Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats are the ultimate game-changer for anyone who wants a delicious, nutritious breakfast ready in minutes. This simple recipe combines the creamy richness of natural peanut butter with sweet, ripe bananas and hearty rolled oats. In my kitchen, I’ve found that busy mornings become stress-free when I have these jars waiting in the fridge.
There’s something magical about opening the refrigerator to find breakfast already made. I remember the first time I tried overnight oats – I was skeptical that something so simple could be so satisfying. But after one spoonful of this creamy, naturally sweet combination, I was hooked. The peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats that keep you full, while the bananas provide natural sweetness and potassium. What makes this recipe special is how the oats absorb all those wonderful flavors overnight, creating a creamy texture that rivals any store-bought breakfast. The best part? You can make several jars at once and have breakfast sorted for the entire week—just like with my Apple Cinnamon Peanut Butter Overnight Oats for some variety. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Recipe
Growing up in my grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen, I learned that the best breakfasts are the ones that nourish both body and soul. This Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats recipe carries that same philosophy – it’s wholesome, satisfying, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The beauty of overnight oats lies in their simplicity and versatility.
Ready in just 5 minutes of prep time – simply mix, store, and enjoy the next morning
Perfect for busy weekdays and weekend mornings when you want something nutritious without the fuss
Consistently creamy and delicious results every single time you make it
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings like nuts, berries, or extra peanut butter—just like in my Peanut Butter Jelly Overnight Oats recipe
Keeps you satisfied for hours thanks to the protein from peanut butter and fiber from oats
Make-ahead convenience means you can prepare up to 5 servings at once
This creamy breakfast is more than just a meal – it’s your ticket to stress-free mornings and sustained energy throughout the day.
Ingredient Notes
Rolled Oats: I always recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats because they hold their texture perfectly overnight and create that ideal creamy-yet-slightly-chewy consistency that makes overnight oats so satisfying.
Almond Milk: This creates the creamy base that brings everything together, and I prefer unsweetened almond milk because the bananas provide plenty of natural sweetness.
Ripe Bananas: Make sure to pick very ripe bananas with brown spots – they’re naturally sweeter and mash easily, giving your Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats the perfect flavor and texture.
Natural Peanut Butter: I always choose natural peanut butter without added sugars because it provides healthy fats and protein while letting the true peanut flavor shine through.
Chia Seeds: These tiny powerhouses add extra fiber and protein while helping to thicken the mixture as it sits overnight in the refrigerator.
Maple Syrup: In my kitchen, I prefer using pure maple syrup for additional sweetness, though you might find the ripe bananas provide enough natural sweetness on their own.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors and adds that warm, comforting taste that makes breakfast feel special.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
Step 1. I usually start by gathering all my ingredients on the counter – it makes the mixing process so much smoother and ensures I don’t forget anything important.
Step 2. In a large bowl, I combine the rolled oats, almond milk, mashed banana, and natural peanut butter, stirring everything together until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and no streaks remain.
Step 3. My grandmother always said to add the small ingredients last, so I stir in the chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until everything blends nicely.
Step 4. I’ve found that dividing the mixture between two jars or airtight containers right away helps with portion control and keeps everything fresh for longer.
Step 5. Next, I slice the second banana and arrange the pieces on top of each jar – this adds beautiful presentation and extra banana flavor in every bite.
Step 6. My husband prefers when I seal the jars tightly before refrigerating, and he’s right – it prevents the oats from absorbing any refrigerator odors overnight.
Step 7. For best results, I recommend letting these Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats sit for at least 4 hours, though overnight gives you the perfect creamy texture.
Step 8. In the morning, I always give the oats a good stir and add a splash of milk if I want them extra creamy before adding my favorite toppings.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep them sealed tightly to maintain the best texture and prevent them from absorbing other flavors.
In my experience, these oats are perfect for meal prep because you can make several jars at once on Sunday and have breakfast ready all week long. The banana slices on top might brown slightly after a few days, but the flavor remains wonderful.
For the best results, I recommend enjoying these oats cold straight from the refrigerator, though you can warm them in the microwave for 30 seconds if you prefer a warm breakfast. Just stir well after heating and add a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
This quick and tasty breakfast combines creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and rolled oats for a healthy, make-ahead morning boost.
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond milk, mashed banana, peanut butter, chia seeds, maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
Divide the mixture evenly between two jars or containers.
Top with banana slices using the second banana.
Seal the containers and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
In the morning, stir well and add a splash of milk for creamier texture if desired.
Top with your choice of chopped nuts, extra banana, or a drizzle of peanut butter.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for sweetness; avoid instant oats. Add cinnamon or cocoa for variation. Store up to 5 days. Can be served warm or cold.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
Fresh Berry Medley: The tartness of blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries creates a beautiful flavor contrast with the sweet bananas and rich peanut butter, or try them in my Berry Crumble Bars for a fun twist.
Chopped Walnuts or Almonds: These add a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy oats. You might also enjoy the nuttiness in my Banana Pecan Cake if you’re after a weekend treat.
Greek Yogurt Dollop: A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt adds extra protein and probiotics. For an added protein boost, pair with my High Protein Bagels on the side.
Coffee or Green Tea: I often pair these overnight oats with coffee or green tea—especially when I have Healthy Aesthetic Bowl options prepared for later in the day.
Dark Chocolate Chips: For indulgence, pair with a few bites of Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats to create a rich, dessert-like morning.
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats for this recipe?
I recommend sticking with rolled oats because instant oats become too mushy overnight and won’t give you that perfect creamy-yet-textured consistency that makes Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats so satisfying.
How can I make these oats less sweet or more sweet?
Many home cooks find that very ripe bananas provide enough natural sweetness, so taste your mixture before adding maple syrup – you might not need it at all, or you can add extra if you prefer sweeter oats.
What’s the best way to prevent the banana slices from browning?
To avoid browning, I recommend adding the banana slices right before eating rather than when you first prepare the jars, or you can brush them lightly with lemon juice.
Can I make Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats dairy-free?
Absolutely! Using almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of dairy milk makes this recipe completely dairy-free while maintaining the same delicious creamy texture.
