Peanut Butter Overnight Oats (5 Ingredients & Easy Prep)

Peanut Butter Overnight Oats are a simple, affordable breakfast you can rely on during busy work weeks. This 5-ingredient, high-protein recipe comes together in under a minute using everyday pantry staples you probably already have on hand.

Each jar is made with wholesome old-fashioned oats, chia seeds, and creamy peanut butter, naturally sweetened and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of breakfast that keeps you full, fuels your morning, and saves you time – without eggs, complicated prep, or expensive ingredients.

If you love peanut butter, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Quick Look at This Recipe

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Total Time: 5 minutes (+ overnight soak)
• Servings: 1 (easy to scale for meal prep)
• Method: No-cook
• Flavor & Texture: Creamy, nutty, lightly sweet, cookie-like

Ingredient Notes

You’ll find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below. These notes will help you get the best results.

• Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) work best for overnight oats. Quick oats turn mushy, and steel-cut oats stay too crunchy without cooking.
• Chia seeds are my go-to superfood for overnight oats. They help create a thick, pudding-like texture and add fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Natural peanut butter is best for both flavor and nutrition. Look for a brand where the only ingredient is peanuts.
• Unsweetened almond milk keeps added sugars low, but coconut milk or any non-dairy will work – just look for unsweetened. You can even use dairy milk.
• Pure maple syrup adds just enough sweetness to balance the nutty flavor of the peanut butter.

One of the best things about overnight oats is how easy they are to customize once you know the basic formula. If you want to create your own flavors using what you already have on hand, check out my How to Make Overnight Oats guide, where I break down the oat-to-liquid ratio, protein add-ins, and common mistakes so you can confidently build overnight oats your family will actually enjoy.

Supplies

Any container with a lid works, but I personally love using 16-ounce mason jars. They’re easy to portion, portable, and perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts. Glass containers like these Pyrex bowls also work well for meal prep and freezing.

How to Make Peanut Butter Overnight Oats {Step-by-Step}

• Step 1: Add the dry ingredients. Add the rolled oats and chia seeds to a jar or container with a lid. Stir until combined.
• Step 2: Add the wet ingredients. Stir in the peanut butter and milk, making sure the oats are fully covered.
• Step 3: Mix well. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients are evenly combined.
• Step 4: Refrigerate. Cover with a lid and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.
• Step 5: Adjust and enjoy. In the morning, stir in the maple syrup. If the oats are too thick, add a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Enjoy cold or warm.

Substitutions & Variations

• This recipe is higher in fat due to the peanut butter. You can reduce fat by using less peanut butter, but that will also reduce protein. I recommend balancing this recipe with lighter meals later in the day. To lower saturated fat, use PB2 or powdered peanut butter instead of natural peanut butter.
• You can swap in almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
• Honey works well in place of maple syrup, or use any sweetener you prefer.
• Flaxseed and hemp hearts are great superfood additions. For extra protein, stir in collagen powder or protein powder (about 1 tablespoon).
• Fruit pairs beautifully with peanut butter — banana slices, berries, raisins, or dried cranberries all work well.
• If you’re gluten-sensitive, use certified gluten-free oats and check ingredient labels.

Expert Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

• Stir natural peanut butter well before measuring. Since it separates, mixing it first ensures a smooth, creamy texture and balanced flavor.
• Make sure the oats are fully covered in liquid. Any exposed oats will stay dry, so add a splash more milk if needed.
• Expect the oats to thicken overnight. Peanut butter and chia seeds both absorb liquid. If the oats are too thick in the morning, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of milk to loosen them up.
• Sweeten to taste in the morning. Adding maple syrup right before eating makes it easier to control sweetness.
• Boost protein easily. Stir in Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, collagen, or protein powder with the wet ingredients. Add a little extra milk if needed.
• You can eat them warm. Yes, they are meant to enjoy cold but if you prefer warm you can. Let the oats sit out for a few minutes, then microwave in short bursts or warm gently on the stove. Add a splash of milk if needed.

Storage Tips

Prepare jars on Sunday and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The oats will thicken as they sit, so stir in extra milk before eating if needed.

You can also create overnight oats freezer kits by placing all ingredients except the milk into jars or reusable bags and freezing them. When ready to eat, add milk and refrigerate overnight. My overnight oats freezer tips post walks through this step by step.

Other Overnight Oats Recipes

• Blueberry Overnight Oats
• Brownie Batter Overnight Oats
• Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
• Almond Joy Overnight Oats
• Vanilla Overnight Oats
• Cherry Overnight Oats

Check out more healthy oatmeal recipes. Or browse through all of my healthy breakfast recipes.