PB&J Overnight Oats

These PB&J Overnight Oats are the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that will keep you fueled and energized all day with whole-grain rolled oats, chia seeds, peanut butter, and jam. Make your oats with this homemade Chia Seed Jam and add your favorite fresh fruit. 

Overnight oatmeal is a constant staple in my breakfast routine since it is something I can prep ahead of time and I know will keep me full all morning.

Normally I will make up a batch of the basic oats and then create all different flavors to enjoy during the week. And these peanut butter and jelly oats are at the top of the list.

The classic combination of peanut butter and jelly just tastes good. Then the addition of mashed banana to add sweetness without sugar just works. I can't be the only one who used to put banana slices in my PB&J sandwiches. 

One last thing, you can take this basic recipe and mix it up any way you like. Try different jams and jellies, add different fruits, try alternative nut butter, or add toppings like chocolate chips or nuts. It all works. 

How to make overnight oats?

Let's talk about how to make overnight oatmeal so that you can start to make all different combinations of oats. This basic recipe works for so many different flavors of oats.

A quick note, I always include banana in my oats as a natural sweetener and find I don't need anything else. 

• 1/2 banana, mashed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats 
• 2 tsp chia seeds
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/16 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• Directions: Start by mashing the bananas. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until oats have softened. Add fresh fruit or toppings before serving if desired.

Recipe and Topping Ideas

There are so many ways to play with the flavors in this dish by using different nut butter, jelly/jam, and fresh fruit. If you can use it in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you can use it in oatmeal. You can try different combinations of spices, change up the milk, and try different additions. Here  are some favorites: 

• Using strawberry jam and fresh strawberries is a favorite option in our house. Wait to add the fresh strawberries until right before serving, so they still have some texture. You could also add frozen strawberries while making oats. 
• Consider all the different flavors of fruit jellies and jams. Favorites include apricot, raspberry, blackberry, blueberries, and figs. 
• For a lower sugar, calorie, and point option, you can make your own fruit compote in a pan. Just cook down some fresh fruit in a pan until it's soft. If it needs a sweetener, try maple syrup, honey, or a no-calorie sweetener like Stevia or monk fruit. 
• This recipe works with all different nut and seed kinds of butter including almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower butter, and even tahini. 
• If you aren't a fan of bananas, swap in unsweetened applesauce, canned pumpkin, or canned butternut squash. These are all less sweet than bananas, so you may need a touch of extra sweetener. 
• Build deeper flavors with spices like nutmeg, cloves, allspice, ginger, or cardamom. 

Can I use frozen fruit?

This overnight oats recipe works great with frozen fruit as well as fruit. Believe it or not, you don't even have to have to defrost it. Just add the frozen fruit right into the overnight oat mix. It will defrost as the oats sit and do their thing overnight. 

Can I make regular oatmeal with this recipe?

If you prefer a more traditional oat recipe, these work great in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add everything to a microwave-safe bowl, that's large enough that the oats won't bubble over.  Cook on high for 3-3:30 minutes until the oats are cooked through and creamy.

For the stovetop, follow the same instructions. They will take about 5-7 minutes on a low simmer. Pay attention, you may need a little extra milk for this preparation. 

How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?

Overnight oatmeal can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 4-5 days. When prepping overnight oats that will be in the fridge for a few days, always consider the fruit you are using. Some fruits, like berries, will soften and get mushy, so it's better to add them right before serving. 

Looking for more oatmeal recipes

• Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal Bars
• The Best Microwave Oatmeal
• Frozen Oatmeal Cups
• Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats