Your favorite flavor combo, breakfast-style.
If you’re like most American families, weekday mornings get busy.
Take something off your plate by making breakfast the night before with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats. Grab-and-go meals take so much stress off an already rushed schedule.
And this easy recipe is a great way to start the day! On top of being delicious, you just can’t get any simpler.
If this is your first time making Overnight Oats, don’t stress. This recipe is impossible to mess up. Plus, you get that satisfying chocolate flavor while the filling of peanut butter keeps you going all day. Win-win!
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Sweetener. Keep it natural with pure maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. Sweeten it to preference.
- Oats. Old-fashioned oats will get you a better texture, but quick oats can also be used. However, use less milk, and they might end up a bit mushier. Definitely avoid steel-cut oats.
- Milk. You can use a regular or a plant-based alternative. Oat milk is my favorite! Feel free to go with soy, almond, or cashew milk for vegan oatmeal. My favorite type of milk to use when making overnight oats is almond milk. It is subtly flavored while still maintaining the consistency of regular milk. Avoid coconut milk if possible, as it adds quite a bit of flavor to the dish.
- Cocoa powder. Be sure to go with an unsweetened variety. Depending on your personal preference, choose regular or dark.
- Peanut butter. Either creamy or crunchy peanut butter is fine—opt for your personal preference. If needed, you can also sub with almond or cashew butter.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Combine the ingredients.
Add the oats and cocoa powder to a large bowl. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine.
Carefully stir in the milk of choice, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Be sure no lumps are remaining for the best results.
Evenly divide the oat mixture between 4 jars. Add one tablespoon of the peanut butter to the top of the oatmeal.
Pro Tip: Be sure to use 8-ounce jars when making this recipe. They are easy to find and perfectly fit one serving of overnight oats.
Chill in the fridge.
Place a lid on each jar, ensuring it is screwed on tight. Set the jars in the fridge.
Let the oatmeal set up for at least 2 hours in the fridge. But, it will be best if left to chill overnight.
Before digging in, top with some chopped peanuts. You can even include some chocolate chips or any other favorite toppings, as well.
FAQs
Overnight oats are old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats that absorb some sort of milk (almond, soy, coconut, cashew, or regular milk) for at least two hours. This is an easy breakfast that is incredibly versatile.
You can choose to mix in your toppings before the overnight oats are refrigerated or after. Crunchy toppings such as nuts taste best if added the day of serving, whereas soft toppings, like peanut butter, will do well if refrigerated.
When you let oats sit overnight with milk, the liquid is absorbed slowly for maximum flavor and a creamy texture. You can include any flavors you like.
When eaten as part of a healthy diet, overnight oats are a great way to stay regular.
Overnight oats are best enjoyed within the first 24 hours but will last for up to 2-3 days if refrigerated properly. However, the texture does start to get a bit thick after the first day or two.
What to serve with it?
While all you have to do is grab a jar and go, you can add any of these other healthy breakfast recipes to start your day on the right foot.
If you’re craving some protein, make some Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs, Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs, Egg White Bites, or Breakfast Egg Muffin Cups. Or, serve up some Bacon or Chicken Sausage.
You can also whip up some Pigs in a Blanket.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
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Ingredients
- 2 cups oats old-fashioned, gluten-free if needed
- 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
- 2 cups milk regular or plant-based
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup peanut butter creamy or crunchy
- ¼ cup peanuts roasted, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl whisk together oats and cocoa powder. Add milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir until well combined.2 cups oats, 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 cups milk, ⅓ cup pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour into Jars: Add equal amounts of the oats to four 8-oz. mason jars. Top each jar with one tablespoon of peanut butter.¼ cup peanut butter
- Chill in Fridge: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Just before serving add 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts and enjoy!¼ cup peanuts
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Notes
- Heating: Overnight oats are best enjoyed straight out of the refrigerator. However, if you prefer warm overnight oats, simply heat them up in the microwave until they reach your desired temperature.
- Oats: Old-fashioned (or rolled) oats are the best variety for a creamy and smooth texture.
- Add-ins: Extra ingredients like yogurt, protein powder, spices, or nuts will enhance the flavor and health benefits of the oatmeal.
- Chilling: These oats need at least 2 hours in the fridge, but they’re best if left overnight.
- Meal Prep: Make extra jars so you have breakfast ready all week.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Delicious Overnight Oats Recipes
Once you’ve tried your first batch of overnight oats, you’ll be chomping at the bit to try other variations! They all have simple ingredients and are equally as easy to pull together:
Blueberry Overnight Oats
2 hrs 5 mins
Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats
2 hrs 5 mins
Peach Overnight Oats
2 hrs 20 mins
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What is the reason for adding maple syrup? A natural sweetner or some other reason?
Yes, Zach! That’s totally it. I like to use unrefined sugars whenever possible. You can always use regular sugar if that’s what you have!
So easy and delicious! I added chia seeds and hemp hearts for a little extra! 🙂
What a wonderful idea, Stefanie!! Do you have a favorite brand of hemp hearts? I have not tried those yet and would love to add them to some overnight oats next time, too!
Are the nutrition facts per 1 serving (1/4 of what is made)? Or for the whole thing made?
Hi Faith! Yes, the nutrition facts are for 1 serving (or 1/4 of the total amount.) Peanut butter and peanuts are pretty calorically dense so you can always decrease how much you use or leave off the peanuts entirely to decrease the calories.
I cannot wait to make these. My kids will love them!
Yay!! Can’t wait to hear what you and your kiddos think!