Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

There’s something undeniably appealing about a breakfast that’s ready and waiting for you in the morning. In fact, it can make those who often forgo the most important meal of the day take the time to enjoy it. Overnight oats are wholesome, quick and loaded with lots of fun flavors depending on what you mix in.

Proof: These peanut butter banana overnight oats that take the concept to a delicious new level. We’re pretty sure even diehard PB and banana fan Elvis would trade his beloved sandwich for them. A satisfying recipe that nourishes your body with heart-healthy ingredients and topped with fresh slices of banana and a drizzle of honey.

Each spoonful is better than the next and that’s a breakfast worth waking up for if you ask us.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

• Peanut butter: Peanut butter is the key player in these oats and the main binder. We went with creamy for the best consistency with the already chunky oats but if you only have chunky on hand (or just love it more) then it’s fine to use that. Make sure it’s slightly warmed to mix with the oats better.
• Honey: Overnight oats can be pretty bland on their own so the best-tasting recipes incorporate a sweetener of some kind, like honey or agave. You can also drizzle more on top when you eat them the next day.
• Milk: Milk helps the oat mixture thicken up overnight and keeps things creamy. We used fat-free milk to cut down on fat and calories but you could use full-fat milk or nut milk.
• Oats: You’ll need 1/3 cup of oats as well. Old-fashioned oats work great for overnight oats.
• Bananas: Bananas and peanut butter are a classic combo that pairs well with overnight oats. Use ripe bananas so they mix with the oats better and save a few slices to use as a topper.

Directions

Step 1: Make the overnight oats

In a small container, combine the peanut butter, honey, milk, oats and banana. Mix everything until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Refrigerate

Pop a lid on the container and place it in the refrigerator to do its thing overnight.

Step 3: Add toppings and enjoy

Top with sliced bananas and drizzle with honey, then dig in!

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oat Variations

• Switch up the toppings: Instead of bananas and honey, try shaved coconut, cacao nibs, heart-healthy chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of homemade granola.
• Make it plant-based: Swap the dairy-based milk for a plant-based one like almond, oat or pistachio.  Also, skip the honey to keep this recipe vegan,.
• Add protein powder: For extra protein, add a scoop of your favorite powder when mixing the overnight oats.

How to Store Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Since this is a single-serve recipe and the storing mostly happens overnight when the oats are thickening, you probably won’t have a lot of leftovers. On the off chance you do, pop the container back in the fridge to finish later in the day or the next morning.

Can you make overnight oats ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of the best (and healthiest) breakfasts to meal prep. Just use small Tupperware containers for each portion/day then place them all in the fridge. You can take one out day by day when you’re ready for them.

How long do overnight oats last?

These sturdy oats have a pretty long fridge life so if you make a week’s worth of overnight oats on a Sunday you can enjoy them all week long, for up to five days.

Can you freeze overnight oats?

You sure can. Prep the oats the same way and store them in freezer-safe containers but leave out the toppings. Then thaw in the fridge overnight. Frozen oats will be good for up to three months.

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oat Tips

What’s the secret to perfecting overnight oats?

Following the recipe to the T. This is not one to wing. Our Taste of Home tested recipe ensures your oats will be thick and creamy the next morning if you use the exact amounts suggested. Otherwise, they could turn out soupy.

What shouldn’t you do when making overnight oats?

Use water instead of milk. You won’t achieve the same creamy texture with water.

Why are my overnight oats soggy?

If your oats are mushy instead of creamy you might have used the wrong oats. Only use old-fashioned oats for this recipe. Steel-cut oats will be too firm (even after being soaked overnight) and quick-cooking oats can be too pasty.