Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

What You’ll Need

I always have these ingredients on hand, which is another reason I love these peanut butter overnight oats! Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

• Rolled oats – Also known as old-fashioned oats.
• Chia seeds – These thicken the oats a bit and also give you some fiber, protein, and omega-3s. If you’re not a big fan, try hemp hearts instead.
• Maple syrup – Or your sweetener of choice.
• Peanut butter – I like to use natural peanut butter made with only peanuts.
• Unsweetened almond milk – Or whatever milk you keep on hand in the fridge.
• Toppings – Chocolate chips and extra peanut butter.

How to Make Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Here’s how easy it is to make these overnight oats.

• Combine. Add all of the ingredients except the toppings to a bowl or jar and stir. 
• Refrigerate. Divide the oats into two jars if you’d like and refrigerate overnight.
• Serve. Add the toppings and dig in!

Tips for the Best PB Overnight Oatmeal

• Stir really well. Peanut butter likes to cling to the bottom and sides of the jar. Take an extra 30 seconds to mix thoroughly so you don’t end up with a dense peanut butter layer at the bottom.
• Use rolled oats, not quick oats. Rolled oats hold their texture overnight and give you that thick, creamy consistency. Quick oats will turn mushy and flat.
• Adjust the thickness in the morning. If your oats feel too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk until they loosen up to your liking. They should be spoonable, not cement.
• Let it chill at least 4 hours. Overnight is ideal, but give it at least 4 hours so the chia seeds can hydrate and thicken everything properly.
• Use natural peanut butter wisely. If you’re using natural peanut butter, stir it very well before measuring. The oil separation can throw off the texture if you scoop straight from the jar.
• Top right before eating. Add crunchy toppings like granola or chopped peanuts just before serving so they don’t soften overnight.

Topping Ideas

The base of this oatmeal is creamy and peanut butter-forward, so toppings are where you can add crunch, contrast, or a little extra flavor. Whether you want something fruity, salty, or just a little more texture, here are some combinations to try:

• Sliced bananas + flaky salt – Lean into the peanut butter-banana combo and add a tiny pinch of salt to wake everything up.
• Chopped peanuts – Adds real crunch and doubles down on the peanut flavor without adding sweetness.
• Warm peanut butter drizzle – Microwave a spoonful for 10 seconds and drizzle over the top for extra richness.
• Fresh berries – Raspberries or strawberries cut through the peanut butter with a bright pop of freshness.
• Toasted coconut flakes – Sprinkle over the top for texture and a subtle nutty sweetness.
• Chia jam swirl – Add a spoonful of quick chia jam to create a PB&J-style breakfast without overpowering the oats.
• Granola – Stir in or sprinkle on top right before serving for crunch that holds up.
• Apple slices + cinnamon – For a peanut butter apple vibe that feels classic and satisfying.
• Adjust to your liking. You can add more or less sweetener, more or less milk to change the texture, and so on. 
• Make it extra creamy. Add plain Greek yogurt to up the protein and creaminess of your overnight oats.
• Switch up the nut butter. Try almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
• Give it a protein boost. Add a scoop of protein powder. Chocolate will make your oats extra decadent, while vanilla or plain will let that peanut butter flavor shine.

How to Store

Peanut butter overnight oats will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator, so you can prep a whole week’s worth of breakfasts on a Sunday night. Just be sure the oats are stored in a tightly sealed jar or airtight container.

More Oatmeal Recipes

• Baby Oatmeal
• Blended Vegan Baked Oatmeal
• Overnight Steel Cut Oats
• Protein Oatmeal
• Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal