PB and J Overnight Oats

Like the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich without the bread, PB and J overnight oats marry peanut butter and jam in creamy oats. The result is one delicious, make-ahead breakfast. High in fiber and protein, these oats really cannot be beaten!

This simple recipe takes five minutes to put together. Like my Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats, it starts with rolled oats, milk, and Greek yogurt. The mix is flavored with nutty, creamy peanut butter and maple syrup for sweetness. The finishing touch is a swirl of jam or preserves.

The wholesome oats soak everything up while they sit resulting in creamy, indulgent almost pudding-like oats. It goes without saying, you will love this hearty, healthy breakfast.

Use your favorite milk or jam, and feel free to play around with it. The beauty of this easy recipe is how customizable it really is, let alone how delicious. Make enough for breakfast for the whole week!

You Will Love These Oats

• This grab-and-go, healthy breakfast takes little prep time and can be made ahead. This makes it perfect for meal prep!
• The easy recipe uses simple ingredients and is completely customizable for a personalized breakfast.
• A childhood classic transformed, these creamy PB and J overnight oats make healthy breakfast absolutely scrumptious.

Ingredients

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
• Creamy Peanut Butter
• Jam or Preserves - any flavor
• Milk - oat, almond, coconut, whole, 2%, non-fat
• Greek Yogurt
• Maple Syrup

See the recipe card for ingredient quantities.

Instructions

Prepare in a separate mixing bowl, service bowl, or individual jar. This recipe is for one serving but it can easily be multiplied.

1. In a small bowl or jar, mix the oats, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, and peanut butter. Stir until incorporated.
2. Swirl in the jam or preserves.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Top with garnishes and enjoy!

Note: You can swirl in the jam before eating too.

Substitutions

• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats - While rolled oats have the best texture for this recipe, you can swap in quick-cooking oats too.
• Peanut Butter - Use your favorite nut butter - almond, cashew, pistachio, etc.
• Jam or Preserves - Use store-bought or homemade. You can also use a compote, like this Mixed Berry Compote or Blackberry Compote.

Variations

• Protein - Stir in a tablespoon of protein powder with the oats before adding the other ingredients.
• Peanut Butter Powder - To lower the calories, use peanut butter powder in place of the peanut butter. Swap in two tablespoons of PB Fit Peanut Butter Powder for the nutty butter. Stir in the powder with the oats before adding in the rest of the ingredients.

Try my chocolate peanut butter variation of this recipe.

Suggested Equipment

• 10oz Glass Jars with Lids
• Tiny Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

What to Serve with Overnight Oats

The beauty of overnight oats is how customizable they are. These PBJ overnight oats are delicious with fresh fruit. Either stir in the fruit during assembly or use it as a topping. Sprinkle the finished oats with chopped peanuts. Drizzle with additional peanut butter or top with an extra scoop of jam.

• Fresh Fruit - banana, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries
• Nut Butter - peanut butter, almond, cashew, pistachio
• Nuts - peanuts, pecans, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews
• Seeds - flax, chia (stir in)
• Granola - store-bought or homemade

Try this recipe with my Peanut Butter Granola Clusters.

Storage

Store servings individually in jars or air-tight containers. How long are overnight oats good for? Overnight oats stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. (This makes it a perfect meal-prep breakfast.)

Can you freeze overnight oats? Ideally no, do not freeze overnight oats.

Expert Tips

1. Assemble in your serving container or jar. For easy prep and fewer dishes, prepare the oats in your serving bowl or jar. Simply transfer the covered bowl or jar of oats to the refrigerator to set.
2. Add additional milk in the morning. These oats are thick, so if you like them a little thinner, stir in a splash of milk before eating.
3. Swirl or layer the jam (or preserves). Swirl in the jam during or after preparing the overnight oats. Or leave the jam layered under the peanut butter topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use steel-cut oats in overnight oats?Do not use steel-cut oats in this recipe. These oats are thicker and take longer to soften. This means chewy oats that haven't fully absorbed the milk and yogurt overnight.

How long do overnight oats need to sit?Overnight oats need to set for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, but preferably overnight.

Should I eat overnight oats hot or cold?You can enjoy overnight oats cold or warm. To warm, microwave one serving for 30 seconds to one minute. You can also heat it over the stovetop too.

Can I use chunky peanut butter in this recipe?Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter in place of the smooth. Keep in mind that the texture will have crunchy nuts mixed into it.

If you make the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments on my website! Take pictures, tag and share them with me on Instagram or Facebook.