There’s something comforting about waking up to a breakfast that’s ready to go—no cooking, no fuss, just grab and enjoy. That’s where Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats come in. This healthy, creamy, and delicious breakfast is perfect for busy mornings when you want something filling and nutritious but don’t have the time to cook. Packed with fiber, protein, and natural sweetness from bananas, these overnight oats are an ideal way to fuel your day. And the best part? You can make them the night before, so your morning routine stays blissfully easy.

I first discovered overnight oats when I was looking for a quick breakfast option that could keep me full throughout the morning. I loved the idea of prepping everything the night before, but I wanted something more flavorful than plain oats. That’s when I started experimenting with peanut butter and bananas, and this combination quickly became my favorite. The creamy peanut butter adds richness and a dose of healthy fats, while the bananas provide natural sweetness. Together, they create a breakfast that feels indulgent but is actually really good for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Prep everything in under 10 minutes the night before, and breakfast is ready when you wake up.
Healthy and Nutritious: Oats are rich in fiber and help keep you full, while peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats, and bananas add natural sweetness and potassium.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Add toppings like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or chocolate chips, and make it dairy-free or gluten-free if needed.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a batch for the whole week and store it in the fridge for a quick, grab-and-go breakfast every day.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and natural sweetness from bananas and peanut butter make this a hit with kids, too.

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats have quickly become my go-to breakfast not just because they’re easy to prepare, but also because they’re so satisfying. Whether I’m rushing out the door or sitting down for a leisurely morning at home, I love how these oats keep me full and energized without feeling heavy. It’s a breakfast I look forward to, and I know you’ll love it, too!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 5 minutes of prep, 8 hours or overnight chilling
Servings: 2 servings
Calories per serving: 400
Protein: 12g, Carbs: 54g, Fats: 15g

Ingredients

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess and protein)
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
1 medium ripe banana, mashed
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt

Optional toppings:

Sliced bananas
Chia seeds or flaxseeds
Drizzle of extra peanut butter
Granola or crushed nuts
Mini chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Step 1: Mix the Oats and Liquid
In a medium bowl or mason jar, combine the rolled oats and almond milk. The ratio of oats to milk is important for getting the perfect texture. You want enough liquid to soften the oats overnight, but not so much that the mixture becomes soupy. If you prefer thicker oats, use a little less milk, or add more milk for a creamier, thinner consistency.

Step 2: Add Peanut Butter and Banana
Next, stir in the peanut butter and mashed banana. The peanut butter adds richness and creaminess, while the mashed banana naturally sweetens the oats. I like to use a ripe banana because it blends more easily into the oats and gives the dish a more pronounced banana flavor. If you’re not a fan of chunky peanut butter, smooth peanut butter works just as well in this recipe.

Step 3: Add Yogurt, Sweetener, and Flavorings
For an extra boost of creaminess and protein, add plain Greek yogurt to the mixture. This step is optional, but it helps create a thicker, more indulgent texture. If you like your oats a little sweeter, stir in honey or maple syrup, though the sweetness from the banana is usually enough for me. Add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor, and a small pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall taste.

Step 4: Stir and Refrigerate
Once all your ingredients are combined, give everything a good stir to ensure the oats, peanut butter, and banana are evenly distributed. If you’re using a mason jar, you can seal the jar and shake it gently to mix everything. Cover the bowl or jar with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let the oats sit overnight (or for at least 4 hours) so they can absorb the liquid and soften into a creamy, pudding-like texture.

Step 5: Serve with Toppings
In the morning, your oats will be perfectly chilled and ready to eat! Give them a quick stir before serving, and if the mixture is too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. Now for the fun part: toppings! Sliced bananas, a drizzle of extra peanut butter, and a sprinkle of chia seeds or granola are my go-to toppings, but feel free to get creative. Add crushed nuts for crunch, mini chocolate chips for a treat, or even some fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

In a Jar for On-the-Go: If you need a quick breakfast, store your overnight oats in a mason jar or portable container. Just grab it from the fridge, and you’re out the door with a nutritious meal ready to go.

In a Bowl with Toppings: For a more leisurely breakfast, spoon the oats into a bowl and add your favorite toppings. This makes for a more sit-down breakfast experience where you can enjoy the oats with a cup of coffee or tea.

As a Snack or Post-Workout Meal: These oats aren’t just for breakfast! They make a great snack or post-workout meal, providing a balance of carbs and protein to refuel your body.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Use Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for overnight oats because they maintain their texture while absorbing the liquid. Avoid using instant oats, as they can become mushy, or steel-cut oats, which don’t soften enough without cooking.
Ripe Bananas Are Best: For the sweetest, creamiest oats, use ripe bananas with brown spots. They mash easily and add a natural sweetness without the need for extra sugar.
Adjust the Consistency: The beauty of overnight oats is that you can easily adjust the consistency. If you prefer thicker oats, use less liquid. If you want them creamier, add more milk in the morning.
Prep in Advance: Overnight oats can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep. Prepare several jars at once, and you’ll have breakfast ready for the whole week.
Customize to Your Diet: Whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, or following a specific diet, these oats are easily adaptable. Use dairy-free milk or yogurt, gluten-free oats, or a sugar substitute to meet your dietary needs.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the oat mixture before refrigerating for a rich, chocolatey version. You can also top with mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra indulgence.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Bowl: In the morning, blend the oats with an extra splash of milk to create a smoothie-like consistency. Pour it into a bowl and top with granola, sliced bananas, and peanut butter drizzle for a breakfast smoothie bowl.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Oats: Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite fruit jam or jelly for a nostalgic peanut butter and jelly twist. Top with fresh berries for added texture and sweetness.

Protein-Packed Oats: For a post-workout meal, add a scoop of protein powder to the oat mixture before refrigerating. Use a vanilla or chocolate protein powder for extra flavor.

Banana Bread Overnight Oats: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a handful of chopped walnuts to the oat mixture for a banana bread-inspired breakfast. The warm spices give the oats a cozy, comforting flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to preserve freshness. The longer they sit, the softer the oats will become, but they’ll still be delicious!

Freezing: While you can freeze overnight oats, the texture may change once thawed. If you choose to freeze them, store individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. To thaw, move the oats to the fridge overnight, then stir and add fresh toppings before serving.

Reheating: Overnight oats are typically eaten cold, but if you prefer them

warm, you can microwave them for about 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through. You may need to add a little extra milk to reach your desired consistency.

Special Equipment

Mason Jars or Sealed Containers: Mason jars are perfect for overnight oats because they’re portable, easy to seal, and portioned just right. However, any container with a tight-fitting lid will work.

Measuring Cups: To ensure the perfect ratio of oats to liquid, measuring cups are helpful for accuracy, especially if you’re making a larger batch.

Spoon or Spatula: You’ll need a spoon or spatula to mix the oats and peanut butter thoroughly so that everything is evenly distributed before refrigerating.

FAQ

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats have a much firmer texture and won’t soften as much as rolled oats without cooking. If you prefer steel-cut oats, you can still make overnight oats, but you’ll need to let them soak for at least 24 hours, or even pre-cook them slightly before refrigerating.

Can I make this recipe without the yogurt?
Yes! The yogurt is optional and simply adds extra creaminess and protein. If you prefer dairy-free or don’t want to use yogurt, just add a little extra milk in its place.

How do I make these oats vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Can I add protein powder to these oats?
Yes, adding protein powder is a great way to boost the protein content. Just stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder before refrigerating the oats. You may need to add a little extra liquid to account for the powder.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats are the perfect solution for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious, and convenient breakfast. They’re easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, making a quick grab-and-go breakfast, or treating yourself to a leisurely morning meal, these oats are sure to satisfy. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet bananas, and hearty oats is a match made in breakfast heaven, and once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in so many households.

So, grab your oats, peanut butter, and bananas, and whip up a batch tonight for a deliciously easy breakfast tomorrow!