Peanut Butter & Banana Overnight Oats
Peanut butter and banana overnight oats take about 10 minutes to prepare: stir 50g rolled oats, 150ml milk, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp peanut butter, ½ tsp each of vanilla and cinnamon, and ⅔ of a mashed banana in a jar, then refrigerate overnight. By morning they are thick, creamy, and ready to eat cold. One jar comes to roughly 520 calories, with about 19g of protein and 12g of fibre.
It is the first recipe we hand to anyone new to overnight oats, and the one we still make most. 10 minutes of stirring tonight, and tomorrow's breakfast is sorted before you have even put the kettle on.
The recipe
Ingredients
- 50g / generous ½ cup rolled oats (one lid)
- 150ml / scant ⅔ cup milk of choice (to the milk line)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 medium banana
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Chopped nuts, for topping
Method
- Add 150ml milk to the milk line on your jar.
- Measure and add one portion of oats (50g) using the lid.
- Mix in the chia seeds, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
- Mash ⅔ of the banana in a separate bowl, then stir it into the oats with the peanut butter until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to serve, slice the remaining banana and place on top, adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts to taste.
Tips and variations
- More protein: stir in a spoonful of thick Greek yoghurt, or a small scoop of protein powder with an extra splash of milk.
- No chia seeds: leave them out and use about 130ml milk. It still sets, slightly less thick.
- Feeling indulgent: a few dark chocolate chips stirred through make it pudding-adjacent. We are not judging.
The jar we make it in
Every recipe on this site is written around the OATOLOGY jar: the lid measures the oats, the milk line measures the milk, and the sealed lid means it travels without leaking. No scales, no guesswork. Your own jar works too, anything sealable with room for a good stir.
Get the OATOLOGY jar on Amazon 2-pack, amazon.co.uk Weighing up options? Our honest guide to overnight oats jarsYour questions, answered
How long do peanut butter banana overnight oats last in the fridge?
Peanut butter banana overnight oats last up to 3 days in a sealed jar in the fridge, kept at 5°C or below (the Food Standards Agency's recommended fridge temperature). They taste better on day 2, once the chia has fully set. Add the sliced banana and nuts fresh each morning rather than storing them on top.
What is the ratio of oats to milk for overnight oats?
The ratio is 50g rolled oats (a generous ½ cup) to 150ml milk. That is a touch more milk than the classic equal-volumes rule, because the tablespoon of chia seeds drinks up the extra as it sets. Skipping the chia? Drop to about 130ml.
Can you make peanut butter banana overnight oats dairy-free?
Yes. Apart from the milk, peanut butter banana overnight oats are already dairy-free, so swap in any plant milk. Oat milk keeps it creamiest, almond adds a nutty edge that suits the peanut butter, and soya comes closest to dairy for protein. Same 150ml, same overnight set.
Can you eat overnight oats warm?
Yes. Overnight oats can be eaten warm: tip them into a saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl, heat gently for 60 to 90 seconds, and loosen with a splash of milk. Add the banana and nuts after warming. If your jar has a metal lid, keep it well away from the microwave.
Are peanut butter banana overnight oats good for you?
Peanut butter banana overnight oats are a proper breakfast rather than a health product: roughly 520 calories with about 19g of protein and 12g of fibre when made with semi-skimmed milk. That combination keeps you full through the morning. Exact numbers shift with your milk and toppings.
A closer look
