Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.This high-protein Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats recipe has become my absolute favorite for busy mornings. It’s easy to prepare in just five minutes, then left to chill, and is packed with wholesome ingredients like steel-cut oats, Greek yogurt, and flax seeds, making it the perfect choice for a filling and nutritious breakfast.
Once I tasted overnight oats for the first time, I finally understood what all the hype was about. They’re so easy to make, incredibly filling, and every spoonful is like a little morning reward that keeps me going through the day (just like my high protein overnight oats). I knew I had to make them a part of my routine!
That’s when I decided to create my own version with my two favorite ingredients: peanut butter and banana. With 27 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber per serving, this recipe is one of my favorite for busy mornings. If you love overnight oats, be sure to check out my tiramisu overnight oats for another delicious and easy breakfast idea.
👩🏽🍳 Why This Recipe Is Special
I’ve always been the kind of person who enjoys a hearty, filling breakfast, but I also need it to be easy. Between working as a nutritionist, running my picky eater blog, keeping up with my two kids, and managing everything else, mornings can get hectic. That’s why I absolutely love my peanut butter banana overnight oats. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and nutrition, packed with protein from steel-cut oats and Greek yogurt, and filled with fiber to keep me satisfied all morning.
Seriously, these high-protein overnight oats have been a total game-changer for me! I love how versatile they are, allowing me to switch up the toppings and flavors based on what I’m in the mood for. Some mornings, I top them with fresh fruit, and other times, I add a drizzle of peanut butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon. The best part is that they are so easy to make ahead. I prep everything the night before, store it in mason jars, and have a ready-to-go breakfast in the morning. There’s no need for a microwave or stovetop. I just grab it, enjoy, and start the day.
I make my healthy overnight oats with no added sugar, just the natural sweetness from ripe bananas, peanut butter and a touch of cinnamon. It is a family-friendly breakfast that everyone, from my kids to my husband, enjoys. It’s also perfect for anyone following a plant-based or gluten-free diet. In just five minutes, I can have a delicious, protein-packed meal ready for the week. It’s everything I need as a busy mom and health coach, and I’m confident it will work for you too.
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🥘 Ingredients
With a handful of wholesome ingredients, I can make this healthy peanut butter banana overnight oats. Here’s what I use:
Steel Cut Oats: These are my favorite for a heartier texture. They soften overnight and turn creamy with a chewy bite, plus they’re packed with fiber and protein.
Milk: I use whatever milk I have on hand, whether it’s almond, oat, or dairy. It’s key for that creamy texture I love in overnight oats.
Plain Low-Fat Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a protein boost and keeps me feeling full longer. It also makes the oats rich and smooth.
Peanut Butter & Banana: Peanut butter gives the oats a creamy richness, while ripe bananas naturally sweeten the mix. It’s the perfect combo.
Ground Flax Seed & Sea Salt: Flax seeds are packed with nutrition and help thicken the oats. A pinch of sea salt brings all the flavors together.
Fruits: Fresh fruit, like strawberries, gives a burst of sweetness. I love switching it up based on what I have in the fridge.
Sliced Almonds: A sprinkle of nuts adds crunch and healthy fats. They really elevate the oats’ texture.
Cinnamon And Nutmeg: These spices are optional, but they add a cozy warmth to the oats. They pair perfectly with the banana and peanut butter.
🍲 Substitutions
Oats: I recommend using certified gluten-free oats if you need them to be gluten-free. I personally use steel-cut oats since they provide a heartier texture, but old-fashioned oats are a great alternative.
Milk: I love using non-dairy milk like almond, cashew, or coconut milk, but cow’s milk works just as well if you’re not going for a vegan option.
Nut Butter: If I don’t have peanut butter or need an alternative, I use cashew, almond, or sunflower seed butter. It’s easy to adjust the flavor based on what I have on hand.
Chia Seeds: I often swap flax seeds for chia seeds, they’re both packed with fiber and healthy fats, so I use whichever I have in the pantry.
🔪 How To Make
Looking for the perfect breakfast that’s ready to go in the morning? I make this high protein overnight oats with peanut butter and bananas in just three simple steps, and it’s my new favorite make-ahead breakfast solution.
Cook the Steel Cut Oats: I start by cooking my steel cut oats, making sure to get them soft and ready for the overnight soak. This step is key because without it, the oats won’t have the texture I’m aiming for and will be too crunchy in the morning.
Combine Ingredients: Once my oats are cooked, I combine them with the rest of the ingredients, including the ripe banana, either in a medium bowl or directly in a mason jar or airtight container. I give everything a good stir until it’s well combined.
Refrigerate: Next, I place my container in the fridge and let it sit overnight. This gives the flavors time to meld together and allows the oats to soften, creating a delicious breakfast for the next morning.
Add Toppings: When I’m ready to eat, I add a tablespoon of sliced almonds or walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. I’ll also add extra sliced bananas if I’m in the mood. Then, I stir everything together and enjoy these delicious banana PB overnight oats!
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making my Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats is to make sure I get that liquid-to-oats ratio just right. If I don’t add enough liquid, the oats can end up too dry or grainy, and we definitely don’t want that.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Pre-Cook Your Steel-Cut Oats: I cook my steel-cut oats ahead of time to make sure they have a soft, creamy texture. This step is key to getting the perfect consistency for my peanut butter banana overnight oats.
- Save The Toppings For The Next Morning: I wait to add the toppings until the morning so they stay fresh and crunchy. If I add them too soon, they get soggy overnight.
- Mix Well Before Refrigeration: I always give the mixture a good stir before putting it in the fridge to make sure every oat is soaked in the liquid. This helps get a consistent texture throughout.
- Boost Of Sweetness: If I want a little extra sweetness, I add a splash of pure maple syrup or drizzle some honey. It gives the oats a natural, delicious sweetness.
📖 Variations
There are so many fun and easy overnight oats recipes you can try! Using my peanut butter banana overnight oats as the base, here are a few fun ways I love to switch things up:
Chocolatey Oats: For a chocolatey twist, add 1-3 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and a dash of vanilla extract.
Apple Pie: Craving fall flavors? I swap the banana for ½ cup of diced apples, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to get that warm, comforting apple pie taste.
PB&J Oats: If you miss the classic PB&J, leave out the banana and add 2-3 tablespoons of pureed strawberries or strawberry compote. It’s the perfect peanut butter and jelly combo!
Carrot Cake Flavor : For a fun twist, I replace the banana with ½ cup of shredded carrots, add ½ teaspoon of allspice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 1-2 teaspoons of raisins. It’s like enjoying carrot cake for breakfast, but healthier.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This recipe for peanut butter banana overnight oats is great on its own, or pairs well with other breakfast recipes. Here are some of my top serving suggestions:
Smoothies: For a power-packed breakfast, I love serving these peanut butter banana overnight oats with a smoothie. My broccoli smoothie gives an extra nutrient boost, or I go for a mixed berry smoothie for something sweet.
Beverages: A cup of hot mocha latte or tea is the perfect match for these oats. I especially love them with an oatmilk honey latte for a cozy touch.
Toppings: When I’m feeling like indulging, I add extra peanut butter and fresh banana slices. The thick swirls of peanut butter really hit the spot, and sometimes I even add a dollop of vegan nutella.
🫙 Storage Directions
Refrigerating: After enjoying these healthy overnight oats, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I also love meal prepping and keeping them for later, as they stay fresh for up to three days.
Freezing: Unfortunately, I don’t recommend freezing these overnight oats. The Greek yogurt doesn’t freeze or defrost well, and it changes the texture when thawed.
Reheating: If I’m in the mood for a warm breakfast, I reheat these peanut butter and banana overnight oats. I simply transfer them to a microwave-safe bowl and heat them for about a minute. If they seem too dry, I just add a splash of milk, or I can warm them up on the stove in a small pot.
❓Recipe FAQs
CAN I MAKE THESE OVERNIGHT OATS VEGAN?
Yes, you can easily make these oats vegan by swapping the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and using a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. I always make them vegan since my daughter loves them.
CAN I SWAP STEEL CUT OATS FOR OLD-FASHIONED OATS?
Yes, you can! If I choose to use old-fashioned oats in this recipe, I just add them raw. Since they’re not as coarse as steel-cut oats, they don’t need to be pre-cooked, but be aware that this could result in a mushier texture.
ARE STEEL CUT OATS HEALTHIER THAN ROLLED OR QUICK OATS?
Steel-cut oats are closer to the original oat grain than rolled oats, but that doesn’t necessarily make them healthier. Both steel-cut and rolled oats are nutritionally equivalent and will keep me full for a long time. However, I avoid instant oats because they are more processed and have a higher glycemic index, which may not keep me full as long.
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🎥 Watch How to Make It
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
This high-protein Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats recipe has become my absolute favorite for busy mornings. It’s easy to prepare in just five minutes, then left to chill, and is packed with wholesome ingredients like steel-cut oats, Greek yogurt, and flax seeds, making it the perfect choice for a filling and nutritious breakfast.
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 470kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked steel cut oats ¼ cup uncooked
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup plain low fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp almond or peanut butter
- 1 tbsp ground flax seed
- ½-¾ cup sliced berries or your favorite fruit
- 1 pinch sea salt
- ¼ banana
- 1 tbsp sliced almonds or walnuts
- dash of cinnamon and nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Cook the steel cut oats ahead of time (Tip: I cook steel cut oats in bulk and freeze them in 1 cup portions to use later!)
- Combine the cooked oats, and the rest of the ingredients through the banana in a mason jar or tupperware. Stir until combined.
- Put the container in the fridge and store overnight.
- In the morning, add 1 tbsp sliced almonds or walnuts, cinnamon/nutmeg, stir and enjoy!
Notes
- My #1 Tip for making my Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats is to make sure I get that liquid-to-oats ratio just right. If I don’t add enough liquid, the oats can end up too dry or grainy, and we definitely don’t want that.
- Pre-Cook Your Steel-Cut Oats: I cook my steel-cut oats ahead of time to make sure they have a soft, creamy texture. This step is key to getting the perfect consistency for my peanut butter banana overnight oats.
- Save The Toppings For The Next Morning: I wait to add the toppings until the morning so they stay fresh and crunchy. If I add them too soon, they get soggy overnight.
- Mix Well Before Refrigeration: I always give the mixture a good stir before putting it in the fridge to make sure every oat is soaked in the liquid. This helps get a consistent texture throughout.
- Boost Of Sweetness: If I want a little extra sweetness, I add a splash of pure maple syrup or drizzle some honey. It gives the oats a natural, delicious sweetness.
- Do not Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing these peanut butter overnight oats.
Nutrition
Serving: 1jar | Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 55.5g | Protein: 27.2g | Fat: 18.9g | Saturated Fat: 3.3g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 309.6mg | Potassium: 523.2mg | Fiber: 10.8g | Sugar: 18.7g
I love overnight oats and this combo is my favorite – I make it all the time and the kids love them too! A winning recipe for sure!
Aww thanks Lauren! So glad you all love this recipe!
The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet banana is heaven in a bowl. It’s the perfect way to start my day, and I love how easy it is to prepare.
Totally!! Thanks Gianne!
We loved this and my 2 year old loved it too! So easy and made our morning so delicious and quick! Thanks!
Awesome!! My kids love this recipe too!
These overnight oats are PERFECT for an easy breakfast. It was so nice to be able to grab it out of the fridge and have a nutritious breakfast ready to go. So delicious!
Yes!! So happy to hear that you loved this recipe!
Hi Anjali,
If I were to use old fashioned oats for this recipe, what quantity should I be using? Please advise. Also, is this recipe suitable for a 14 months old toddler?
Hi Pinky! You can use old fashioned oats — I’d recommend trying 1/2 cup uncooked (and don’t pre-cook them before adding them to the other ingredients in this recipe the way you would steel cut oats). And yes! You can give this to a toddler (assuming you have already checked to make sure your toddler doesn’t have any nut allergies). The only modification I’d make for a toddler is to dice up the fruit very small, and omit the whole nuts. Hope that helps!
We’ve been going on early morning hikes and having a jar of these in the fridge to grab and go with is perfect! They taste like dessert, but are so good for you!
Yes!! Exactly! That’s why I love this recipe so much!
Love how quick and easy it is to make! Perfect breakfast in my eyes!
Thanks so much Tania! Enjoy!
I love overnight oats but haven’t tried adding peanut butter to mine. Gotta give your recipe a go!
Yay! I’m sure you’ll love this recipe Julia!
I haven’t had steel cut oatmeal since I was a kid and loved this recipe. It has a hint of banana and a hint of peanut butter in every bite. I enjoyed eating it cold…and such a treat compared to the boring container of yogurt + banana I usually grab on my way out the door. I was thrilled by the large serving size, too. I’m learning that you don’t have to sacrifice portion when the ingredients are all so good for you!
That’s so awesome Beth! I’m so glad you liked this recipe – it’s one of my favorite grab-and-go meals too!
As a “certified” picky eater (lol), your blog jumped out, so I popped over. Its 6am and breakfast is on my mind. Anyway.. saw this recipe and its one that appeals. Ive read about the health benefits of oats, but never really jumped to using them .. I know athletes eat them a fair bit, so Im going to add this one to my list of to-do recipes.. thank you :)( (I will pin this to my pinterest account too)
Shaun
Thanks so much Shaun! It’s great to meet you! I hope you loved this recipe – it’s definitely a favorite in our family!
Overnight oats, in my experience, are not eaten cold. They are soaked overnight to remove lectins (look at Weston Price/Nourishing Traditions). Lectins disrupt your digestive process and contribute to leaky gut because your gut doesn’t realize they aren’t simple sugars. This prompts the cells in your gut to pass the lectins through your intestinal wall into your bloodstream which causes inflammation and can provoke your body into an autoimmune response. Many people soak, sprout or ferment their grains because of the health value.
Hi Kate! Overnight oats can be eaten cold or warm! I know lots of people who eat them cold – similar to Muesli. But you’re right that soaking legumes and grains can help improve their digestibility too – which is another benefit of overnight oats! 🙂
This sounds delicious, it’s also on my list of must-try recipes. Buying and cooking healthy staples in bulk make it easier to choose the right foods, too.
Thanks so much! I’m sure you’ll love this recipe! And I totally agree — buying and cooking in bulk means you’ll always have something healthy on-hand to eat!
wow these sound awesome, Anjali. Thanks so much for this recipe. can’t wait to make these.
Thanks Sabrina! I’m sure you’ll love these oats! 🙂