These peanut butter overnight oats are creamy, nutty, and naturally sweetened with banana. First, you stir them together in five minutes, let the fridge do the work, and wake up to a ready-made breakfast in a jar. Peanut butter brings most of the flavor here, and in the United States, anything labeled peanut butter must be at least 90% peanuts. It takes about 540 peanuts to make a single 12-ounce jar (National Peanut Board).
Key Takeaways
- Rolled oats provide beta-glucan, the soluble fiber behind the FDA’s oat heart-health claim, which is based on 3 grams or more per day (21 CFR 101.81).
- Greek yogurt and chia seeds make each jar thick, creamy, and filling, with about 26 grams of protein.
- Prep takes 5 minutes, and the oats keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
What Are Peanut Butter Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are rolled oats soaked in milk in the fridge instead of cooked on the stove. As they rest, the oats absorb the liquid and soften into a thick, pudding-like texture. Peanut butter overnight oats add a generous spoonful of peanut butter, plus banana and a touch of maple syrup, for a breakfast that tastes like a peanut butter banana smoothie you can eat with a spoon.
Because there is no cooking, they are perfect for hot mornings, busy weeks, and anyone who needs breakfast on the go.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- No cooking: Just stir, cover, and chill.
- High in protein: Greek yogurt, milk, and peanut butter add up to about 26 grams per jar.
- Customizable: Swap the fruit, milk, or nut butter to suit your taste.
- Budget-friendly: Oats and peanut butter are some of the most affordable pantry staples.
Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: They soften to the perfect texture. Quick oats turn mushy, while steel-cut oats stay too firm.
- Milk: For example, dairy, almond, oat, or soy milk all work.
- Greek yogurt: In addition, it adds creaminess and protein.
- Creamy peanut butter: Ideally, use natural, drippy peanut butter, since it mixes in most easily.
- Chia seeds: Also, they thicken the oats and add fiber.
- Banana and maple syrup: For natural sweetness. Adjust the syrup to taste.
How to Make Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
The exact amounts are in the recipe card at the end of this post. In the meantime, here are the steps.
1. Mix the base. First, add the milk, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to a jar or bowl. Stir until the peanut butter is fully blended.
2. Add the oats and chia. Next, stir in the oats and chia seeds until every oat is coated.
3. Add the banana. Then fold in half the sliced banana, saving the rest for the top.
4. Chill. Finally, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. In the morning, stir, top with the remaining banana and a drizzle of peanut butter, and enjoy.
Tips for Creamy Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Warm stiff peanut butter. If your peanut butter is thick, microwave it for 10 seconds so it blends smoothly.
- Adjust the texture in the morning. If the oats are too thick, add a splash of milk. On the other hand, if they are too loose, let them sit a little longer.
- Add banana just before eating. Sliced banana browns over time. Therefore, add the topping fresh.
- Use a wide-mouth jar. That way, stirring and eating are much easier.
Flavor Variations
- PB and J: Swirl in 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam or mashed berries.
- Chocolate peanut butter: Stir in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- Protein boost: Add 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder with an extra splash of milk.
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
How Long Do Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Last?
Stored in sealed jars, they keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. As a result, you can prep several jars on Sunday for the week ahead. However, keep fresh fruit toppings separate until you are ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat overnight oats warm?
Yes. Microwave them for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway, and add a splash of milk if they get too thick.
Can I make peanut butter overnight oats without yogurt?
Absolutely. Simply replace the yogurt with more milk. The oats will be a little thinner and lower in protein, but still delicious.
Do I have to use chia seeds?
No. Chia seeds add thickness and fiber, but you can leave them out and reduce the milk by 2 tablespoons.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, peanut butter overnight oats are one of the easiest healthy breakfasts you can make. Five minutes the night before means a filling, protein-rich breakfast is waiting every morning.
Want more grab-and-go ideas? Try our pear walnut baked oatmeal cups or our protein McGriddle muffins.
AuthorEmma food bloggerDifficultyBeginnerCreamy no-cook oats with peanut butter, banana, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds. Makes 2 jars.
Oats
Topping
Mix the base. In a bowl or two jars, stir together the milk, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Add oats and chia. Stir in the oats and chia seeds until fully coated.
Add banana. Fold in half the sliced banana. Divide between two jars if mixed in a bowl.
Chill. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve. Stir, loosen with a splash of milk if needed, and top with the remaining banana and a drizzle of peanut butter.
2 servings
1 jar
- Amount per serving
- Calories575
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g33%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 10mg4%
- Sodium 295mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 68g25%
- Dietary Fiber 12g43%
- Total Sugars 25g
- Protein 26g
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
Oats
Topping
Sources
- National Peanut Board, Fun Facts about Peanuts and Peanut Butter
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 101.81: Soluble fiber from certain foods and risk of coronary heart disease
