Introducing Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats: a delightful breakfast option that combines the freshness of lemon zest, the crunchiness of poppy seeds, and the creaminess of coconut milk. In this article, we will guide you through the easy steps of preparing these overnight oats, ensuring a delicious and satisfying morning meal.
Plus, we will go over how to properly store overnight oats for convenient meal prep. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this energizing breakfast that will kickstart your day! If you are looking for other delicious recipes like this you can view my full collection of Overnight Oats Recipes here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
When it comes to the ingredients for Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats, there are a few key components that bring this recipe to life. The rolled oats serve as the hearty foundation, providing a satisfying texture to the dish.
Chia seeds are added for their fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, boosting the nutritional value of the oats. To create a creamy and tropical base, coconut milk is used, although almond milk or any other plant-based milk can be substituted if desired.
The poppy seeds lend a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor to the oats, but you can experiment with sesame seeds or omit them entirely for a different twist.
Lastly, the zest of half a lemon adds a refreshing citrus aroma and a tangy kick to the recipe. With these ingredients in mind, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or any dietary restrictions you may have.
Helpful Tools
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl will be useful for combining all the ingredients thoroughly. Opt for a bowl with enough capacity to accommodate the oats, chia seeds, and other components.
- Measuring Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for achieving the right balance of flavors. Having a set of measuring spoons on hand will ensure that you add the right amount of lemon zest, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and other ingredients.
- Whisk or Spoon: To mix the ingredients effectively and evenly distribute them, you can use a whisk or a spoon. Both work well to combine the oats, chia seeds, coconut milk, poppy seeds, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
- Jars or Airtight Containers: Since this recipe is ideal for meal prep, having four jars or airtight containers will help you portion and store the overnight oats conveniently. Mason jars or reusable containers with tight-fitting lids are excellent options for keeping the oats fresh in the refrigerator.
How to Make Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats
First, gather all the necessary ingredients and helpful tools. Then, in a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, coconut milk, poppy seeds, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Next, separate the mixture into four jars or airtight containers, as this recipe yields four servings. Dividing them in advance allows for easy portioning and meal prep.

Once divided, securely seal the jars or containers with their respective lids. Place them in the refrigerator, and let them sit for at least 8 hours. This chilling time allows the oats to soften and absorb the flavors, resulting in a delicious and creamy consistency.

After the required refrigeration period, your Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats are ready to be enjoyed. Simply retrieve a jar or container from the fridge, and savor it right away.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its convenience as a grab-and-go breakfast option. No need for cooking or reheating – these overnight oats can be eaten straight from the refrigerator, saving you time and effort in the morning.
Tips & Tricks
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your desired level of sweetness. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed. You can also try other natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup as alternatives.
- Experiment with Toppings: While the recipe suggests fresh blueberries and vegan yogurt as toppings, feel free to get creative with your favorite additions. Sliced strawberries, banana slices, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of granola can add extra texture and flavor to your overnight oats.
- Make it Creamier: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of coconut milk or use a combination of coconut milk and yogurt. This will result in a richer and more indulgent overnight oats experience.
- Get Creative with Citrus: Don’t limit yourself to just lemons. Feel free to experiment with other citrus fruits like oranges, limes, or grapefruits. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor profile, offering a refreshing twist to your overnight oats.
- Prepare in Bulk: Take advantage of the meal prep aspect and double or triple the recipe. This way, you can have Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats ready for several days ahead, making your mornings hassle-free and ensuring you have a healthy breakfast option readily available.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker or thinner consistency, you can modify the amount of liquid added. For thicker oats, decrease the amount of coconut milk, while adding more coconut milk will result in a runnier consistency.
- Soak Overnight for Best Results: While the recipe suggests a minimum of 8 hours of refrigeration, allowing the oats to soak overnight yields the best results. This extended soaking time ensures that the flavors fully develop and the oats become wonderfully creamy.
FAQ: Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats
While rolled oats are recommended for their texture, you can use instant oats as a substitute. Keep in mind that the consistency of the overnight oats may be slightly different, with instant oats resulting in a softer texture.
Absolutely! Coconut milk adds a creamy and tropical flavor, but if you prefer dairy milk or any other plant-based milk, feel free to make the substitution. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be used as alternatives.
Yes, you can omit the chia seeds if you don’t have them or prefer not to use them. The oats will still soak and develop their creamy consistency. However, keep in mind that chia seeds contribute to the nutritional profile of the dish, providing fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
The prepared overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it an ideal make-ahead breakfast option for busy mornings or meal prep purposes. Just ensure that the jars or containers are tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
Overnight oats are typically enjoyed cold, straight from the refrigerator. However, if you prefer warm oats, you can heat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent uneven heating.
Freezing the overnight oats is not recommended, as it can alter the texture and consistency of the oats when thawed. It is best to enjoy them fresh from the refrigerator within the recommended storage timeframe.
Absolutely! The recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly to make more or fewer servings, while keeping the ratios consistent for the best results.

Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats – Vegan Meal Prep
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp maple syrup
Toppings
- fresh blueberries, vegan yogurt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir well to combine.
- Separate into 4 jars or airtight containers. This meal prep makes 4 servings.
- Allow to sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours. Enjoy right from the fridge!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion
Give Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats a try for a delightful and nutritious morning meal. With their refreshing lemon zest, crunchy poppy seeds, and creamy coconut milk, these oats provide a satisfying and energizing start to your day (try our vegan brownie overnight oats!). Customize the sweetness and get creative with toppings to make it your own. Experience the convenience and deliciousness of this recipe by prepping a batch today. Enjoy the flavors, nourishment, and simplicity of Lemon Poppyseed Overnight Oats – a tasty way to upgrade your breakfast routine!
YUM this was great also loved your brownie over night oats! Excited to try more
So happy you loved it! I will have even more overnight oat flavours coming soon 😊
Great recipe loved the video to follow along thank you for making your recipes easy to follow. I will be looking for more!
Thank you so much Jackie!
Very easy to follow and came out beautifully I will be adding this to my morning routine thank you for sharing so many tasty overnight oats recipes
Thank you so much Alex, I will have more overnight oat recipes coming soon!
These are just the absolute best flavours my favourites mixed together. Thank you so much for sharing this awesome recipe and I can’t wait to share it with my company coming tomorrow. I think she’ll love it too.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the recipe and that you’re excited to share it with your company. I hope your guest loves it just as much as you do. Enjoy your gathering tomorrow!
Loved this recipe! And actually all of your overnight oats have been super tasty! Patiently waiting for more
yayy!! so happy you liked them!! I’ll keep coming out with more flavours. Any requests? 🙂