Peanut Butter Overnight Oats (High Protein and Easy)

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These peanut butter overnight oats are easy, high in protein, and the best healthy no-cook breakfast. Mix everything together in a jar, refrigerate overnight, and voila, breakfast is ready in the morning.

overhead photo of the oats in a blue bowl on a wooden table

Overnight oats are a favourite breakfast in our family. They are quick to prepare, packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fat, and delicious.

If you have never heard of overnight oats, they are essentially a no-cook porridge that can be eaten cold or warm. In most overnight oats recipes, large flake or quick-cooking rolled oats are combined with ingredients like yogurt, milk, and chia seeds. You refrigerate this mixture overnight, allowing it to thicken up and the oats to soften. In the morning, they are ready to be enjoyed. They have a wonderful pudding-like consistency with some nice texture from the softened oats. I like them cold, but they can also be warmed up if that’s your preference.

I’ve shared a few overnight oats recipes over the years, including these Greek Yogurt Banana Overnight Oats, Maple Chia Yogurt Overnight Oats and these Chocolate Overnight Oats with Yogurt and Chia Seeds. We’ve been loving this peanut butter cinnamon version as of late, and I think it’ll be a hit amongst all of you as well.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Equipment
Storage
Top Tip
FAQ
More Healthy Breakfast Ideas
Serving Suggestions
Peanut Butter Overnight Oats (High Protein and Easy)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy: These overnight oats are simple to prepare. Mix, refrigerate overnight, and enjoy in the morning.
No Cooking Required: Because the oats soften in the milk and yogurt overnight, no cooking is required.
Healthy: Packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fat, these overnight oats are a breakfast that will keep you feeling energized and satiated for hours. If you’re not a fan of protein powder but you want to eat more protein, this recipe is for you because it is protein powder-free.

Ingredients

Here is a photo of the ingredients you’ll need for these high-protein overnight oats, as well as a list with detailed notes. See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Rolled Oats: I use large flake rolled oats but quick-cooking rolled oats also work. If you use quick-cooking rolled oats, the consistency will be more pudding-like.
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds help thicken overnight oats and add fibre and healthy fat.
Milk: I use whole goat milk or cow’s milk but any dairy or non-dairy milk works.
Greek Yogurt: Helps thicken the overnight oats and provides protein.
Maple Syrup: To sweeten.
Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
Salt: A pinch of salt brings all of the flavours together.
Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter without any added sugar. Feel free to swap it out for almond butter or cashew butter.

Instructions

Overnight oats are simple to prepare. Here are step by step instructions with photos.

process photo of all the ingredients in a jar

Step 1: Combine all of the ingredients together in a jar.

process photo of the oats mixed up in a jar

Step 2: Stir well. Secure the lid and refrigerate overnight or for at least four hours.

a serving of overnight oats in a blue bowl

Step 3: The next morning, enjoy with your favourite toppings. Ideas include berries, more peanut butter, chopped roasted peanuts, and cacao nibs.

Substitutions

Here are a few easy swaps to make this recipe your own.

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Vegan: To make these oats vegan, use non-dairy milk and yogurt.
Maple Syrup: Honey may be used instead.
Chia Seeds: Ground flax can be used to thicken these oats if you don’t have chia seeds on hand.

Variations

Get creative with these variations on peanut butter overnight oats:

Peanut Butter Banana: Add ½ of a mashed ripe banana to the mixture.
Peanut Butter Chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mixture. Omit the cinnamon.
Peanut Butter Apple: Add ½ of a diced apple to the mixture.
Peanut Butter and Jam: Layer with your favourite jam or mashed raspberries.

Equipment

16-oz glass jars or containers
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups

Storage

Overnight oats keep well in the fridge for up to five days. As time goes on, they will get thicker, so add milk as needed in the morning.

Top Tip

Make a big batch of these overnight oats on Sunday so that you’ll have grab and go breakfasts all week long. Divide between several 16-oz glass jars.

FAQ

Can I warm up overnight oats?

Yes! You can gently warm them in a small pot over low heat before serving.

Are overnight oats healthy?

Yes, especially if they have extra protein from Greek yogurt or protein powder. Oats on their own are not a balanced breakfast because they lack protein and fat. Overnight oats made with yogurt and chia seeds contain plenty of protein and fat along with carbohydrates for a balanced meal.

More Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Looking for other healthy breakfast ideas? Try these next:

Serving Suggestions

These overnight oats are super satisfying on their own, but feel free to have a couple of hard boiled eggs alongside them for an ultra energizing breakfast.

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