Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

There’s something magical about waking up to breakfast already made—especially when it tastes like dessert and keeps you full all morning long. That’s exactly what you get with these Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats. Creamy, naturally sweet, packed with protein and fiber, and just a little indulgent thanks to the peanut butter swirl.

It’s a no-cook, five-minute prep wonder that transforms basic ingredients into something really satisfying. Rolled oats soak overnight in milk with mashed banana, peanut butter, and a hint of cinnamon, turning into a thick, spoonable breakfast that’s both nourishing and cozy. It’s the kind of meal you can throw together at night with one eye half-closed and still feel like a breakfast champion come morning.

I started making these when I had a toddler who woke up at sunrise and needed food immediately. I didn’t have time for stovetop oats or blender smoothies. I needed something ready-to-go, healthy, and filling. These oats have been a staple ever since. And honestly? I still crave them even on slow weekends—they’re that good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. It’s the easiest breakfast ever
No cooking. No mess. Just stir everything together in a jar or container, pop it in the fridge, and you’re done.

2. Naturally sweet and flavorful
Bananas add natural sweetness and pair so well with the creamy peanut butter. A little cinnamon takes it over the top.

3. Super filling
Rolled oats + peanut butter + chia seeds give you a great balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full for hours.

4. Great for meal prep
Make a batch on Sunday night and have breakfast ready for the whole week. It stores well and tastes just as good on day four.

5. Kid-approved and adult-friendly
It’s like eating banana bread batter straight from the bowl—but in the best way and way more nutritious.

6. Customizable
Swap the milk, use almond butter, add yogurt, top with chocolate chips—it’s your oats, your way.

The texture is creamy with just the right amount of chew from the oats, and the flavor is like a peanut butter-banana smoothie in spoonable form. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with goodness.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 5 minutes prep + overnight chilling
Servings: Makes 2 servings
Calories per serving: 380
Protein: 13g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these dreamy overnight oats:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned, not quick oats)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional but great for texture and nutrition)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup milk (any kind—dairy, almond, oat, soy, etc.)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
• Pinch of salt (balances the sweetness and brings out flavor)

Optional toppings for serving:

• Sliced banana
• Extra peanut butter drizzle
• Crushed peanuts or granola
• A few dark chocolate chips
• Yogurt for extra creaminess

Ingredient Notes:

• Banana: The riper, the better. It adds natural sweetness and makes the oats extra creamy.
• Peanut butter: Natural peanut butter with just peanuts and salt works best, but any kind will do.
• Milk: I often use oat or almond milk, but regular dairy milk or soy works just as well.
• Chia seeds: These help thicken the oats and add fiber, but you can skip them if you don’t have any.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mash the banana
In a bowl or directly in your jar, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth and mostly lump-free.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients
Stir in the oats, chia seeds (if using), peanut butter, cinnamon, milk, vanilla, and maple syrup. Add a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

3. Mix well
Give everything a really good stir so the oats are fully coated and the peanut butter is evenly distributed. It should look a little loose—that’s normal.

4. Transfer to containers
Divide the mixture into two jars or containers with lids. I like using wide-mouth mason jars or small glass containers.

5. Refrigerate overnight
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight. The oats will absorb the liquid and thicken up beautifully.

6. Stir and top before serving
In the morning, give the oats a quick stir. Add more milk if you prefer a looser texture. Top with sliced banana, a drizzle of peanut butter, or anything else you love.

How to Serve

Overnight oats are super versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:

• Straight from the jar: Grab a spoon and go—perfect for busy mornings.
• Topped like a parfait: Add a scoop of yogurt, granola, and banana slices for a little extra crunch and creaminess.
• Warm it up: Not a fan of cold oats? Microwave for 30–60 seconds until warmed through.
• Add extra toppings: Crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips are all fair game.

Additional Tips

1. Use old-fashioned oats
Quick oats will get too mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough. Rolled oats give the perfect chewy-creamy texture.

2. Adjust the liquid to your liking
If you prefer thicker oats, use slightly less milk. If you like them a little looser, add more in the morning.

3. Mix in yogurt for extra creaminess
For an even richer texture and a protein boost, stir in 1/4 cup of plain or vanilla yogurt.

4. Sweetness is flexible
The banana adds natural sweetness. Taste your mix before adding honey or maple syrup—it might be sweet enough already.

5. Keep it nut-free
If you’re avoiding peanuts, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work beautifully here.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Oats:
Stir in 1 teaspoon cocoa powder or a few mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.

Strawberry Banana Oats:
Swap peanut butter for almond butter and top with fresh strawberries.

High-Protein Version:
Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or mix in Greek yogurt.

Vegan-Friendly:
Use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.

Kid-Friendly:
Make mini versions in smaller containers and let them top their own in the morning with bananas or chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions

• With coffee or chai: The creamy oats + warm drink combo is unbeatable.
• With hard-boiled eggs: For a balanced meal with extra protein.
• With a fruit smoothie: If you’re extra hungry or want a more complete breakfast.
• As a snack: It’s just as good mid-afternoon as it is at 8 a.m.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator:
Store overnight oats in airtight jars or containers in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Stir before eating and add toppings just before serving.

Freezer:
You can freeze overnight oats, but the texture will change a bit. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.

Meal prep tip:
Make a batch of 3–4 jars on Sunday, and you’ve got breakfast ready through Thursday. Just vary the toppings to keep things interesting.

Special Equipment

• Mason jars or meal prep containers: Great for grab-and-go mornings.
• Fork or small whisk: For mashing banana and mixing.
• Spoon or spatula: For scraping out every last bit of peanut butter.
• Lid or reusable wrap: To keep your oats sealed while chilling.

FAQ Section

Can I use steel-cut oats?
Not for this version. They won’t soften properly without cooking. Stick with rolled oats.

Is this sweet enough without added sugar?
If your banana is ripe, yes! But feel free to add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to taste.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk—whatever you like best.

Do I have to use chia seeds?
Nope. They help thicken and add nutrients, but you can leave them out without changing the recipe much.

Can I warm up overnight oats?
Yes! Microwave for 30–60 seconds, adding a splash of milk if needed.

How long do they last in the fridge?
4 to 5 days. Just stir before eating and adjust the consistency if needed.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Fresh is best for mashing, but you can thaw and mash a frozen banana in a pinch.

What’s the best container to use?
Mason jars with lids are perfect. Any container with a tight-fitting lid will work.

Can I add protein powder?
Yes. Stir it in with the rest of the ingredients, and add a splash more milk if it gets too thick.

Are these oats gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oats, then yes.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s quick, nourishing, and seriously delicious, Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats are about to become your new morning go-to. They’re creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with everything you need to power through your day. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a slow morning with coffee in hand, this recipe has your back.

Print