Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats takes a classic flavor combination and turns it into a rich, decadent breakfast recipe that’s made with clean wholesome ingredients. So, you can enjoy it guilt-free. Add this recipe into your meal prep rotation for a quick and easy healthy breakfast all week.
I don’t have a big sweet tooth, but I have a weakness for chocolate and peanut butter.
However, it would be impossible for me to maintain any weight loss if I gave into my chocolate peanut butter cravings all the time, so I am always working on healthier alternatives. Some of my favorites include these chocolate peanut butter energy bites, chocolate peanut butter smoothie, chocolate peanut butter breakfast bars, and now this creamy, delicious recipe for chocolate peanut butter overnight oats.
Reasons you’ll love this recipe
- Taste like dessert – If you love Reese’s peanut butter cups or perk up when someone mentions chocolate and peanut butter, then this is the recipe for you.
- Pantry ingredients – This overnight oats recipe comes together in less than 5 minutes with simple ingredients you most likely have in your kitchen.
- Wholesome and healthy – Made with fiber-rich oats, superfoods, and is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Meal prep – When you need sweet yet healthy meal prep breakfast recipes, you can put chocolate peanut butter overnight oatmeal on the meal plan.
Ingredients
Rolled oats – these are also called old-fashioned oats or thick-cut oats. You can find them in the grocery store’s cereal aisle or look in the bulk section if you want to purchase a smaller amount.
Cacao Powder and nibs – this superfood gives the overnight oats a deep chocolate flavor while providing flavonoids, protein, fiber, iron, and other nutrients. Feel free to use unsweetened cocoa powder if you don’t have cacao powder.
Chia seeds – this is my favorite superfood to use in overnight oats recipes. Not only does it help create a creamy texture, but chia seeds add protein, fiber, and omega-3’s to each jar.
Unsweetened coconut milk – You can also use almond milk or any non-dairy milk to keep this chocolate peanut butter overnight oats recipe vegan. However, you can use dairy milk too.
Peanut butter – Many name-brand peanut butter recipes include high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. So, to keep this recipe clean, I recommend using organic natural peanut butter. The only ingredient on the label should be peanuts.
Pure vanilla extract – this adds extra flavor.
Maple syrup – this overnight oats recipe needs a little extra in the sweet department so I use pure maple syrup. I recommend starting with two teaspoons and then in the morning give it a taste, and if you need more sweetness, stir in the rest of the maple syrup.
FAQs
In my experience, no. Steel-cut oats take a longer time to process and will result in crunchy oatmeal. Instant oats process too quickly and will be a jar of mush in the morning.
Rolled oats are perfect for overnight oatmeal recipes. They process overnight in the milk resulting in a creamy pudding-like texture that still has some chew.
In overnight oats recipes, the oats process by sitting in the liquid – there’s no cooking involved. So, for the oats to get that creamy consistency and texture, they should soak for at least 6 hours – but I prefer to do a total of 8 hours.
The formula I use when I make overnight oats is 1:1 rolled oats to liquid. One serving is ½ cup rolled oats and ½ cup of milk.
There needs to be enough liquid to cover the oats completely.
Overnight oats can be sweetened using your favorite sweetener. For a clean, healthier option, I recommend pure maple syrup or honey. Depending on the recipe, 1-3 teaspoons is usually enough of this sweetener.
You can also use coconut sugar, agave, stevia, monk fruit, or any other sweetener. I suggest starting with the smallest amount and then add in more if you need to.
If you have more questions then check out the How to Make Overnight Oats guide I put together.
Cooking Tips
You can use powdered peanut butter to reduce the fat and calories. When I first published this recipe back in 2014, I made it with PB2. However, I don’t purchase powdered peanut butter anymore, so I updated the recipe with natural peanut butter. If you want to use PB2, then swap in two tablespoons for the natural peanut butter in this recipe.
You can add more protein. Peanut butter adds a good amount of protein to this oatmeal recipe. But, if you want extra protein, then stir in a tablespoon of greek yogurt. You can also stir in collagen powder, protein powder, hemp hearts, or other superfoods. You might need to pour in additional milk if the oats seem dry.
Switch up the nut butter – you can also use almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower butter.
Use a different container – 16-ounce mason jars are my favorite container for overnight oats because they are portioned-controlled and portable. As long as you cover the oats in liquid, you can use any container with a lid.
Supplies
- 16-ounce mason jars
- Mason jar lids
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- It’s so easy to prepare one or more jars of this chocolate peanut butter overnight oatmeal.
- Start by mixing the rolled oats, cacao, and chia seeds into a 16-ounce mason jar.
- Then add the peanut butter, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and pure maple syrup.
- Tightly place the lid on and refrigerate overnight, preferably 6 – 8 hours.
- Remove the lid and give the oats a couple of stirs. Give the oats a taste and if you need more sweetness, stir in the rest of the maple syrup. The oats might be a little thick, so if you want to loosen them up, stir in a splash of milk until you get a creamy texture.
- Drizzle with the rest of the peanut butter.
Keep in mind that the longer the oats sit in the refrigerator, the thicker they will be. Just add in 1-2 teaspoons of milk to bring them back to a creamy pudding consistency.
How to Store the Recipe
To meal prep
You can prepare jars of peanut butter chocolate overnight oats on Sunday and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze
You can assemble the dry ingredients into baggies or jars and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to put onto the meal plan, place the ingredients into a mason jar (if not already), add the milk and refrigerator. Check out this overnight oats freezer kit tutorial for more information.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Equipment
- 16-ounce mason jars
- mason jar lids
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce mason jar container and lid
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk or any non-dairy or dairy milk
- 1 tablespoon natural organic smooth peanut butter
- 3 teaspoons pure maple syrup divided
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cacao nibs
Instructions
- Start by mixing the rolled oats, cacao, and chia seeds into a 16-ounce mason jar.
- Then add the peanut butter, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and pure maple syrup. Stir until chocolaty, and the rest of the ingredients are combined.
- Tightly place the lid on and refrigerate overnight, preferably 6 – 8 hours.
- Remove the lid and give the oats a couple of stirs. Give the oats a taste and if you need more sweetness, stir in the rest of the maple syrup.
- The oats might be a little thick, so if you want to loosen them up, stir in a splash of milk until you get a creamy texture.
- Sprinkle with cacao nibs and drizzle with extra peanut butter if you want.
Notes
Nutrition
Other Overnight Oats Recipes
- Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Overnight Oats with Yogurt
- Pumpkin Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Cherry Overnight Oats
- Vanilla Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats
Check out all of my healthy oatmeal recipes.
Did you make this recipe?
Have you tried this Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats yet? If so, I’d love for you to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. We all learn from each other’s experiences. Also, it would be awesome if you could share a picture on Instagram and tag it #organizeyourselfskinny. I can’t wait to see it.
Erin says
Just made this and it was yummy and hearty! I swapped honey for maple syrup and one tablespoon of regular peanut butter for the powder. My recipe builder says 378 calories with no nuts or chocolate chips. A bit on the high side for breakfast, but very filling! I’m an instant overnight oats convert. Strawberries tomorrow!
Doug R. says
Yes, I found the same thing. This recipe makes enough for two servings, not one.
Ariel says
I don’t know how you came up with that calorie amount. I made it without the peanuts and chocolate chips. I love it. However it came out to 325 calories.
Kelsey says
I don’t care for powdered peanut butter on its own, but I bet in a smoothie or in overnight oats like this it would be perfect.
Jackie says
I found this recipe searching for a warm-weather replacement for my crock pot steel cut oats. They’re fabulous when it’s 20 degrees outside, but not so much when it’s 80. This one is awesome! Of course, me being me, I made some changes… I swapped hemp milk for the almond milk (as Mother Jones is making me feel bad about almonds lately), and I used cacao powder instead of cocoa powder. Even though the spellings are very close, they’re quite different things. Cacao is raw, and it has a lot more nutrients than cocoa powder (which is highly processed). Cocoa powder also has a powdery FEEL to it that I don’t like in my refrigerator oats. I strongly recommend trying cacao in anything chocolate-y that you’re not going to cook.
I also made the whole thing in a Glasslock bowl instead of a little Mason jar. The little jars are adorable, and I own a bunch myself, but eating breakfast out of them isn’t my favorite thing… I like to toss in a sliced banana with my oats, and just try doing that in a cute little jar! One nice thing about the Glasslock bowls is that you can just put all of your oatmeal ingredients into the bowl, give it a few good shakes, and then you’re done. I make breakfast for the whole week and it just takes a few minutes. You need to use a bowl with a VERY secure lid for this… Otherwise you’ll end up with your lovely chocolate oats on the ceiling!
Sara says
I saw so many unanswered questions so I thought I’d fill in some blanks:
-Do I cook them first?: No. They soak overnight in the liquid.
-What kind of oats do I use? Rolled or Old fashioned, they are basically the same thing
-Can I use steel cut? Yes, if you like crunchy, under-soaked oats.
-Can I use instant oats? Yes, if you like mushy, over-soaked oats.
-Can I use real peanut butter? Yes, you can use any type of nut butter you like.
-How can I sweeten this up? Try a few spoonfuls of vanilla yogurt. Or a few banana slices.
-Can I use regular milk? Yes.
-Can I warm them up? Yes, but try it cold first (it’s awesome, trust me) leave the jar on the counter for 10-20 mins to take the chill off.
You’re overnight oats base is equal parts oats and liquid. Endless add-ins.
Hope this helps!
Tammy Kresge says
Wow thanks!! I should hire you as my comment moderator! Obviously I could use one. Thanks so much!
Sara says
My pleasure! Great post, thank you!
Sara says
Doh! Can you change my you’re to your in my original comment? Can’t believe I let that one slip!
Mara says
I added in some Farmer’s Market pure pumpkin puree and that was really good as well!
Tammy Kresge says
YUM! That sounds amazing!
Kristy says
Loved this! Went to work and told everyone about it! Ooh can’t forget about the banana Nutella muffins! Bethany you for posting these amazing recipes!
Brooke says
Can you use real peanut butter instead of the powdered peanut butter? I researched PB2 and I found it does not have the best ingredients. The organic version is also really expensive. Could I just use real peanut butter instead? Thanks 🙂
diann keyser says
can i use steel cut instead?
Ashley Cluchie says
These have quickly become a favorite of mine! I eat them at least once a week. I needed a little extra sweetness so I added an extra teaspoon of pure maple syrup. Thank you so much for sharing your recipes and journey with us! I still have a long way to go in my weight loss journey but your recipes help me stay on track. I’ve also started crossfit and love it! You are an inspiration!
Carrie Nelson says
I made these last night and just tasted them. To me, these are so plain with virtually no flavor other than unsweetened chocolate and hint of peanut butter. There is no sweetness at all and I made it exactly as described. Sounded so good. I wonder how I could sweeten this up?
Tammy Kresge says
Hi Carrie, I sweeten mine with pure maple syrup. Did you add that?
Vicki says
I’m allergic to almonds, would regular milk be just as good?
Kaitlyn says
What do you mean by rolled oats? Are they cooked or not cooked? What brand do you buy?
Sharon S says
49 WW Points+?????!!!!!
Tammy Kresge says
No that is the carb count. This is a 9 point breakfast.
Sheryl says
I was wondering about heating this up before eating?!
Tammy Kresge says
I eat mine cold but you can certainly heat up in microwave or on stovetop if you like before eating.
Kelly Steinke says
I always warm them up for my husband, but I eat them cold or room temperature. They are all delicious!
Stephanie says
I was just going to ask where to get powdered peanut butter. Target? Thanks for the info. Can’t wait to try?
Suzanne says
If you cannot find them near you, the original brand is called PB2 google it you can buy it on-line.
Tracy says
They do sell the powdered peanut butter in a chocolate flavor as well. Target carries them both on the top shelf by the regular peanut butter.
Tarynn Playle says
I have never even heard of powdered peanut butter. Consider me intrigued! I will definitely be trying this because I LOVE peanut butter and chocolate too! Thanks for the recipe!
Traci Moore says
So do these never need to be cooked at all in the process? Do you eat them cold? If I prefer to eat them warm, should I heat them then add, peanuts, chic chips, the coconut or almonds on other recipes? I think I’m about to get hooked on these. They all look incredible.
Meg says
Can I use quick oats, or do they have to be the regular (old fashioned) kind?
Many Thanks!
Meg
Krystal says
You can use either.
Rebecca says
How do the oats cook?
Deb says
You don’t need to cook the oats, follow the recipe, put the jar in your fridge overnight, get up and stir them up and eat. Delicious and healthy.