor combined with the creamy oat base creates the perfect morning treat that feels indulgent but is actually nourishing your body.
Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekdays or looking for a special weekend breakfast that requires zero morning effort, these oats are your answer.
Isabella and Emma have been requesting them every week, and Henry keeps sneaking extra jars when he thinks I’m not looking!
Can’t wait to hear how your family loves these lemon cheesecake overnight oats.
Happy cooking! Amelia
Recipes You May Like
If you’re loving these lemon cheesecake overnight oats, you’ll definitely want to try these other breakfast favorites:
- Almond Milk Chia Pudding Recipes Another make-ahead breakfast with endless flavor possibilities
- High Protein Yogurt Chia Pudding Recipe Perfect for when you want extra protein to start your day
- Cottage Cheese Smoothie Recipes Creamy, protein-packed smoothies that taste like milkshakes



Lemon Cheesecake Overnight Oats Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
I am so over-the-moon excited to share this lemon cheesecake overnight oats recipe with you! This magical recipe literally tastes like lemon cheesecake in a jar, but it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that’ll keep you satisfied all morning long. Perfect for busy mornings when you need something nutritious that’s ready to grab and go.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (100 grams) rolled or old fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or 2 chopped Medjool dates)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 very small pinches fine sea salt
- 1½ cups (360 mls) plant milk (not soy milk)
- Zest of 1 medium fresh lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 to 2 vegan graham crackers or digestive biscuits (optional but recommended)
- 2 small dollops of vegan lemon curd (optional)
Instructions
- Take 2 wide-mouth mason jars or small lidded containers. To each jar, add ½ cup (50 grams) oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and a small pinch of salt.
- Pour ¾ cup plant milk into each jar, then add the zest of half a lemon and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to each container.
- Stir really well – this is crucial! Make sure everything is completely combined so the chia seeds don’t clump together. Stir for about 30 seconds to get everything perfectly mixed.
- Put the lids on tightly and refrigerate overnight, or for up to 5 days for meal prep.
- Before serving, crumble the graham crackers on top and add a dollop of lemon curd if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
Use oat milk or almond milk for the creamiest texture. Avoid soy milk because it can curdle when mixed with the lemon juice. The flavors develop and get better after the first night. Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg