Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
A creamy, high-protein breakfast that combines oats, banana, and peanut butter. Easy to prepare, fridge-ready, and packed with fiber and healthy fats, these overnight oats are perfect for meal prep or a quick, satisfying morning meal.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 3 small jars or airtight containers
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk of choice almond, regular, or kefir
- 1 ripe banana mashed (⅓–½ cup)
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon flax meal or chia seeds or ½ tablespoon each
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt
- Optional toppings: sliced banana extra peanut butter, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and measure them carefully. Peel and mash a ripe banana until smooth, and ensure your peanut butter is creamy for easy mixing. Choose your preferred milk—dairy or plant-based—and have your oats, flax or chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt ready. Having everything prepped in advance makes the process seamless.
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. This ensures the banana and peanut butter fully integrate, creating a rich, flavorful base that will coat the oats evenly.
- Add Oats and Seeds: Stir in the rolled oats along with your choice of flax meal or chia seeds. These ingredients provide fiber and structure to the overnight oats. Mix thoroughly so every oat is coated with the banana and peanut butter mixture, allowing the seeds to absorb some moisture for a soft, creamy texture after refrigeration.
- Incorporate the Milk: Gradually pour in your chosen milk while stirring continuously. Make sure the mixture is well combined, with no dry patches of oats. The milk will soften the oats overnight and help create a creamy, pudding-like consistency. Adjust slightly if needed—if the mixture seems too thick, add a splash more milk.
- Divide into Containers: Spoon the oat mixture evenly into three jars or airtight containers. Leave a little space at the top to allow the oats to expand slightly as they absorb the liquid. Using individual containers makes serving easy, perfect for meal prep, and keeps the oats fresh for several days in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Seal the containers tightly with lids and place them in the refrigerator. Let the oats sit for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, so the flavors meld together and the oats soften fully. The chilling process also thickens the mixture and enhances the creamy texture.
- Add Toppings Before Serving: When ready to enjoy, remove a jar from the fridge and add your favorite toppings. Consider sliced bananas, a drizzle of peanut butter, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. Stir gently if desired, or leave the toppings layered on top for a visually appealing presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Grab a spoon and enjoy your nutritious, high-protein, fiber-rich breakfast straight from the jar, or transfer it to a bowl. These overnight oats are filling, flavorful, and perfect for a busy morning, giving you sustained energy and a delicious start to your day.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and smooth texture.
- Rolled oats are recommended for a creamy consistency; quick oats may become mushy.
- Customize protein by adding a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt.
- Adjust milk quantity to reach your preferred thickness—more milk for creamier oats.
- Optional toppings like nuts, seeds, or dark chocolate chips enhance texture and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, choose almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave for a natural sweetener.
