Name: Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Ingredients: ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats; ½ cup milk or unsweetened soy milk; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon peanut butter; ½ banana (sliced); ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 –2 teaspoons maple syrup (optional)

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Make peanut butter banana overnight oats with rolled oats, Greek yogurt, milk, and cinnamon. Includes quantities, variations, and storage tips.

Bowl of oatmeal with banana slices and nuts on a wooden board — Illustrative stock photo; not a photograph of this exact recipe or a product test. Photo by Alexandru Acea · License.

A make-ahead breakfast with rolled oats, yogurt, banana, and peanut butter. Stir it together at night and adjust the texture in the morning. No protein powder or cooking is needed.

Makes: 1 serving · Prep: 5 minutes · Chill: overnight

Ingredients for peanut butter banana overnight oats

½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup milk or unsweetened soy milk
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon peanut butter
½ banana, sliced
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1–2 teaspoons maple syrup, optional

How to make it

In a lidded container, stir the milk, yogurt, peanut butter, and cinnamon until mostly smooth.
Mix in the oats, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, stir again. Add a splash of milk if the oats are thicker than you like.
Top with banana just before eating. Taste before adding optional syrup.

Make it your own

Use sunflower seed butter if avoiding peanuts, checking all ingredient labels for your needs. Frozen berries can replace the banana. Rolled oats keep a chewier texture than instant oats; steel-cut oats need a different preparation. A thicker yogurt produces a thicker finished breakfast.

Prep and storage

For two breakfasts, double the mixture and divide between clean containers. Refrigerate promptly and keep cold; use within 3–4 days, or sooner if an ingredient’s use-by guidance requires it. Add sliced fruit at serving time for the best texture. Carry in an insulated bag with a cold pack.

Contains milk and peanuts when made as written. Nutrition varies with the milk, yogurt, and toppings you choose; check labels if tracking intake.

Choose oats for the texture you want

Old-fashioned rolled oats are a useful starting point because they soften overnight while retaining some structure. Instant oats produce a softer mixture, while steel-cut oats need a different recipe and should not be swapped into these quantities automatically. If gluten avoidance matters, use appropriately labeled oats and check every other ingredient. Start with the recipe once before adjusting several ingredients at the same time.

Mix the peanut butter before adding oats

Thick peanut butter can collect in lumps when stirred directly into dry oats. First combine it with the yogurt and milk, pressing larger streaks against the side of the container. Then fold in the oats. A few small streaks are fine; the goal is a consistent mixture rather than a perfectly smooth sauce. Use a container with enough room to stir without spilling.

Fix a breakfast that is too thick or too thin

Check the texture after chilling, not immediately after mixing. Add milk a spoonful at a time to loosen thick oats. If they are too loose, stir in a small amount of oats and allow additional refrigerated soaking time. Different yogurt thicknesses and milk choices change absorption. Record the adjustment you prefer so your next batch starts closer to the texture you enjoy.

Scale without creating a week of unwanted breakfasts

Prepare two portions first and see whether you enjoy eating the same breakfast again. Use individual containers if you need to leave quickly, or a larger bowl if you will serve breakfast at home. Add banana at serving time to limit browning and softening. Keep nut butter and toppings measured separately if different people want different combinations. Plan the number of portions around the safe storage window.

Frequently asked questions

Can I eat overnight oats warm?

Yes, if you prefer. Transfer to a microwave-safe dish and follow its instructions, warming in short intervals and stirring. Add banana afterward. The texture will differ from the chilled version.

Do I need protein powder?

No. This recipe is designed around oats, milk, yogurt, and peanut butter. Adding powder changes flavor and thickness and is not needed to follow the recipe.

Can I swap the peanut butter?

A suitable seed butter can work, but check labels and cross-contact information for your needs. Texture varies by brand, so adjust the liquid after chilling rather than assuming an exact equivalent.

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