Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

If you’re always on the go in the mornings or just want a breakfast that feels indulgent and wholesome, peanut butter overnight oats might just become your new best friend. This recipe is creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor — and the best part? It requires barely any effort the night before. Just mix, chill, and you’re all set for the next day.

Think of it like a breakfast parfait, but heartier and more filling. The oats soak up the milk and peanut butter overnight, turning into a thick and creamy pudding-like texture. You wake up to a jar of goodness that’s ready to eat — no stove, no fuss. It’s great for busy weekdays, and you can meal prep a few jars at once for the whole week.

Peanut butter adds richness and a hit of protein, making it a solid breakfast option that actually keeps you full. Plus, you can dress it up however you like — bananas, chocolate chips, chia seeds, berries, or even a drizzle of honey. It’s super customizable based on your cravings or what you’ve got in the pantry.

Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or just looking for a no-fuss, satisfying breakfast, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. It’s like your favorite childhood sandwich turned into a spoonable, creamy dream. Let’s dive into how to make it!

Why You’ll Love It

• No-Cook and Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in just 5 minutes the night before, and wake up to a delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast.
• Creamy, Nutty, and Comforting: The peanut butter blends beautifully with the oats and milk, creating a rich, velvety texture with that familiar nutty flavor.
• High in Protein and Fiber: Keeps you full and energized all morning long, especially with the combo of oats, peanut butter, and optional chia seeds.
• Customizable to Fit Your Taste: Whether you love it fruity, chocolatey, or with a crunch, you can easily tweak it to suit your mood.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a few jars at once and have breakfast (or even a midday snack) sorted for the next few days.

Ingredient List

• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
• ½ cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, but recommended)
• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Toppings: sliced banana, chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, more peanut butter (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• Old-fashioned oats: These give the best texture — not too mushy, not too chewy. Avoid instant oats for this recipe.
• Natural peanut butter: I like using the drippy kind with just peanuts and salt; it mixes in easily and gives a rich, nutty taste.
• Milk: Almond, oat, soy, or regular milk all work here — use what you love or have on hand.
• Chia seeds: Totally optional, but they help thicken the oats and add a boost of fiber and omega-3s.
• Maple syrup/honey: Start small and adjust to your sweetness preference. A ripe banana on top can also sweeten it naturally.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings out the peanut butter flavor — don’t skip it!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mason jar or airtight container – Perfect for mixing, storing, and grabbing on the go. I like using 8 oz or 12 oz jars with lids.
• Spoon – For stirring everything together smoothly. A silicone or wooden spoon works great.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Helps keep the peanut butter, oats, and liquid amounts just right.
• Refrigerator – The oats need to chill overnight to soften and soak up the flavors.
• Small spatula (optional) – Handy for scraping every last bit of peanut butter out of the jar.

Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

• Measure out the rolled oats, peanut butter, milk, chia seeds (if using), maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
• Place everything within reach — this makes mixing super easy and keeps the process smooth.

Pro Tip: If your peanut butter is thick, microwave it for 10–15 seconds so it mixes in more easily.

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Step 2: Mix Everything Together

• In a mason jar or bowl, add the oats, chia seeds, and salt first — this gives them a dry base to sit on.
• Pour in the milk, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, and then add the peanut butter last.
• Stir everything really well until fully combined. Make sure there are no dry oats hiding at the bottom.

Pro Tip: Use the back of your spoon to press and blend the peanut butter if it clumps up. It helps evenly distribute the flavor.

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Step 3: Seal and Chill

• Once everything is well mixed, cover the jar or container tightly with a lid.
• Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This gives the oats enough time to soften and absorb the flavors.

Pro Tip: Give the jar a quick stir about an hour in if you’re nearby — it helps redistribute the ingredients evenly. Totally optional but helpful!

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Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

• In the morning, open the jar and give your oats a quick stir to loosen them up.
• Add your favorite toppings: sliced banana, a drizzle of peanut butter, chocolate chips, chopped peanuts — go wild or keep it simple!
• Enjoy straight from the jar or transfer to a bowl if you prefer.

Pro Tip: If the oats are too thick for your liking, just stir in a splash of milk before serving to loosen them up.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use rolled oats, not quick oats – Rolled oats soak up the liquid perfectly without turning mushy.
• Stir thoroughly before chilling – Make sure everything is well combined, especially the peanut butter. It helps prevent clumps.
• Let it chill overnight for best texture – While 4 hours is okay, a full night gives a creamier, more cohesive result.
• Prep multiple jars at once – Double or triple the recipe and make a few jars for easy grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
• Adjust sweetness the next morning – If it’s not sweet enough after chilling, you can always drizzle in a little extra honey or maple syrup before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Swap peanut butter – Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free option.
• Make it vegan – Just use plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy) and stick with maple syrup instead of honey.
• Add protein – Stir in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to boost your breakfast. You may need an extra splash of milk.
• Change the flavor – Add a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a fun twist.
• Switch the sweetener – Try agave syrup, date syrup, or even mashed banana for a natural touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with sliced banana and a drizzle of peanut butter – It’s classic, creamy, and makes the oats taste like a peanut butter banana sandwich.
• Sprinkle chocolate chips and crushed peanuts – Adds a little crunch and dessert-like vibe for a treat-yourself kind of morning.
• Add fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries give a tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter.
• Layer it like a parfait – Spoon the oats into a bowl or jar and layer with Greek yogurt and granola for added texture and protein.
• I love serving mine with a splash of extra almond milk, a few dark chocolate chips, and a handful of blueberries—it feels indulgent but still wholesome.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store in the fridge – Keep your overnight oats in an airtight jar or container for up to 4–5 days.
• Perfect for meal prep – Make a few jars on Sunday and have breakfast sorted through the week.
• No reheating needed – Overnight oats are meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge.
• Prefer them warm? Microwave for 30–60 seconds in a microwave-safe container, then stir and enjoy warm.
• If it thickens too much – Just stir in a splash of milk before serving to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats don’t soften the same way and will stay too chewy, even after soaking overnight. Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for that perfect creamy texture.

How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?

They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Just give them a quick stir before serving each day.

Can I make this without chia seeds?

Absolutely! Chia seeds help thicken the oats and add extra nutrition, but you can leave them out if you don’t have any. Just note the oats may be slightly looser in texture.

Is it okay to use flavored peanut butter?

Yes! Flavored peanut butters (like chocolate or cinnamon) can add a fun twist. Just keep an eye on the sugar content if you’re watching your intake.

Can I freeze overnight oats?

Not recommended. The texture changes quite a bit when frozen and thawed, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh from the fridge.

What if I don’t like cold oats?

No problem! Pop your jar in the microwave for about 30–60 seconds to warm it up. Stir well and enjoy it warm like a bowl of creamy oatmeal.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub_ or use the hashtag #tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!