Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats Recipe
If you love the classic combo of peanut butter and jelly but want a breakfast that’s both quick and impressive, you’ll fall head over heels for this Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats Recipe. It’s a rich, comforting bowl that feels indulgent but actually keeps things healthy and simple — perfect for busy mornings or anytime you want a grab-and-go treat that tastes like a dessert! Stick with me; I’ll walk you through everything to make sure your oats come out ultra creamy and bursting with that nostalgic peanut butter and jelly flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- No-Cook Convenience: Just mix everything and refrigerate overnight—there’s no cooking hassle involved.
- Balanced Flavors: The creamy peanut butter pairs perfectly with sweet jelly and tangy Greek yogurt for a well-rounded taste.
- Textural Goodness: Chia seeds add a subtle crunch and help thicken, while old fashioned oats keep the texture hearty but soft.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a big batch to save time on busy mornings or snack times.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats Recipe plays an important role to create a luscious, satisfying bowl that holds up well overnight. Choosing quality ingredients enhances both nutrition and taste, so here’s what you need and why it’s worth picking the best.
- Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and protein, making these oats more filling and giving a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- Almond milk: Keeps things dairy-light but creamy; you can swap for any milk you prefer.
- Peanut butter: The star of the show, providing richness and that classic nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with jelly.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that blends effortlessly without overpowering the other components.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and sweetness, a small addition that makes a big flavor impact.
- Old fashioned oats: These oats absorb liquid well overnight without turning gummy, giving a great texture.
- Chia seeds: Help thicken the oats and add fiber and omega-3s; plus, they add an interesting little crunch.
- Jelly or jam: Bring that sweet fruity pop that takes this from simple oats to a nostalgic PB&J experience.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love most about this Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats Recipe is how easily you can personalize it. Whether you want to adjust for sweetness, swap nut butters, or add extra toppings, there’s lots of room to make it your own.
- Nut Butter Swap: I’ve tried almond butter and even cashew butter here, and they add a lovely twist if you want to switch things up or avoid peanuts.
- Fruit Variation: Instead of traditional grape jelly, experiment with strawberry, raspberry, or even a homemade berry compote for a fresh taste.
- Sweetener Options: Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup or agave if that suits your diet better.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, and a nut milk of your choice to keep it fully vegan.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl. Combine the Greek yogurt, almond milk, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. If your peanut butter is stiff, give it a quick zap in the microwave for 15 seconds—this makes it easier to blend smoothly. I usually whisk everything together with a fork or small whisk until the mixture is silky and homogenous. This base is where your oats soak up all that creamy flavor, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Stir in Oats and Chia Seeds
Once your base is ready, toss in the old fashioned oats and chia seeds. Stir well to make sure every oat is submerged and coated in the creamy mixture. The chia seeds are your secret thickening weapon—they absorb liquid overnight, giving you that perfect spoonable texture in the morning.
Step 3: Refrigerate and Let it Set
Transfer everything into an airtight container—something with a good seal is best to preserve freshness—and pop it in the fridge. I usually let mine chill overnight, but if you’re short on time, even a few hours will do the trick. The oats soak up all that creamy goodness and the chia seeds thicken the mixture into a luscious pudding-like consistency by morning.
Step 4: Morning Magic – Swirl in the Jelly
When you’re ready to eat, swirl in your favorite jelly or jam. You can spoon it on top or gently mix it in for that classic swirl effect. I like to add a little extra peanut butter dollop, a handful of chopped peanuts, and fresh berries for a burst of freshness and texture. Pro tip: If you like your jelly mixed in for the entire flavor experience, you can stir it into the oats before refrigerating, but I prefer adding it fresh in the morning for a pop of fruity brightness.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats Recipe
- Warm Your Peanut Butter: Warming peanut butter slightly helps it blend smoothly with the yogurt and milk for that coveted velvety texture.
- Use Thick Greek Yogurt: Thicker yogurt prevents the oats from getting too runny and adds protein to keep you full longer.
- Chia Seeds Boost Texture: Don’t skip the chia seeds—they’re magic for soaking up excess liquid and creating creaminess.
- Add Jelly at Serving Time: Adding jelly fresh in the morning keeps fruit flavors vibrant and prevents the mixture from becoming too sweet overnight.
How to Serve Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my oats with a few chopped roasted peanuts for crunch and a drizzle of a bit more peanut butter because you can never have too much, right? Fresh berries like blueberries or sliced strawberries add a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or even a few mini chocolate chips make it feel like a breakfast treat.
Side Dishes
This bowl is pretty filling on its own, but if you want to balance with some savory, I often enjoy it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple veggie omelette. For a light snack vibe, pair it with a crisp apple or some carrot sticks to keep things fresh during the day.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, I like layering these overnight oats in small glass jars with alternating layers of jelly and peanut butter, finishing with a pretty swirl on top. It looks so inviting and feels just a little indulgent, perfect for impressing guests or special mornings with family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (though they rarely last long in my house), store any extra overnight oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before eating; the chia seeds might continue thickening the mixture, so you can add a splash of milk if it feels too dense.
Freezing
Honestly, I don’t usually freeze these oats because the texture after thawing can become a little watery and less creamy. But if you want to freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and expect to thaw overnight in the fridge—then stir well before enjoying.
Reheating
I actually prefer eating these oats cold straight from the fridge, but if you want them warm, just microwave for 30-45 seconds and stir. Adding a splash of milk while reheating helps bring back that creamy, cozy feel without drying out the oats.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?
You can, but quick oats tend to get mushier because they absorb liquid faster. I prefer old fashioned oats in this Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats Recipe for that hearty yet tender texture that holds up overnight without becoming gluey.
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Is it okay to add the jelly before refrigerating?
Absolutely, you can mix the jelly in before refrigerating, but keep in mind the jelly’s flavor will mellow out and mix completely throughout. For a fresher burst of fruitiness, I prefer stirring it in just before serving.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute Greek yogurt with a thick plant-based yogurt and make sure your jelly and peanut butter don’t contain any animal products. Almond milk works perfectly as the liquid here.
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How long can I store the overnight oats in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, these oats stay fresh for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor might start to decline, so I recommend enjoying them within that window.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats Recipe feels like a hug in a bowl every time I make it — it’s quick, comforting, and satisfyingly delicious. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a leisurely morning, it’s a recipe that adapts beautifully and always hits the spot. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to keep this in your weekly rotation.
Print
Creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and creamy Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats combine the classic flavors of a beloved sandwich into a wholesome, make-ahead breakfast. Packed with protein from Greek yogurt and peanut butter, fiber-rich oats and chia seeds, and a sweet touch of jelly and honey, this easy recipe is perfect for busy mornings or a nutritious snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/3 cup jelly or jam
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, almond milk, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir well to blend all the creamy ingredients together.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Next, add the old fashioned oats and chia seeds into the bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the oats and seeds are evenly coated with the wet mixture.
- Refrigerate Mixture: Transfer the combined mixture into an airtight container. Cover it securely and place it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least a few hours to allow the oats to absorb the liquid and soften.
- Add Jelly and Toppings: In the morning, swirl in the jelly or jam gently to create a marbled effect. Optionally, top with additional peanut butter, chopped peanuts, and fresh berries for added texture and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled directly from the fridge for a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack packed with the classic peanut butter and jelly taste.
Notes
- You can mix the jelly directly into the oat mixture before refrigerating if preferred.
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option.
- Add fresh fruits like bananas or berries to boost nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer sweeter oats, increase the honey amount slightly or add maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
