PB & J Overnight Oats

These PB&J Overnight Oats transform the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a creamy, protein-packed breakfast that's perfect for busy mornings. Made with hearty oats, rich peanut butter, sweet strawberry jam, and a boost of protein, this easy make-ahead breakfast is both nostalgic and delicious, with breakfast ready and waiting in the refrigerator when you need it.

I love breakfast meal prep! There's nothing that gets my day started better than knowing my breakfast is right there waiting for me. Some of the favorite meal prep breakfast recipes we have on repeat are these Peanut Butter Baked Oats and Sheet Pan Eggs.

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Why You'll Love This PB & J Overnight Oats Recipe

This peanut butter and jelly overnight oats recipe is the kind of recipe that makes you excited to wake up in the morning! It's creamy, filling, and packed with irresistible flavors. The peanut butter swirled through the oats, layered with jam, is like your favorite classic peanut butter, but in a different form. These high-protein overnight oats are simple and easy to make, making them ideal for meal prep.

Still having second thoughts? Here's the breakdown of why I think you'll love them:

• Quick and easy to make: You stir, layer, and refrigerate. Truly one of the most, if not the easiest, overnight oats.
• Loaded with protein: The mixture of Greek yogurt and natural peanut butter is equivalent to a filling, high-protein overnight oats combo that satisfies you.
• Kid-approved flavors: Peanut butter and jam are nostalgic for a reason that even picky eaters will ask for these overnight oats!
• Meal prep friendly: Make three jars at once and have breakfast ready for most of the week or double or triple the recipe depending on your needs!
• Easy to customize: You can change the jam, change the nut butter, or add fresh fruit you like, and more, because the overnight oats ideas are endless.
• No cooking required: No fuss! You mix and chill overnight.
• Naturally sweetened: A little is all you need. The jam has a little sugar and the natural sweetness from the strawberries. Use a low sugar or sugar-free variety to fit your needs.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or spatula
• 3 glass storage jars or meal prep jars with lids
• Measuring spoons and cups

Key Ingredients

Old-fashioned oats: It's also known as rolled oats. It's the best kind of oat for this healthy overnight oats recipe because it absorbs liquid slowly and softens to a perfectly creamy texture without turning mushy. Do not use quick oats or steel-cut oats, as their texture will not be the same.

Milk: Any milk you have on hand will work, but I prefer almond milk and love how it works in this easy overnight oats recipe.

Greek yogurt: Whole Greek yogurt is my preference. It makes the oats rich and creamy and adds a good protein boost, but you can use any kind of yogurt you have.

Natural peanut butter: It blends beautifully into the oat base, giving these overnight oats a peanut butter flavor in every bite.

Jam or Jelly: I used my homemade strawberry freezer jam, and it's so good! Any jam or jelly works, any fruit flavor.

Chia seeds: They add extra fiber and nutrition and also help thicken the oats as they soak overnight.

Honey: It adds natural sweetness without any refined sugar.

Vanilla extract and salt: Vanilla gives warmth and depth to the oat base, and a small pinch of salt balances all the flavors.

Step-By-Step Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, honey, salt, and peanut butter. Stir well until all the ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.

Add the old-fashioned oats and chia seeds and stir again to coat. The oats and chia seeds will begin absorbing the liquid right away.

Spoon the oat mixture evenly into 3 glass storage jars. Add a spoonful of jam and a little extra peanut butter in the middle as a layer, and top with the remaining oat mixture. Finish each jar with another small spoonful of jam and peanut butter.

Add the lids to secure the jars, then place them in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours.

When ready to serve, garnish with fresh strawberries if desired, grab a spoon, and dig in!

Substitutions and Additions

• Milk: Use the milk of your choice! Oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy milk will work well in this overnight oats recipe. Keep in mind that using different milk could slightly change the flavor and the calorie count.
• Sweetener: If honey isn't available, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar with great results.
• Nut butter: Almond or cashew butter can replace peanut butter if you'd like. For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter works well.
• Jam or jelly: Use any flavor you like; blueberry, grape, raspberry, or cherry are all delicious options! If you have homemade jam on hand, go for it!
• Yogurt: You can make this recipe dairy-free by swapping the Greek yogurt for a coconut- or almond-based yogurt.
• Add-ins: Fresh banana slices, mini chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of granola are all fun ways to add flavor and layer to your overnight oats peanut butter jars.

Make-Ahead

This is one of the best, if not the best, overnight oats ideas for a busy week. Assemble the jars on Sunday night, and you have a grab-and-go breakfast ready for the next few days. The oats need at least 6 hours to soak. Overnight is ideal so they are perfectly creamy and ready to go when you wake up.

Storage

Store the overnight oat jars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you find the oats have thickened up more than you like after a day or two, just stir in a small splash of milk before eating.

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!