Creamy Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Recipe for Quick Breakfast

These peanut butter overnight oats are made with old-fashioned oats, peanut butter, chia seeds, and milk. Prep takes about 60 seconds the night before, so you can save time during busy mornings and enjoy a portable, healthy breakfast.

I began scooping oats and almond milk into nearly empty peanut butter jars to catch the last creamy bits, and later learned this simple trick is basically the same idea as “overnight oats” that many people enjoy.

Overnight oats are a no-cook breakfast: oats, nut butter, milk or yogurt, chia seeds and sometimes fruit are mixed in a jar and refrigerated overnight so they soften and thicken by morning.

Because they require no microwave or stovetop, overnight oats are ideal for travel, dorms, or packed mornings. They’re also a refreshing alternative to hot oatmeal during warm weather.

I love making a few jars ahead for busy summer mornings when I need something quick to eat on my way to work. This summer I’m doing a legal fellowship and splitting time between Washington, D.C. and Raleigh, so easy breakfasts like these have been a lifesaver.

I’ve tried several variations and below is my favorite simple version that’s quick, satisfying, and customizable.

Overnight Oats Ingredients

• Old-fashioned oats — they soften overnight without becoming mushy. Quick oats can get too soft and steel-cut oats remain too firm.
• Chia seeds — these absorb liquid and help thicken the mixture while adding healthy fats and fiber. If you skip chia seeds, reduce the liquid slightly so the oats aren’t too runny.
• Milk — any kind works; I usually use almond or cashew milk from a carton.
• No mashed banana — some recipes use mashed banana as a sweetener, but I don’t like the refrigerated banana texture. You can add banana slices on top in the morning if you’d like.
• Optional honey — I find these oats sweet enough without it, but add up to 1 teaspoon if you usually sweeten your oatmeal.
• Nut butter — peanut butter is my favorite, but almond or cashew butter work well too.
• Optional toppings — mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, fresh berries, or banana slices.

How to Make Overnight Oats

Start by adding old-fashioned oats and chia seeds to a container with a lid — an almost-empty nut butter jar, a small mason jar, or any lidded glass container works well.

Add the peanut butter, honey if using, and milk, then stir until combined. It may look like too much liquid at first, but the oats and chia seeds absorb the milk and thicken as they sit.

Refrigerate the jar for at least four hours or overnight to allow the chia seeds and oats to soften.

When ready, the oats will be thick and creamy. If you prefer a looser texture, stir in a splash of milk before serving and top with berries or banana slices if desired.

If you try this peanut butter overnight oats recipe, feel free to comment or share a photo on social media — I’d love to see how you customize it.

A Healthy Liv original recipe

Other healthy oatmeal recipes:

Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal Cups
4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Healthy Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Pancakes for One