Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
on Jan 19, 2026, Updated Feb 11, 2026
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These creamy peanut butter overnight oats take less than 10 minutes to prep, making them perfect for busy mornings and meal prep. They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings and are ideal for a grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Old fashioned oats, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, protein powder, and peanut butter make them an excellent protein and fiber, helping you feel full and satisfied longer.
Overnight oats are a snack that I make weekly. I like to have these coffee overnight oats in the afternoon after I go to the gym. I find that when I prep my snacks or breakfast I’m less likely to skip it or grab a handful of something that isn’t nearly satiating enough.
Overnight oats are a go-to for me because they’re so easy to make and have a nice balance of carbs, protein, and a decent amount of fiber in them. I always use Greek yogurt in my overnight oats to make them extra creamy and I’ve recently been adding vanilla protein powder to them as a way to increase my daily protein intake.
I already have a chocolate peanut butter overnight oats recipe, so I knew this peanut butter version would be equally delicious! Peanut butter is not only the star ingredient in the oats, but I also like to drizzle a little extra on top for extra richness and peanut butter flavor. If you’re a peanut butter lover you have to give them a try!
Ingredient Notes
Oats – Old fashioned rolled oats are the best kind of oats for overnight oats. They retain their texture better compared to quick oats. You can use quick oats, but the consistency will be more mushy.
Chia seeds – Chia seeds not only help to thicken the overnight oats, but they also add fiber and protein.
Milk – Any kind of milk can be used. Dairy milk or non-dairy milk. I like to use either low-fat milk or unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
Greek yogurt – Plain Greek yogurt is tangy, thick, and full of protein. It’s a must if you like your overnight oats extra creamy. Any fat content can be used.
Peanut butter – Use your favorite brand of peanut butter. Creamy peanut butter or chunky peanut butter can be used.
Protein powder – Protein powder is a great way to boost the protein in overnight oats. I always use Ascent Vanilla Protein Powder. I love the flavor and it mixes thoroughly into the mixture without leaving a gritty texture or lumps.
Maple syrup – If you choose not to add protein powder to the oats, use 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to sweeten them or to taste. If the protein powder you’re using is already sweetened you may want to cut back to 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or omit it.
Vanilla – I love adding vanilla to enhance all the flavors. I always use vanilla bean paste to get the most intense vanilla flavor.
Tips for Making Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Use old fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats will get mushy and the consistency will be more like porridge.
- Oats are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the bag of oats to make sure it’s certified gluten-free as some oats are processed in facilities that also process products with wheat.
- I like to use natural peanut butter for these overnight oats because it’s runnier and is easier to incorporate into all the ingredients.
- If you’re using protein powder, whisk it in with the milk, yogurt, and peanut butter so that it dissolves and doesn’t get lumps.
- For thicker overnight oats, reduce the milk to a 1/2 cup and increase the Greek yogurt to 3/4 cup. You can also increase the amount of oats to 3/4 – 1 cup.
Substitutions and Variations
- Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter. The flavor will be different, but they’re still delicious. For a nut-free option, use sunflower butter or granola butter.
- Add Toppings or mix-ins. Fresh fruit such as apples, bananas, or blueberries. I like to add crunchy toppings like peanuts or granola to contrast with the creamy oats. If you love chocolate, chocolate chips and a drizzle of peanut butter is delicious!
- Dairy-free. Use a dairy-free milk and yogurt. Cocojune and Culina are good options for dairy-free yogurt.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
I meal prep overnight oats weekly. I add them to jars with lids and then have them ready to go for snacking or as part of my breakfast. I recommend replacing the metal lids with these plastic lids that you can put in the dishwasher and they won’t rust.
Overnight oats will be ready to eat after 5 hours in the fridge, however I prefer their consistency after being refrigerated overnight. They will keep for up to 4 days and will get softer the longer they’re in the fridge. Wait to add any toppings to them right before serving.
FAQs
Why are my overnight oats too thick?
Overnight oats thicken the longer they sit. If they’re too thick, stir in a splash of milk before eating to loosen the texture.
Do I have to use chia seeds?
No. You can omit the chia seeds and add additional oats.
Can I make overnight oats without protein powder?
Yes. Simply omit the protein powder and use the 2 tablespoons of maple syrup listed in the recipe, or more if you like them sweeter. The amount of protein won’t be as high, but they will still taste delicious!
Can I freeze overnight oats?
Freezing is not recommended. The texture will become watery when thawed. For best results, store them refrigerated and eat within 4 days.
Can I use powdered peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter in overnight oats?
Yes. Use 3 tablespoons of powdered peanut butter and mix it with 3-4 tablespoons of milk or water until a paste forms. Whisk it in with the other ingredients as listed in the recipe. The texture of the oats won’t be as creamy and rich and the flavor of powdered peanut isn’t as strong as regular peanut butter. This is a good option if you’re looking for a lower calorie and lower fat version of peanut butter overnight oats.
More Overnight Oats Recipes
Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup milk of choice
- 2/3 cup plain greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup omit or reduce to 1 tablespoon if using protein powder that’s sweetened
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder optional, but recommended
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Pinch of salt
- 2/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, peanut butter, vanilla, salt, and protein powder.
- Stir in the oats and chia seeds until combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly into two jars and cover. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight. Serve topped with chopped apple or sliced banana and a drizzle of peanut butter if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make these Peanut Butter Overnight Oats, please leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you and do my best to respond to your comments. And if you’re on Instagram tag @reciperunner so I can see your beautiful creations!
Great recipes
Thank you Sandy!