Some mornings, I wake up craving something cozy and familiar—a breakfast that feels like a hug in a bowl. That’s how banana peanut butter overnight oats became my go-to comfort food.
The inspiration came during one particularly rushed week when I was juggling work deadlines, early morning workouts, and an overripe banana on my kitchen counter. I didn’t want to waste it, and I was far too tired to cook oatmeal in the morning.
So, I mashed the banana, added some oats, a spoonful of peanut butter, a splash of almond milk, and tossed it in the fridge overnight. The next morning, I had no idea that simple mix would become a regular part of my routine.
What I love most about this recipe is how satisfying it is without being fussy. It hits that perfect balance of sweet and salty, creamy and chewy, healthy and indulgent.
And because it’s made ahead of time, my mornings feel less chaotic. I just grab a jar, top it with whatever I’m feeling that day—granola, a drizzle of honey, maybe a few chocolate chips—and breakfast is served.
This overnight oats recipe is not only easy and nutritious, but it also feels like a tiny act of self-care. It’s filling, rich in fiber and healthy fats, and genuinely tastes like dessert.
If you’re someone who struggles to eat breakfast or just needs something nourishing on busy mornings, I really think you’ll love this.
Let me walk you through how to make banana peanut butter overnight oats, from the ingredients to the best ways to customize it to your taste.
What is Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats?
It’s a no-cook breakfast made by soaking rolled oats in milk overnight with mashed banana and peanut butter. By morning, the oats soften and thicken into a creamy, pudding-like texture. It’s hearty, naturally sweetened, and packed with nutrients.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Make-ahead magic: Preps in 5 minutes, no cooking involved.
- Wholesome ingredients: No refined sugar, just natural sweetness from bananas.
- Satisfying and filling: Perfect for busy mornings or post-workout refueling.
- Customizable: Tweak the flavor, texture, or toppings to match your mood.
- Tastes like dessert: Honestly, it reminds me of banana bread in a jar.
Ingredients Needed to Make Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- ½ cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best)
- 1 medium ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
- ¾ cup milk of choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional, for thickness and fiber)
- Pinch of salt
- Sweetener to taste (like maple syrup or honey, if needed)
Instructions to Make Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Mash the banana
In a small bowl or directly in your storage jar, mash one ripe banana until smooth. A few small chunks are totally fine—they add texture. - Add the peanut butter
Stir in 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter. I like mine creamy, but crunchy works too if you want more bite. - Mix in the dry ingredients
Add ½ cup rolled oats, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, a pinch of salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon if using. These bring structure and flavor. - Pour in the liquid
Add ¾ cup milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add 1–2 teaspoons of maple syrup or honey at this point. - Stir well and let it settle
Give everything a final stir, then let it sit for about 5 minutes. Stir again to prevent clumps (especially with chia seeds). - Refrigerate overnight
Cover the jar or container with a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it rest for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. - Serve and enjoy
In the morning, give it a good stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Top with sliced bananas, granola, nuts, or even a drizzle of extra peanut butter.
Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats old-fashioned oats work best
- 1 medium ripe banana mashed
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
- ¾ cup milk of choice almond, oat, dairy, etc.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon optional but recommended
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds optional, for thickness and fiber
- Pinch of salt
- Sweetener to taste like maple syrup or honey, if needed
Instructions
- In a small bowl or directly in your storage jar, mash one ripe banana until smooth. A few small chunks are totally fine—they add texture.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter. I like mine creamy, but crunchy works too if you want more bite.
- Add ½ cup rolled oats, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, a pinch of salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon if using. These bring structure and flavor.
- Add ¾ cup milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir everything together until well combined. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add 1–2 teaspoons of maple syrup or honey at this point.
- Give everything a final stir, then let it sit for about 5 minutes. Stir again to prevent clumps (especially with chia seeds).
- Cover the jar or container with a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it rest for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight.
- In the morning, give it a good stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. Top with sliced bananas, granola, nuts, or even a drizzle of extra peanut butter.
Notes
Stir twice: Once right after mixing and once again after 5 minutes to avoid clumps.
Adjust to taste: Add more milk if too thick, or a spoon of oats if too runny.
Use a jar with a lid: It’s cleaner, portable, and perfect for grab-and-go mornings.
Make it in batches: Prepare 2–3 jars ahead for the week.
What Goes Well with Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Sliced bananas or berries
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Granola for crunch
- A spoonful of Greek yogurt
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- Mini chocolate chips for a treat
- Coconut flakes or cacao nibs
My Tips to Make the Best Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Use ripe bananas: They’re sweeter and mash more easily.
- Stir twice: Once right after mixing and once again after 5 minutes to avoid clumps.
- Adjust to taste: Add more milk if too thick, or a spoon of oats if too runny.
- Use a jar with a lid: It’s cleaner, portable, and perfect for grab-and-go mornings.
- Make it in batches: Prepare 2–3 jars ahead for the week.
Easy Variations of Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Chocolate twist: Add 1 tsp cocoa powder or use chocolate almond milk.
- PB&J style: Swirl in strawberry or raspberry jam.
- Almond joy: Add coconut flakes and dark chocolate chips.
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
- High-protein: Stir in a scoop of protein powder or top with Greek yogurt.
Best Way to Store Banana Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Store in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
I usually prep two jars at a time.
Just give it a good stir before eating, and feel free to add toppings right before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Nutritional Value (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 10–12g
- Carbohydrates: 45–50g
- Fiber: 7–9g
- Fat: 12–15g
- Sugar: 10–12g (mostly natural from banana)
FAQs
Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.
Can I make it without peanut butter?
Of course! Use almond butter, cashew butter, or skip it altogether.
Can I heat it up?
Yes—just microwave it for 30–60 seconds if you prefer it warm.
Can I freeze it?
Technically yes, but I find the texture changes. It’s best fresh from the fridge.
Is this good for kids?
Definitely! It’s naturally sweet, full of nutrients, and very kid-friendly.
Conclusion
Every time I open the fridge to find a jar of banana peanut butter overnight oats waiting for me, it feels like I’ve done something kind for my future self. It’s that little nudge reminding me to slow down, savor the morning, and start the day feeling full and fueled.
This recipe has become a breakfast ritual I genuinely look forward to. What started as a quick solution for overripe bananas turned into a cozy favorite I can count on—especially during those hectic, sleepy mornings when the last thing I want is to make decisions. It’s reliable, forgiving, and always delicious.
There’s also something nostalgic about the combination of banana and peanut butter—it reminds me of childhood sandwiches, but reimagined into something more nourishing and grown-up. Yet, it still feels playful, like I’m treating myself to something fun.
If you’ve never tried overnight oats before, let this be your starting point. It’s foolproof, incredibly flexible, and tastes amazing. And if you’re already an overnight oats fan, this combo might just become your new staple.
Try it once, and I think you’ll get what I mean. You’ll have a creamy, wholesome breakfast ready to go, one that feels like a reward, not a chore. Whether you’re eating it straight from the jar at your desk, topping it with crunchy granola on a slow Sunday morning, or handing it to your kid as they run out the door—this one’s a winner.
And who knows? This little jar might just be the start of your own overnight oats adventure.
