Ever open your fridge at 7 AM only to realize you have zero time to make breakfast? That’s where overnight oats come in. You literally mix everything the night before, stick it in the fridge, and wake up to a ready-made breakfast. The peanut butter banana version is probably the most popular one out there, and for good reason. It tastes like dessert but keeps you full until lunch. Plus, you probably already have all the ingredients sitting in your pantry right now.
Why this version beats regular oatmeal
Regular oatmeal means standing at the stove, stirring, waiting, and probably burning it at least once a week. Overnight oats skip all that. You just throw everything in a jar or bowl, shake it up, and let your fridge do the work. The oats soak up the liquid overnight and turn super creamy without any cooking. It’s basically like meal prep but way easier since you’re only making breakfast.
The peanut butter banana combination works so well because the mashed banana adds natural sweetness and the peanut butter makes everything rich and filling. You don’t need a ton of extra sugar or sweeteners. The texture comes out perfectly smooth and thick, kind of like a pudding but way better for you. And if you’re someone who hits snooze five times every morning, having breakfast already made is honestly life-changing.
What you actually need to make them
The ingredient list is super short. You need rolled oats, not the instant kind or steel-cut oats. Rolled oats have the right texture for soaking overnight. Then grab a ripe banana, the kind with brown spots that’s perfect for banana bread. You’ll mash it up, which gives the oats natural sweetness and a creamy base. Add some creamy peanut butter, not the natural kind that separates, just regular Jif or Skippy works great.
You’ll also need milk, and any kind works fine. Regular milk, almond milk, oat milk, whatever you have. Greek yogurt is optional but makes everything extra thick and creamy. Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for texture and some cinnamon and vanilla for flavor. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup ties everything together. That’s it. No fancy ingredients, no weird stuff you have to order online.
How to mix everything together
Start by mashing half a banana in a bowl or jar. Get it really smooth so there aren’t big chunks. Then add two tablespoons of peanut butter and mix it with the banana until it’s combined. This creates the creamy base that makes these oats taste so good. Pour in three-quarters cup of milk and a quarter cup of Greek yogurt if you’re using it. Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, a teaspoon of vanilla, and mix everything together.
Now add one cup of rolled oats, a tablespoon of chia seeds, and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir everything until all the oats are coated with the wet ingredients. If you’re making multiple servings, just divide everything into separate jars or containers. Mason jars work perfectly for this. Cover your container and stick it in the fridge for at least four hours, but overnight is better. The oats need time to absorb all the liquid and soften up completely.
Making them ahead for the whole week
The best part about overnight oats is you can make a bunch at once. Double or triple the recipe and divide it into individual containers. They stay good in the fridge for about three days, so making them Sunday night means you have breakfast Monday through Wednesday. Just grab a jar on your way out the door or eat it at your desk. Some people make five days worth, but the oats can get a little soggy after three days.
Keep the toppings separate until you’re ready to eat. Sliced bananas, extra peanut butter, chopped nuts, or granola should be added right before eating so they don’t get soggy. You can portion out the toppings in small containers or bags for each day. If you like your oats a little thinner, add a splash more milk before eating. Some people like them thick enough to eat with a spoon, others prefer them more pourable.
Adding protein powder if you want more
The base recipe has about 12 grams of protein from the peanut butter, yogurt, and oats. If you want more, add a scoop of protein powder when you mix everything together. Use about two tablespoons of vanilla or chocolate protein powder. Chocolate protein powder with peanut butter banana is basically like eating a healthy version of a peanut butter cup for breakfast. Just add a little extra milk since protein powder thickens everything up.
Another option is using kefir instead of regular milk. Kefir is like drinkable yogurt and has way more protein than regular milk. It also has probiotics, which is a bonus. The tangy flavor of kefir works really well with the sweet banana and peanut butter. You can find kefir in the dairy section near the yogurt. Lifeway is the most common brand and comes in plain or vanilla flavors.
Different ways to switch up the toppings
Toppings are where you can get creative. The classic move is adding more sliced bananas and a big dollop of peanut butter on top. Chopped peanuts or almonds add crunch. If you want it sweeter, drizzle some extra honey or add a handful of chocolate chips. Fresh or frozen berries work great too, especially blueberries or strawberries. They add some tartness that balances out the sweet banana.
Granola makes the oats more interesting texture-wise, but it will get soft if you add it too early. A sprinkle of coconut flakes, some hemp seeds, or even a small handful of mini marshmallows if you’re feeling wild. You can basically treat it like a yogurt parfait and add whatever sounds good. Some people even add a tiny pinch of sea salt on top, which makes the peanut butter flavor pop even more.
Making them without peanut butter
If you have a peanut allergy or just don’t like peanut butter, swap it for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Sunflower seed butter is a good nut-free option that tastes pretty similar to peanut butter. You can also use tahini if you’re into that sesame flavor, though it’s definitely more savory. The measurements stay exactly the same, just use two tablespoons of whatever butter you choose.
Another option is leaving out the nut butter completely and adding more yogurt instead. Use half a cup of Greek yogurt instead of a quarter cup, and maybe add an extra half tablespoon of honey for sweetness. The texture won’t be quite as rich, but it still tastes really good. You could also add a tablespoon of coconut butter or coconut cream for a different kind of creaminess that’s nut-free.
Eating them cold versus warming them up
Most people eat overnight oats straight from the fridge. They’re refreshing and perfect for warm weather or when you’re rushing out the door. But if you want them warm, just microwave them for about 45 seconds to a minute. Stir them halfway through so they heat evenly. The texture changes a little when you heat them up, they become more like regular oatmeal but still creamier. Add your toppings after heating so they don’t get cooked.
Eating them cold is actually better in the summer or if you work out in the morning and want something cooling. Warm oats are better in the winter when you want something more comforting. Some people do half and half, eating them cold a few days a week and warm the other days. There’s no wrong way to do it. Just depends on what you’re in the mood for that morning.
Why kids actually eat these
Getting kids to eat breakfast can be a battle, but overnight oats in a jar somehow makes it more fun. The peanut butter banana flavor tastes like something they’d actually choose to eat, not something you’re forcing on them. Let them help mix everything the night before and pick their own toppings. Kids love the independence of having their own jar with their name on it. Plus, the texture is smooth and creamy, not lumpy or weird like some oatmeal can be.
You can even make it more fun by adding mini chocolate chips or letting them drizzle their own honey on top. Some parents blend the oats after soaking to make them completely smooth, which works for picky eaters who don’t like texture. The natural sweetness from the banana means you don’t need a ton of added sugar, but it still tastes like a treat. And since everything’s already portioned out, there’s no fighting about serving sizes in the morning.
Once you make these a few times, you’ll probably end up with your own version that’s slightly different. Maybe you like more cinnamon or less honey. Maybe you always add chocolate chips or always use almond butter instead. That’s the whole point of overnight oats, they’re basically a template you can customize however you want. And since they’re already in the fridge waiting for you, there’s no excuse to skip breakfast or grab something unhealthy on the way to work.
Creamy Overnight Oats with Peanut Butter and Banana
Cuisine: American2
servings5
minutes4
minutes370
kcalThis creamy peanut butter banana overnight oats recipe takes five minutes to prep and turns into the perfect grab-and-go breakfast.
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 medium banana, mashed
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup almond milk, unsweetened
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Mash the banana in a large bowl or jar until it’s completely smooth with no large chunks remaining. The riper the banana, the sweeter your oats will be and the easier it mashes. Add the peanut butter to the mashed banana and stir together until well combined and creamy.
- Pour in the almond milk, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk or stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated. Make sure there are no clumps of peanut butter left.
- Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until all the oats are completely coated with the liquid. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of your container so nothing gets left behind.
- Cover your container with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the oats chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight works best. The oats need this time to absorb all the liquid and soften to the perfect creamy texture.
- When you’re ready to eat, give the oats a good stir. If they seem too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. The oats will thicken up quite a bit in the fridge, so don’t worry if they need a little loosening up.
- Top with your favorite additions like sliced bananas, an extra dollop of peanut butter, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or berries. Add toppings right before eating so they stay fresh and crunchy. Enjoy cold or microwave for 45 seconds if you prefer them warm.
Notes
- Store leftover overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They may get slightly soggy after that.
- For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use any non-dairy milk.
- Add 2 tablespoons of protein powder if you want to boost the protein content even more.
- Use quick oats if that’s what you have, but rolled oats provide the best texture.
- If you prefer sweeter oats, add an extra half tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Steel-cut oats don’t soften enough overnight and stay too chewy. Stick with rolled oats or quick oats for the best texture. Steel-cut oats need actual cooking to become edible.
Q: Do I have to use chia seeds?
A: No, chia seeds are optional but they add extra fiber and help thicken the oats. You can leave them out or substitute with ground flaxseed if you prefer.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use any non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative or just use extra milk instead.
Q: Why are my overnight oats too watery?
A: You probably used too much liquid or didn’t let them sit long enough. Try reducing the milk by a few tablespoons next time or adding an extra tablespoon of oats to soak up the liquid.
