Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats

[The After-hours Pop Remix]

Bright, creamy overnight oats bursting with lemon zest and crunchy poppy seeds that transform your morning routine. These protein-rich breakfast bowls taste like lemon cake but fuel your day with sustained energy and gut-healthy probiotics.

remixology.com/recipe/lemon-poppyseed-overnight-oats/

Makes

4 servings

Total Time

8 hours 10 min (10 min prep)

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
2-1/3 cups (220g) old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups (480ml) whole milk (grass-fed preferred)
1 cup (240g) whole milk plain Greek yogurt (grass-fed preferred)
2-1/2 tbsp (50ml) pure maple syrup
1 tbsp (15g) poppy seeds
2 tsp (10ml) vanilla extract
1/4 tsp (1.5g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt

Lemon Bright:
2 tsp (4g) fresh lemon zest, plus more for garnish
1 tsp (5ml) fresh lemon juice

Steps

Combine:

In large bowl, whisk together milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and well blended.

Mix:

Add oats and poppy seeds to wet ingredients, stirring thoroughly to ensure all oats are evenly coated and no dry pockets remain. Mixture will seem loose but will thicken overnight.

Divide:

Transfer mixture to large container with lid or divide evenly between 4 individual jars or bowls. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of refrigerator odors.

Chill:

Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight until oats are tender and mixture has thickened to creamy consistency. Best texture develops after 12 hours.

Serve:

Stir gently before serving and garnish with fresh lemon zest and additional poppy seeds if desired. Add toppings like fresh berries, nuts, or granola for extra flavor and texture.

Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)

Replace regular yogurt with plain whole milk kefir for enhanced probiotics and digestive benefits. Add 1 tbsp ground flax seeds for omega-3s and prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Include 1 tsp raw honey instead of some maple syrup for antimicrobial properties and prebiotic oligosaccharides. Stir in 1 tbsp chia seeds for additional fiber and protein that supports gut health. Add 1/4 tsp Ceylon cinnamon for blood sugar regulation and anti-inflammatory compounds. Include 1 tsp lemon juice for vitamin C and citrus bioflavonoids that support beneficial bacteria.

Remix Options

Protein Power-Up: Add 1 scoop (30g) vanilla protein powder and increase milk by 1/4 cup (60ml) for post-workout recovery – blend well to prevent clumping. Dairy-Free Version: Replace milk with unsweetened oat milk and yogurt with coconut yogurt, add 2 tbsp almond butter for protein and richness. Lower Sugar Option: Use 1 tbsp maple syrup plus 1/2 tsp stevia, or replace entirely with 4-5 pitted Medjool dates, mashed. Tropical Twist: Add 1 tbsp coconut flakes, 1/4 cup diced fresh pineapple, and replace lemon with lime zest for island vibes. Berry Lemon Fusion: Fold in 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries and 1 tbsp lemon juice for antioxidant boost and color contrast. Chocolate Lemon Drizzle: Swirl in 1 tbsp melted dark chocolate (85% cacao) and add 1 tsp cocoa powder for decadent morning treat. Crunchy Texture Boost: Top with chopped toasted almonds, granola clusters, or coconut chips just before serving for satisfying contrast. Individual Portions: Divide into 4 mason jars for grab-and-go convenience – perfect for meal prep Sunday.

Good To Know

Oat Selection Tips: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture – avoid quick oats which become mushy, or steel-cut oats which remain too firm overnight without cooking. Lemon Zest Technique: Use microplane grater and only zest the bright yellow skin – white pith adds unwanted bitterness that intensifies overnight in the dairy mixture. Poppy Seed Benefits: These tiny seeds provide healthy fats, minerals, and subtle nutty flavor that complements lemon – buy from reputable sources and store in refrigerator for freshness. Texture Optimization: Perfect consistency develops after 8-12 hours – longer soaking creates creamier texture, while less time leaves oats slightly chewy. Storage Guidelines: Keep refrigerated up to 4 days in covered containers – stir before serving as ingredients may separate naturally over time. Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare Sunday evening for Monday-Thursday breakfasts, or make fresh batch Wednesday for weekend meals – optimal flavor window. Serving Temperature: Enjoy cold from refrigerator or let sit 15 minutes at room temperature for less chill – both textures offer different sensory experiences. Nutritional Balance: Each serving provides approximately 15g protein, 8g fiber, and sustained energy from complex carbohydrates – ideal for busy morning fuel. Consistency Adjustments: Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time if too thick, or extra oats if too thin – consistency preferences vary by individual taste.