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If there’s one variety of overnight oats that I could eat over and over again, it’s this peanut butter flavor. The nut butter adds extra flavor and protein, making this recipe a filling meal prep breakfast idea.

Overnight oats are a relatively forgiving dish to make, so you don’t need to follow a precise recipe, but it can be annoying if you get the liquid ratio wrong. (This could lead to oats that are too thick or runny the next day.)

That’s why I’ve tested this recipe several different ways, so you’ll get delicious results on your first try. Customize it with your favorite fruit, and it will taste like a healthier PB&J!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Review

“This is absolutely delicious and filling! I wasn’t hungry until lunch which never happens. My daughter even loved them.❤️ ” – Sarah

pb overnight oats topped with chopped strawberries.

PB Overnight Oats Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Rolled Oats. Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for overnight oats, so they won’t get too mushy as they soak up the milk. If you need a gluten-free breakfast, shop for “certified gluten-free” packaging to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Milk. You can use any milk you prefer for this recipe, so choose a dairy-free option if you need to.
  • Peanut Butter. For the best flavor, I like to use all-natural peanut butter (with salt). This means you’ll need to stir the oil into the peanut butter when you first open the jar.
  • Maple syrup. This adds a touch of natural sweetness, but you can use honey or another preferred sweetener to taste.
  • Ground Flax Seeds. These add fiber and help the oats thicken up even more. If you omit this ingredient, you might not need as much milk. (Or try chia seeds, instead.)
  • Collagen (optional). I’ve started including this in my morning oats, because it adds protein without a noticeable flavor— especially since the peanut butter flavor helps hide it! This is option if you need a vegetarian option; or try using a protein powder you already enjoy.
rolled oats, milk, peanut butter, flax, and maple syrup labeled in bowls.

How to Make Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Step 1:

In a 12-ounce or larger mason jar, combine the oats, peanut butter, ground flax seed, maple syrup, collagen (if using), and milk of choice. Stir well to combine, making sure the oats are fully submerged in the liquid.

Secure the lid on the jar and store the oats in the fridge overnight. They will soften over time and will be ready to eat the next morning. 

maple syrup added to a jar of oats with peanut butter and ground flax.

Step 2:

When you’re ready to eat, remove the jar from the refrigerator and add an extra splash of water or milk to loosen the texture, if you needed. There’s no need to reheat overnight oats; they are usually served chilled!

Add any toppings you like just before serving, such as chopped berries, sliced banana, or chocolate chips. Toppings make the texture better, in my opinion.

two jars of peanut butter overnight oats with the lids removed.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

You can make overnight oats up to 3-4 days in advance, so feel free to double or triple the recipe if you want to have several days of breakfast ready in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are overnight oats healthy?

Uncooked oats have more resistant starch than cooked oats, and research suggests that eating resistant starch may promote gut health. Soaking oats in liquid also helps to reduce their phytic acid content, which in turn may boost iron absorption, so I think that makes overnight oats a healthy choice.

Can you eat overnight oats hot?

Yes, you can warm up overnight oats by pouring them into a saucepan over medium-high heat and stirring well until heated through. I usually add a 1/4 cup of extra liquid in this case, since the oats will thicken up even more when heated. If you would rather microwave the oats, I recommend transferring the overnight oats to a heat-safe bowl, as a cold glass container may shatter if the temperature of the oats changes too quickly.

Are raw oats safe to eat?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are not technically raw, so yes they are safe to eat without cooking them. Oat groats are steamed before they are rolled.

Can I use steel-cut oats?

The method isn’t the same, but check out my overnight steel cut oats recipe if you prefer to use those. (They have a chewier texture!)

pb overnight oats topped with chopped strawberries.

Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

5 from 12 votes
Whether this is your very first batch of overnight oats or you're just looking for a new flavor to try, this recipe is for you. Peanut butter and oatmeal are the perfect match, and this breakfast idea can be stirred together in minutes. It's perfect for meal prep this week!
prep5 mins cook0 mins total5 mins
Servings:1

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions

  • In a 12-ounce or larger glass jar, combine the rolled oats, flax, peanut butter, maple syrup, collagen (if using), and milk. Stir well to mix.
  • Secure a lid on the jar, then place it in the fridge to chill overnight. You can make this up to 3 days in advance, so feel free to double or triple the recipe to make more jars at once.
  • In the morning, take the lid off the oats and stir well. Add any toppings you like, such as fresh fruit or an extra drizzle of peanut butter. These oats are ready to eat right away.

Video

Notes

Nutrition information is for the whole batch. This information is automatically calculated and is just an estimate, not a guarantee.
If you don’t have flax seeds on hand, chia seeds could also be used. 
Update Note: This recipe was updated in January 2024 to use 1/4 cup more liquid, resulting in a better texture the next day. In 2025, I added the option of using collagen or hemp hearts for added protein. 

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 136mg | Potassium: 677mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 696IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 324mg | Iron: 4mg
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: vegan
Keyword: peanut butter overnight oats

More Recipes to Try

If you try this Peanut Butter Overnight Oats recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like them.

Megan Gilmore leaning on her white countertop.

Megan Gilmore

Hi, I’m Megan. A former fast food junkie turned best-selling cookbook author. As a Certified Nutritionist Consultant (CNC), I love to make healthier food using simple ingredients. I test these recipes multiple times in my kitchen to make sure they will turn out perfectly for you.

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Comments

  1. Since I have minute oats right now, i didn’t want them to disintegrate overnight. So I mixed the ingredients up and then microwaved for 2 minutes and yum! It is just as delicious and satisfying. Thank you!

  2. This was delicious! I doubled the recipe for me and my partner, used some hemp hearts as well as some chocolate pea protein powder. My picky partner said he could eat this everyday for breakfast! Topped wit fresh strawberries in the morning, so delish! Thank you! 🙂

  3. I made these in the winter, and liked them, but decided to eat regular heated oatmeal for my warm breakfast. Now that it’s summer, these are my go-to breakfast! Since I am making them just for me, I decided to decrease the peanut butter to a generous tablespoon. I love the taste of 2 tablespoons, but don’t want to have that many calories. To compensate for the flavor loss, , I toss in a sprinkle of cinnamon. Then eat them with banana slices or blueberries. It’s very satisfying and satiating. I rarely get hungry until lunch time when I eat these for breakfast. Thanks so much for this recipe!