Overnight Oats with Protein Powder and Peanut Butter

These Overnight Oats Recipe is made with old fashioned oats, almond or oat milk, protein powder, chia seeds, maple syrup, berries, chopped nuts, and peanut butter.

This is a simple way to get your protein in a healthy fashion. I love eating oatmeal for breakfast, but on its own, it doesn’t have that much protein. This is why adding the chia seeds, protein powder and peanut butter makes this so much better. I love eating this during the summer months, when it is too hot for warm oatmeal. You pop these overnight oats from the fridge and your oatmeal cravings are satisfied. Oatmeal by itself also has never made me completely full. I always love adding bananas, berries, and peanut butter. The protein powder is game changer. Not only does the protein powder make the oatmeal taste good, but it fills you up.

Although the name is Overnight oats, you actually do not need to soak them overnight. You need about 3 hours tops, so if you make it right when you wake up, you can have them late morning or early lunch. The longer you soak them, the softer they will be, so it is totally up to you. I like to eat them cold, but you can always warm them up in the microwave if you prefer them hot. I love adding sliced bananas, berries, and peanut butter after.

Another similar recipe of mine is this delicious Vegan Banana Pudding. Feel free to pair this recipe with my Nespresso Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Jump to:

• What are Overnight Oats?
• What ingredients do you need for overnight oats recipe?
• How to make Overnight Oats Recipe
• Substitutions
• Overnight Oats Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Overnight Oats
• Overnight Oats Recipe Top tips
• Overnight Oats Recipe
• Food safety

What are Overnight Oats?

Overnight oats are a type of no-cook oatmeal that is prepared the night before and eaten cold the next day. The basic ingredients include rolled oats, liquid (such as milk or yogurt), and a sweetener (such as honey or maple syrup). The oats absorb the liquid and soften overnight, resulting in a creamy and delicious breakfast that can be enjoyed straight out of the fridge.

In addition to the basic ingredients, overnight oats can be customized with a variety of add-ins, such as fresh or dried fruit, nuts, seeds, spices, and flavorings. Some people also like to mix in protein powders or nut butters for an extra boost of protein.

Overnight oats are popular among those who want a healthy and convenient breakfast option that can be prepared in advance and taken on-the-go. They are also a good source of fiber and nutrients, such as beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels.

What ingredients do you need for overnight oats recipe?

• Old-fashioned oats: MAKE SURE THEY ARE NOT INSTANT OATS
• Milk, almond milk, or oat milk
• Vanilla or chocolate protein powder
• Chia seeds
• Maple syrup
• Fruits like bananas or berries
• Nuts
• Peanut or almond butter

See recipe card for Overnight Oats with Protein Powder and Peanut Butter quantities.

How to make Overnight Oats Recipe

Hint: Using a mason jar is super helpful for this recipe, as it is an air-tight container.

Substitutions

Old Fashioned Oats: Make sure you are using old fashioned oats and not quick or instant oats, which will end up mushy.

Unsweetened milk: Make sure to use any type of milk, dairy or dairy free. I like to use oat milk because it obviously pairs well, but almond milk is a great alternative as well.

Protein powder: Feel free to use either vanilla or chocolate protein powder. My favorite type of protein powder to use is Orgain protein powder. Feel free to use CILANTROPARSLEY30 for 30% off your first order. Orgain protein powder is AMAZING because it’s made with REAL ingredients, cleaner foods, and still SO delicious.

Chia seeds: I love using chia seeds for added fiber, protein, healthy fats and it helps fill you up. If you do not like chia seeds, you can always opt to using flax seeds, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds.

Maple Syrup: You can use brown sugar or honey instead. To keep this recipe vegan, I used maple syrup, but you can use any sweetener you desire.

Berries: I love using fresh raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and chopped strawberries. You can even use chopped dried fruits as well.

Nuts: I love using sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, chopped cashews, pine nuts, pistachios or macadamia nuts. You can mix and match – get creative!

Butter: Peanut and almond butter are a great source of protein and a great added taste to this.

Other options: I have seen other overnight oat recipes use green yogurt, cottage cheese, or nut butter.

Overnight Oats Recipe Variations

There are countless variations of overnight oats that you can make based on your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter to the basic recipe. Top with sliced banana and chopped peanuts.
• Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats: Add chopped apple, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg to the basic recipe. Top with toasted pecans or walnuts.
• Berry Overnight Oats: Add mixed berries (fresh or frozen) and a drizzle of honey to the basic recipe. Top with more berries and sliced almonds.
• Tropical Overnight Oats: Add diced pineapple, mango, and coconut flakes to the basic recipe. Top with more fruit and toasted coconut.
• Chai Spiced Overnight Oats: Add chai spice (a mixture of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves) to the basic recipe. Top with sliced banana and chopped walnuts.
• Carrot Cake Overnight Oats: Add grated carrot, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the basic recipe. Top with chopped pecans and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
• Matcha Green Tea Overnight Oats: Add matcha powder and honey to the basic recipe. Top with sliced kiwi and coconut flakes.

Another great pairing for this pudding would be with my Iced Chai Latte.

Equipment

Making overnight oats requires minimal equipment, and most of the tools you need are likely already in your kitchen. Here are the basic equipment needed:

• Mason jars or airtight containers: You will need a container with a tight-fitting lid to mix and store your overnight oats.Using a mason jar is super helpful for this recipe because of their airtight lids.
• Measuring cups and spoons: You will need measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure out the ingredients.
• Mixing bowl (optional): If you prefer to mix your ingredients in a separate bowl before transferring them to the jars, you may want to use a mixing bowl.
• Spoon or whisk: You will need a spoon or whisk to mix the ingredients together.
• Fridge: You will need access to a fridge to store your overnight oats overnight or for at least 4 hours until they are ready to eat.

How to store Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are best stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Once you've mixed together the oats, liquid, and any add-ins, spoon the mixture into an airtight container or a mason jar.
2. Seal the container with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the refrigerator. The oats will need at least 4 hours to soften and absorb the liquid, but overnight is ideal.
3. In the morning, give the oats a stir or shake to make sure they're well mixed. You can eat them straight out of the jar or transfer them to a bowl.
4. If you have leftover overnight oats, you can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• If you're adding fresh fruit or toppings that can easily spoil, like sliced banana or berries, you may want to add them just before eating to keep them fresh.
• If the oats seem too thick or dry in the morning, you can add a splash of milk or yogurt to loosen them up.
• You can also freeze overnight oats for longer storage, but they may not have the same creamy texture as fresh oats.

Overnight Oats Recipe Top tips

Here are some tips to help you make the best overnight oats:

• Use rolled oats: Rolled oats work best for overnight oats because they have a chewy texture and absorb liquid well. Avoid using instant or quick-cooking oats, as they can become too mushy.
• Use a 2:1 liquid-to-oat ratio: The standard ratio for overnight oats is 2 parts liquid to 1 part oats. This will give you a creamy and thick texture.
• Use your favorite milk: You can use any type of milk or non-dairy milk for your overnight oats, such as almond, soy, coconut, or dairy milk. Just make sure it's unsweetened.
• Add some sweetness: You can sweeten your oats with honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other natural sweetener. Add it to the liquid before mixing in the oats.
• Add flavorings: To add more flavor, you can use spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, or add vanilla extract or cocoa powder. You can also add mashed banana or pumpkin puree for natural sweetness and flavor.
• Mix in add-ins: Add-ins like chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or fresh fruit can add texture and nutrition to your oats. Just make sure to chop or slice them into small pieces so they're easy to eat.
• Experiment with different combinations: There are endless flavor combinations you can try with overnight oats. Don't be afraid to get creative and mix and match different ingredients to find your favorite recipe.
• Chill overnight: Be sure to let your oats chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the oats to absorb the liquid and soften.

By following these tips, you can make a delicious and nutritious breakfast that's ready to go in the morning!

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Food safety

We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.

• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.