Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

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This peanut butter banana overnight oats recipe is a game-changer for your busy mornings. A perfect blend of wholesome ingredients like steel cut oats, Greek yogurt, and flax seeds make a nutritious breakfast that’s ready when you are. The combination of creamy peanut butter and ripe banana is so delicious, and it will keep you full and satisfied!

After I finally tasted overnight oats, I understood what all the hype was about. They are massively filling, easy to make, and every spoonful is so incredibly satisfying!

While I don’t always do a lot of meal prepping, there are times when I like to plan ahead on Sunday night. Making these banana overnight oats for the week is a great way to always have an easy breakfast on hand. Plus, they’re packed with protein thanks to the oats and Greek yogurt. Each serving has a whopping 27 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber!

Since you don’t need a microwave or stovetop, they’re the perfect make-ahead breakfast. On days when we are running behind and need a break, these oats swoop in and save the day!

This easy grab and go breakfast is so delicious, and it honestly tastes like dessert! Once you get the ratios right (and my recipe will show you exactly how), you’ll end up with the best texture every single time.

The best part? It’s versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit or a drizzle of peanut butter. Plus, it’s the perfect meal prep recipe requiring only 5 minutes of your time. It’s also a great way to maintain healthy eating habits during times when you know you’ll be too busy to cook from scratch.

Simply prepare individual servings in a mason jar the night before! You have a quick, nourishing, and delicious meal waiting for you in the morning. This recipe truly stands out as a great option for a healthy, easy breakfast recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste. And if you’re looking for more overnight oats inspiration, be sure to also check out my tiramisu overnight oats which are a healthy breakfast version of the classic dessert!

👩🏽‍🍳 Why You’ll Love Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

• Plant-Based: This is one of the best overnight oats recipes for anyone following a plant-based diet. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like steel-cut oats, almond or peanut butter, and flaxseed. It a perfect choice for vegans and vegetarians, or anyone looking for a satisfying and healthy breakfast option.
• Quick And Easy: With a prep time of just five minutes, make this basic recipe the night before to reduce the stress of hectic mornings. Just mix the ingredients, store overnight, and enjoy a quick breakfast the next morning. It doesn’t get easier than that!
• Gluten-Free: This overnight oats recipe uses steel-cut oats, which are a great option for those with gluten sensitivity. Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you’re very sensitive to gluten.
• Simple Ingredients: This healthy recipe uses convenient ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s easily customizable – you can add your favorite fruits or nuts for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Family-Friendly: These delicious oats are sure to be a hit with the whole family. The combination of peanut butter and bananas make for a taste that everyone enjoys, kids and adults alike!
• Lower Sugar: Unlike many store-bought options, this recipe has no added sugars. The sweetness comes naturally from ripe bananas and a dash of cinnamon.

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🥘 Ingredients

It’s super easy to make a batch of healthy peanut butter banana overnight oats. Most of these wholesome items are pantry staples, and if not, they are easily found at your local grocery store!

• Steel Cut Oats: The star of these pb banana overnight oats, steel cut oats provide a heartier texture than their quick or old-fashioned counterparts. Pre-cooked, they soften overnight resulting in creamy oats with a delicious soft yet chewy consistency. They’re also a great source of fiber and protein.
• Milk: The type of milk you choose is a matter of personal preference. Whether you opt for almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or regular dairy, it’s the key to creating that creamy texture we love in overnight oats.
• Plain Low Fat Greek Yogurt: Adding a protein punch and a rich texture, Greek yogurt is a nutritious breakfast staple. It also helps to keep you feeling full until lunch.
• Peanut Butter: This ingredient is a game changer for all the peanut butter lovers out there. Natural peanut butter adds healthy fats and a creamy richness. Plus, it is the perfect partner for the ripe banana in this recipe.
• Ground Flax Seed & Sea Salt: Flax seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering both fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They give a slightly nutty flavor and help to thicken the mixture. Just a pinch of sea salt can help to enhance the other flavors in this oatmeal recipe.
• Sliced Berries: Fresh fruit adds a natural sweetness and a burst of flavor to this banana peanut butter overnight oatmeal. Strawberries are a classic choice, but feel free to get creative based on your favorite things.
• Banana: The banana combo with peanut butter is a classic combination. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
• Sliced Almonds Or Walnuts: A sprinkle of sliced almonds or walnuts adds a delicious crunch and an extra boost of healthy fats.
• Cinnamon And Nutmeg: These spices are optional, but they add a warm, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana and peanut butter.

🍲 Ingredient Substitutions

• Oats: You can use any kind of oats such as old-fashioned oats or certified gluten-free oats if you have a gluten sensitivity. I won’t recommend quick cooking oats since they are quite processed will get mushy in this recipe.
• Milk: Any non-dairy milk like almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk can be used as a substitute. You can also use cow’s milk if you do not need this to be vegan!
• Yogurt: You can use any plant-based yogurt as a substitute. Make sure to choose an unsweetened version to control the sweetness of your overnight oats.
• Nut Butter: Don’t have peanut butter, or have a peanut allergy? No problem! Cashew butter, almond butter, or even sunflower seed butter all work great. Go with whatever you have on hand and customize the flavors. If you still want that regular peanut butter taste, use peanut butter powder for a lower-fat / lower calorie option.
• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds can be a great substitute for flax seeds. Both provide a good amount of fiber and healthy fats.
• Nuts: Any kind of nuts can be used based on your preference. You can also use seeds if you have a nut allergy.
• Spices: These spices are optional but they add a nice flavor to the oats. Feel free to use your favorite spices or leave them out if you prefer. Some good swaps are clove, allspice, or a pumpkin pie spice.

🔪 How To Make Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Want the perfect breakfast that’s ready to go in to morning? Here’s how to make peanut butter banana overnight oats, your new favorite make-ahead breakfast solution! For more detailed instructions and nutritional information, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Cook The Steel Cut Oats: Start by cooking your steel cut oats. This is an important step, otherwise they won’t be the texture you are probably going for. They will puff up as they sit overnight but will be pretty crunchy by morning unless they are pre-cooked.

Combine Ingredients: Once your oats are cooked, combine them with the rest of the ingredients through the ripe banana, either in a medium bowl or directly in the mason jar or airtight container. Give the ingredients a good stir until it is well combined.

Refrigerate: Next, place your container in the fridge and let it sit overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the oats to soften, creating a delicious breakfast for the next morning.

Add Toppings: When you’re ready to eat, add a tablespoon of sliced almonds or walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Add additional sliced bananas, if desired. Stir it all together and enjoy these banana pb overnight oats!

💭 Expert Tips

• Pre-Cook Your Steel-Cut Oats: Steel-cut oats require a longer cooking time than other types of oats. To ensure a softer, creamier texture in your peanut butter banana overnight oats, cook your steel-cut oats ahead of time.
• Save The Toppings For The Next Morning: To maintain the freshness and crunch of your toppings, add them just before you’re ready to eat your delicious breakfast. Toppings can turn soggy if left overnight.
• Get The Liquid-To-Oats Ratio Right: The secret to perfect overnight oats is getting the right balance of liquid to oats. If you skimp on the liquid, your oats won’t be able to absorb enough to become creamy and delicious.
• Mix Well Before Refrigeration: To guarantee that every oat gets a good soak, give your mixture a good stir before popping it into the fridge. This will help all the oats to be equally immersed in the liquid, leading to a consistent texture throughout.
• Boost Of Sweetness: If you want your oats to be a touch more sweet, feel free to add in some pure maple syrup or a drizzle of honey.

📖 Variations

There are so many fun and easy overnight oats recipes that you can make! Using our peanut butter banana overnights as the base, here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats: If you’re a chocolate and peanut butter lover, this variation is for you. Instead of banana, add in some unsweetened cocoa powder and a dash of vanilla extract. You can still add in the berries if you want, or enjoy it as a chocolate and peanut butter combination. Top it off with some chocolate chips for an indulgent treat.
• Apple Pie Overnight Oats: Craving for a taste of fall? Swap all the fruit for half a cup of diced apples, add a dash of vanilla extract, and don’t forget to sprinkle in the cinnamon. This variation will give you a delicious apple pie flavor in your oatmeal.
• Banana Bread Oats: For a twist on the classic banana bread, leave out the peanut butter and add in a dash of vanilla and almond extract. It’s a simple tweak, but it will give your oats a whole new flavor profile.
• PB&J Overnight Oats: Missing your childhood favorite PB&J sandwich? Leave out the banana and add some pureed strawberries or strawberry compote to these peanut butter overnight oats. The combo of peanut butter and strawberries is a true classic!
• Peaches & Cream: For a summery variation, replace the banana & berries with half a cup of diced peaches, add in a couple of tablespoons of coconut cream and a dash of maple syrup. It is a refreshing and fruity twist on the classic recipe, perfect for those warm summer mornings.
• Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats: You can also switch up the flavors for a delicious fall-inspired variation. Simply add a dash of pumpkin spice to your oats and replace the banana with pumpkin puree. This will give your oats a warm, comforting twist that’s perfect for cooler mornings.
• Carrot Cake Overnight Oats: For a twist on a classic dessert, replace the bananas and berries with half a cup of shredded carrots. Add a dash of allspice, vanilla extract, and a teaspoon or two of raisins. Omit the peanut butter for this variation. You’ll get a breakfast that tastes like a treat but is still packed with nutrients!
• Pina Colada Overnight Oats: Bring a tropical flair to your breakfast by replacing the banana and berries with half a cup of diced pineapple and a tablespoon of shredded coconut. Leave out the nut butter for this variation. This will give you a refreshing and fruity start to your day.

🍽 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:

• With A Smoothie: For a power-packed breakfast, serve these peanut banana overnight oats with a smoothie. Try a broccoli smoothie for an extra boost of nutrients or a mixed berry smoothie for a sweet start to your day. 
• Alongside Protein: To increase the protein content of your breakfast, pair these oats with a side of scrambled eggs or a boiled egg. Keep things vegan with a soft tofu scrambled eggs.
• With A Warm Beverage: A cup of hot coffee or tea pairs perfectly with these oats, making for a cozy and satisfying breakfast. I love them with this oatmilk honey latte!
• With More Toppings: On mornings when you’re feeling like indulging a bit, consider adding some extra peanut butter and fresh banana slices to your oats before having them. The thick swirls of peanut butter will definitely satisfy your cravings. You can even add a dollop of vegan nutella!

🙌 Dietary Adaptations

This banana peanut butter overnight oats recipe is already a healthy breakfast option, but with some simple ingredient swaps, it can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs.

• Vegan And Dairy-Free Option: To make this easy recipe vegan, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt of your choice. Almond milk yogurt or soy milk yogurt would work well. Also, make sure you pick a non-dairy milk!
• Gluten-Free Option: You can make this recipe gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats. Always check the labels when purchasing oats, as some brands may process their oats in facilities that also process wheat, which could lead to cross-contamination.
• Nut-Free Option: If you’re catering to a nut allergy, substitute the almond or peanut butter with a seed butter like sunflower seed butter. Also, go for nut-free milk such as oat milk or soy milk. Skip the nut toppings, and try out pumpkin seeds or more berries!

🫙 Storage Directions

• Refrigerating: After enjoying these healthy overnight oats, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can meal prep and store it for later. They can be kept for up to three days.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, freezing these overnight oats is not recommended. The Greek yogurt used in the recipe does not freeze and defrost well, resulting in a less desirable consistency upon thawing.
• Reheating: If you prefer a warm breakfast, these peanut butter and banana overnight oats can be reheated. Transfer the oats to a microwave-safe bowl and heat them for approximately one minute. If the oats appear too dry, feel free to add an extra splash of milk. Alternatively, you can warm them on the stove in a small pot.

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🥣 More Delicious Breakfast Recipes!

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• Vegan Breakfast Cookies
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