If you’re like me and you crave a breakfast that’s not only delicious but also super easy to prepare, you’re going to love this Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe. It combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with naturally sweet bananas and hearty oats, making it a fantastic grab-and-go meal that feels like a treat but fuels you right. Trust me, once you get going with this, mornings get a whole lot simpler and tastier.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Prep: You mix everything in one jar and refrigerate – no cooking required.
Balanced Nutrition: Rolling oats provide fiber, peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, and banana gives natural sweetness and potassium.
Customizable Flavor: Cinnamon and maple syrup elevate the taste but you can adjust these to your liking.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep multiple servings to save busy mornings without compromising taste or texture.

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats, healthy overnight oats, quick breakfast ideas, easy make-ahead breakfast, nutritious breakfast recipes - The image shows a glass jar filled with a light brown mixture of overnight oats that have a creamy, slightly chunky texture. At the top of the jar, there are five yellowish banana slices arranged closely, sprinkled with small brown specks of cinnamon. The jar is placed on a dark wooden board, with some oats and a wooden spoon with oats blurred in the background. A silver spoon lies to the right of the jar on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe contributes something special, creating a creamy, nutritious breakfast. Picking quality peanut butter and ripe bananas can make a noticeable difference, so here’s a quick overview to help you shop smart.

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats, healthy overnight oats, quick breakfast ideas, easy make-ahead breakfast, nutritious breakfast recipes - Flat lay of a small mound of rolled oats, a teaspoon of whole flax seeds, a light dusting of ground cinnamon beside a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small white ceramic bowl filled with amber maple syrup, a dollop of creamy peanut butter on the side, and a perfectly ripe half banana sliced into neat pieces arranged next to the ingredients, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rolled oats: These give the perfect chewy texture after soaking overnight; old-fashioned oats work best for creaminess without turning mushy.
Whole flax seeds: Optional but great for a subtle nutty crunch and added omega-3s.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering; a pinch goes a long way.
Milk: I use dairy or any plant-based milk – it hydrates the oats and blends flavors nicely.
Pure maple syrup: For a natural sweetener that complements peanut butter beautifully.
Peanut butter: Creamy, all-natural peanut butter works best; avoid highly processed versions with added sugars or oils.
Banana: Slice fresh right before eating to keep it vibrant and prevent browning.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing with this Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to get creative — it’s your breakfast after all!

Extra protein: I sometimes add a scoop of vanilla protein powder or Greek yogurt to amp up morning energy.
Nut butter swap: Almond or cashew butter works just fine if peanut butter isn’t your thing.
Fruit additions: Blueberries or strawberries can be mixed in for a berry twist — fresh or frozen both work.
Vegan option: Use plant-based milk and pure maple syrup or agave for sweetening.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients First

Start by combining your rolled oats, whole flax seeds (if using), and a dash of cinnamon in a mason jar or bowl. This ensures the spices and seeds are evenly distributed before adding any liquids.

Step 2: Add Milk and Maple Syrup

Pour in half a cup of your chosen milk and add a teaspoon of pure maple syrup. Give it a good stir so everything mixes well. This is the base that softens the oats overnight and adds just the right sweetness.

Step 3: Swirl in the Peanut Butter

Drop in your two tablespoons of peanut butter, then gently swirl with a spoon to combine it just a bit but still leave some lovely pockets of peanut butter goodness. This little technique keeps each bite interesting.

Step 4: Refrigerate Overnight

Screw on the lid or cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap, then pop it into the fridge for a minimum of 6 hours. Overnight is best — it’s magic time for the oats to absorb all those flavors and soften perfectly.

Step 5: Add Fresh Banana Right Before Serving

When you’re ready to eat, peel and slice half a banana, then place the slices atop your oats. I also like to drizzle a little extra maple syrup and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon for a pretty, fragrant finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe

Choose the Right Oats: I always use old-fashioned rolled oats because they hold texture well without getting too mushy.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Instead of fully mixing in, I gently fold the peanut butter so some bites have a punch of flavor.
Fresh Bananas are Key: Adding the banana just before eating keeps it vibrant and prevents it from turning brown overnight.
Adjust Milk for Consistency: If you like thinner oats, I recommend adding up to one cup of milk — some mornings I prefer it a little soupy!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats, healthy overnight oats, quick breakfast ideas, easy make-ahead breakfast, nutritious breakfast recipes - A clear glass jar with a silver metal lid filled with three layers of overnight oats. The bottom layer is creamy white with tiny pieces of oats and seeds showing through. The middle layer has a light brown chunk inside the creamy oats mixture creating a rough texture. The top layer blends smoothly into the silver lid. The jar sits on a white marbled surface with scattered oats around, a white cloth on the left, and a yellow banana on the right photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with banana slices, but sometimes I sprinkle chopped peanuts or a handful of chia seeds on top for crunch. A drizzle of honey or some cacao nibs also add a fun twist when I want a bit of extra sweetness or chocolate flavor.

Side Dishes

Since this Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe is so hearty, I like pairing it with fresh fruit like berries or a small glass of fresh-pressed juice. It balances the richness and keeps the meal feeling fresh and light.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunches or when I’m having friends over, I serve these oats layered in clear glasses, adding banana slices between layers so everyone gets a pretty view before digging in. It makes breakfast feel a little extra special and festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you make a batch for multiple days, keep the oats covered tightly in the fridge — they’re good for up to five days. I prefer to slice bananas fresh each morning, but if you’re in a hurry, you can add chopped apples or berries the night before instead.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing this exact recipe because the texture changes with oats, but you can freeze the dry mix separately. Just combine the oats, seeds, and cinnamon in a container so you’re ready to add wet ingredients whenever you want.

Reheating

Usually, I eat overnight oats cold because that’s part of their charm. But if you want warmth, I recommend transferring a serving to a bowl and microwaving it briefly—about 30 seconds to 1 minute—stirring midway to avoid hot spots.

FAQs

Can I make the Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe without peanut butter?

Absolutely! You can skip the peanut butter or swap it for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even Greek yogurt for creaminess. The oats will still soak up flavor nicely from the banana and maple syrup.
What type of oats should I use for this overnight oats recipe?

I recommend old-fashioned rolled oats because they absorb the liquid well and keep a great texture overnight. Quick oats work too but can get softer, while steel-cut oats need longer soaking times and a different approach.
How long can I store the prepared overnight oats in the fridge?

When stored in a sealed container or jar, the oats will stay fresh and tasty for up to five days. Just add the banana slices fresh each time, as they brown quickly if left mixed in.
Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?

Definitely. Honey, agave nectar, or even a bit of brown sugar work well. Maple syrup just pairs beautifully with peanut butter, but feel free to choose your favorite.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe has become one of my morning go-tos because it’s quick, nutritious, and feels indulgent without any guilt. Whether you’re rushing out the door or cozying up to breakfast at home, I promise this will make your mornings easier and yummier. Give it a try—once you do, it might just become your new favorite way to start the day, just like it did for me!

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe

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Author: Julia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Category: Breakfast
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Peanut Butter and Banana Overnight Oats recipe is a quick, nutritious, and delicious no-cook breakfast option. Rolled oats soaked overnight in milk are combined with peanut butter and sweetened with maple syrup, then topped with fresh banana slices for a creamy and satisfying meal ready to grab and go in the morning.

Ingredients

Base

1/2 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon whole flax seeds (optional)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons peanut butter

Topping

1/2 banana, sliced (add when ready to eat)

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Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mason jar or bowl, mix the rolled oats, whole flax seeds, and cinnamon thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and seeds.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and maple syrup, stirring well to combine all ingredients uniformly with the oats.
Add Peanut Butter: Drop in the peanut butter and stir gently just enough to swirl it around—the peanut butter will partially blend into the mixture while leaving some texture.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the jar with its lid or use plastic wrap to cover the bowl. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours to allow the oats to soak and soften.
Serve: When ready to eat, remove the cover and top your overnight oats with the sliced banana. Optionally, drizzle extra maple syrup and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the top for added sweetness and flavor.

Notes

You can use old-fashioned rolled oats, quick oats, or steel-cut oats, but soak time may vary.
If you prefer thinner oats, increase the milk up to 1 cup for a creamier consistency.
Overnight oats keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prepping.
Adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup or toppings as desired.
This recipe is customizable by swapping peanut butter with other nut or seed butters according to your preference.