These high protein peanut butter overnight oats are thick, creamy, and packed with about 21 grams of protein per jar.
Greek yogurt and peanut butter do the heavy lifting, while banana, honey, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips make it feel like a treat. Stir it together at night and breakfast is ready the second you wake up.
Table of Contents
Why This Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Recipe Works
Greek yogurt adds protein and a thick, creamy body, while peanut butter brings richness and keeps you full for hours. The oats soften overnight in the milk, so nothing needs cooking.
Banana and honey add natural sweetness, and cinnamon rounds out the flavor. Keeping the banana, nuts, and chocolate chips for topping gives you soft oats with crunch and freshness on top.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk, dairy or non dairy
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 banana, sliced, for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips
Peanut butter: Use creamy natural or regular peanut butter. Stir it into the milk first so it spreads evenly through the oats.
Greek yogurt: Plain nonfat or low fat Greek yogurt adds the most protein. Whole milk yogurt makes a richer bowl.
Oats: Old fashioned rolled oats hold their shape and stay chewy after soaking.
Toppings: Banana, nuts, and chocolate chips go on in the morning so they stay fresh and crisp.
How to Make Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
1. Whisk the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into the milk until smooth.
2. Add the yogurt. Stir in the Greek yogurt until no streaks remain.
3. Add the oats. Fold in the oats until every flake is coated, then divide between two jars.
4. Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until thick.
5. Loosen. In the morning, stir and add a splash of milk if the oats seem too thick.
6. Top and serve. Top each jar with banana slices, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Serve the oats cold, straight from the jar, or warm them in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds. Add a couple of peanut butter oat protein balls on the side for extra fuel, or pair the jar with a breakfast protein biscuit for a bigger meal. A slice of Greek yogurt apple cake or a whole wheat blueberry muffin makes an easy weekend brunch add on.
How to Store and Reheat Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. Keep the banana, nuts, and chocolate chips in separate containers and add them at serving so the banana does not brown. Stir before eating and loosen with a splash of milk because the oats thicken over time. Do not leave the oats at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Frozen jars keep for about 2 months, but the texture is softer after thawing.
Tips and Variations for Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Add more protein. Stir in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder and an extra 1/4 cup of milk.
Use powdered peanut butter. Swap 3 tablespoons of powdered peanut butter for the regular kind to cut the fat.
Mash the banana. Mash half the banana into the base for natural sweetness and a creamier texture.
Make it nut free. Use sunflower seed butter and leave out the nuts.
Make it dairy free. Use a plant based yogurt and milk in the same amounts.
Add a swirl. Top with a spoonful of jam for a peanut butter and jelly bowl.
Warm it up. Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds, stirring once, for a warm bowl.
Store it safely. Keep the jars cold, and read the guidance from Purdue Extension on storing prepared foods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Can I make peanut butter overnight oats without yogurt?
Yes. Replace the yogurt with 1/2 cup more milk, though the protein will be lower.
How long do peanut butter overnight oats keep?
They keep for 3 to 4 days in a covered jar. Add toppings fresh each day.
Can I freeze peanut butter overnight oats?
Yes, for about 2 months, but the texture is softer. Leave off the banana and chocolate chips.
Are these oats really high in protein?
Each jar has about 21 grams of protein, from the oats, Greek yogurt, milk, peanut butter, and nuts.
Can I use quick oats?
Quick oats work but turn softer. Old fashioned oats are ideal.
High Protein Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Equipment
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk dairy or non dairy
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 banana sliced, for topping
- ¼ cup chopped nuts for topping
- 2 tbsp chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
Cooking
- Whisk. In a bowl, whisk the milk, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Add yogurt. Stir in the Greek yogurt until no streaks remain.
- Add oats. Stir in the oats, then divide between two jars.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top. Stir, loosen with milk if needed, and top with banana, nuts, and chocolate chips.
