Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Peanut butter overnight oats are the no-stress, meal-prep dream—just mix, chill, and wake up to creamy, peanut buttery goodness. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels effortless but keeps you full, happy, and maybe even a little excited to get out of bed.
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A jar of peanut butter overnight oats.
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If peanut butter is your thing, these peanut butter overnight oats are about to become your new breakfast bestie. We’re talking creamy, nutty, lightly sweet, and straight-up dreamy—this is the kind of breakfast that feels indulgent but secretly fuels you up like a champ. And the best part? You do exactly five minutes of work the night before, and breakfast is just waiting for you like a little gift from past-you to future-you.

Now, let’s talk options, because there are plenty. Feeling fancy? Warm up the peanut butter before giving your overnight oats a drizzle. Craving a little dose of PB&J nostalgia? Swirl in some jam. Want to take it over the top? Add banana slices, granola, or a handful of chocolate chips because why not make your morning a little sweeter? Whatever vibe you choose, these oats are here for it.

What Are Peanut Butter Overnight Oats?

Peanut butter overnight oats are a no-cook, make-ahead breakfast made by soaking oats, peanut butter, plant-based milk, and optional mix-ins overnight. By morning, the oats soften into a thick, creamy, and protein-packed meal that’s ready to eat.

Two jars of peanut butter overnight oats with jelly in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If breakfast needs to be fast, easy, and ridiculously good, these peanut butter overnight oats check every box. They’re thick, creamy, naturally protein-packed, and endlessly customizable—the kind of meal that keeps you full and happy without a second thought. Oh, and did we mention? You can prep a whole week’s worth in just a few minutes. Here’s more reasons why you love them:

  • It’s basically dessert for breakfast—but make it balanced. Creamy peanut butter + hearty oats = the dream team. It tastes indulgent, but it’s packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full for hours.
  • Five minutes of effort = breakfast is done. No cooking, no blending, no morning decisions required. Just mix everything together the night before, and it’s ready when you wake up.
  • Customizable to infinity. Love a PB&J vibe? Swirl in some jam. Need extra fuel? Add a scoop of protein powder or some chia seeds. Craving crunch? Top it with granola or chopped nuts.
  • Meal prep magic. These oats stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, so you can batch-prep once and have breakfast set for the week.
  • Naturally dairy-free and plant-based. Made with simple, whole ingredients, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, feel-good start to the day.

Key Ingredients

Simple ingredients, big payoff. These overnight oats come together with just a handful of pantry staples, but each one plays a key role in making them thick, creamy, and packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Homemade creamy peanut butter with peanuts scattered around it.
  • Oats: Rolled oats are the way to go here! They soak up the liquid overnight, turning soft and spoonable without getting mushy. Avoid quick oats (too soft) and steel-cut oats (too chewy).
  • Chia Seeds (Optional, but highly recommended): These tiny little powerhouses thicken up the oats and add a boost of fiber, protein, and omega-3s. Plus, they help create that extra creamy, pudding-like texture.
  • Peanut Butter: The star of the show. Go for natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt) for the best flavor and consistency. It blends seamlessly into the oats, adding richness, protein, and that perfect nutty taste.
  • Jam: This is where the PB&J magic happens. A little swirl of your favorite jam or fruit preserves adds sweetness, contrast, and nostalgia. Raspberry, strawberry, grape—whatever your go-to is, it works here.
  • Plant-Based Milk: The liquid that brings it all together! Oat milk, almond milk, soy milk—any kind will do. Go for unsweetened if you like to control the sweetness, or vanilla-flavored for an extra cozy vibe.

Variations & Toppings: Make It Your Own

This is where the fun begins. You can keep your overnight oats simple, or you can go full breakfast masterpiece mode with mix-ins and toppings. Sweet, crunchy, cozy, indulgent—whatever you’re craving, there’s a way to make it happen.

Sweet & Fruity

  • Sliced bananas: Because PB + banana is the dream team. Bonus: extra creaminess.
  • Fresh berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries—all amazing with peanut butter.
  • Diced apples: A little crunch, a little tartness, totally delicious.
  • Chopped dates or dried fruit: Naturally sweet with a little chew factor.

Crunchy & Textured

  • Chopped nuts: Almonds, pecans, walnuts—more nutty goodness = never a bad idea.
  • Granola: Instant crunch and extra flavor.
  • Toasted coconut flakes: Adds a little tropical vibe to the mix.
  • Cacao nibs: Think chocolate chips, but with a hint of crunch.

Cozy & Flavor-Boosting

  • Cinnamon or pumpkin spice: A sprinkle of warm spices makes every bite better.
  • Vanilla or almond extract: Just a drop = major flavor upgrade.
  • Maple syrup or agave: A little drizzle for extra cozy sweetness.

Indulgent & Extra Fun

  • Vegan chocolate chips: Because, obviously.
  • A swirl of extra peanut butter: If you love peanut butter, double down.
  • Jam or fruit preserves: PB&J in overnight oat form.

Want to Mix Up Nut Butters? Try:

  • Almond butter: Smooth, nutty, and slightly sweet, this one’s a classic swap for peanut butter with a milder, toasty flavor.
  • Sunflower seed butter: A nut-free option that’s creamy, earthy, and just a little salty—perfect for an allergy-friendly twist.
  • Cashew butter: Extra rich and buttery with a naturally sweet vibe, cashew butter makes these oats taste almost like dessert.
  • Pistachio butter: If you love pistachios, this one’s a game-changer. Nutty, slightly sweet, and fancy in the best way.
  • Chocolate hazelnut butter: Think Nutella energy but in overnight oats form—because chocolate for breakfast is perfectly acceptable.
  • Pecan butter: Buttery, deep, and slightly caramel-like, pecan butter adds cozy, fall flavors to every spoonful.

Mix, match, and make it yours! There are a million ways to enjoy these overnight oats, so you’ll never get bored. And honestly? The hardest part is deciding which combo to try first.

How To Make

This might be the easiest breakfast recipe of all time. One jar, five minutes, no cooking. Just mix, refrigerate, and wake up to thick, creamy, peanut buttery oats ready to grab and go. Here’s how it all comes together:

Unmixed peanut butter overnight oats ingredients in a glass jar, including oats, chia seeds, and plant-based milk.

Step 1: Layer it up. In a jar or container, add the oats, peanut butter, chia seeds (if using), and jam. No need to mix—just let them hang out. Slowly add your favorite plant-based milk over the top. The oats will absorb all that goodness overnight, so don’t worry if it looks a little thin now.

Step 2: Chill and let the magic happen. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight). This gives the oats time to soften and thicken into that perfect, creamy texture.

Thick and creamy peanut butter overnight oats in a glass jar with a spoon, ready to eat.

Step 3: Stir, top, and devour. In the morning, give it a little stir, then pile on your toppings. More peanut butter? Of course. Banana slices? Yes. A handful of chocolate chips? Honestly, treat yourself.

Creamy overnight oats in a glass jar with a swirl of jelly on top.

Once your overnight oats are thick and creamy, it’s time to dig in! Here’s how to serve them for maximum deliciousness.

How To Serve

So you’ve got a creamy, peanut buttery jar of overnight oats sitting in the fridge—now what? You could grab a spoon and dive in as-is, but if you’re in the mood to switch things up, here are some fun, delicious ways to serve it:

The Classics

  • Straight from the jar: The easiest, most iconic way to eat overnight oats. Grab, stir, enjoy.
  • In a bowl: Pour it out and top it like a parfait (hello, extra toppings!).
  • Warm it up: Heat it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if you like a cozier, oatmeal-style vibe.

Next-Level Add-Ins

  • PB&J Style: Swirl in extra peanut butter and jam for major throwback energy.
  • Banana Bread Oats: Mash half a banana into the oats before refrigerating, then top with chopped walnuts + cinnamon in the morning.
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Twist: Stir in cocoa powder or chocolate chips for dessert-like magic.
  • Protein Boost: Add a scoop of protein powder or hemp seeds to keep you full even longer.

Fun & Unexpected

  • With Yogurt: Layer it with dairy-free yogurt for a creamy, parfait-style breakfast.
  • Over Ice Cream: Yes, really. Warm it up and spoon it over a scoop of vanilla dairy-free ice cream for a wild (but amazing) hot-and-cold combo.
  • Blended into a Smoothie: Toss it into a blender with a little extra milk for a thick, peanut buttery shake.

However you serve it, these overnight oats are here to make your mornings better, faster, and way more delicious.

A spoonful of peanut butter overnight oats.

FAQs

Is peanut butter overnight oats healthy?

Yes! These overnight oats are packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them a balanced, satisfying breakfast. To keep it extra nutritious, use natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt) and opt for unsweetened plant-based milk.

How do you make peanut butter overnight oats?

It’s as easy as mix, chill, and enjoy. Just combine rolled oats, peanut butter, chia seeds (optional), jam, and plant-based milk in a jar, refrigerate overnight, and wake up to thick, creamy oats. Stir, add toppings, and dig in!

When to add peanut butter to overnight oats?

You can add peanut butter before refrigerating for a fully blended flavor or stir it in the morning for a richer, swirled effect. For extra indulgence, warm the peanut butter slightly before drizzling it over the oats.

Peanut butter overnight oats on a countertop.

If you make this peanut butter overnight oats recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below! I love reading your comments!

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Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

5 from 8 votes
These peanut butter overnight oats are thick, creamy, and packed with peanut buttery goodness—the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. Just five minutes of prep the night before, and you’ll wake up to a ready-to-eat, protein-packed meal that’s endlessly customizable. Top with bananas, jam, or a drizzle of extra peanut butter, and breakfast is officially handled.
A jar of peanut butter overnight oats.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Time to allow the oats to thicken 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds, optional
  • 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons strawberry jam, or any flavor
  • 1 cup plant-based milk

Optional Toppings

  • sliced bananas
  • chopped nuts
  • dried or fresh fruit
  • maple syrup
  • granola

Instructions

  • In a container, cup, or glass jar, layer the rolled oats, chia seeds (optional), peanut butter, and jam, in any order. If you want to get fancy, you can warm the peanut butter an drizzle it on the sides of the jar before adding the other ingredients. Pour the plant-based milk over the top. Do not mix. If desired, add any additional mix-ins you desire.
  • Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for 3+ hours).
  • Remove from fridge, top with any desired toppings, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: Keep your overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Perfect for meal prep!
  • Thicker or Thinner Oats? If your oats are too thick in the morning, stir in a splash of plant-based milk to loosen them up. If they’re too thin, add a little more chia seeds or peanut butter and let them sit for 5-10 minutes.
  • Make It Warm: Prefer a cozy breakfast? Microwave your oats for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
  • Nut-Free Option: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini for an allergy-friendly version.
  • Sweetness Adjustments: If you like it sweeter, stir in maple syrup, agave, or a mashed banana.

Nutrition

Calories: 551kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 407mg | Potassium: 448mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 430mg | Iron: 5mg
Course — Breakfast
Cuisine — American
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5 from 8 votes

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Recipe Rating




9 comments
  1. 5 stars
    Love how versatile these can be

  2. Andrea White says:

    5 stars
    these peanut butter oats are so delicious! perfect for breakfast!

  3. Erin Wysocarski says:

    5 stars
    This peanut butter and jelly overnight oats hits the spot. Thanks for this recipe!

  4. 5 stars
    My absolute favorite overnight oats! You can never go wrong with peanut butter…mmm!

  5. Beatriz Buono-Core says:

    5 stars
    One of my favorite overnight oats recipes!

  6. 5 stars
    Peanut butter in oats is a complete game changer. Thanks for the recipe.

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