Peanut Butter Jelly Overnight Oats: Your New Favorite Morning Treat

Remember those days when your breakfast routine felt so boring you could just skip it altogether? And who has time to cook a fancy meal first thing in the morning? What if I told you the solution is waiting for you in the fridge, inspired by the ultimate childhood favorite? These Peanut Butter Jelly Overnight Oats are your ticket to a morning that starts with a win. It’s the classic sandwich, all grown up and packed into a jar for the busiest of schedules. So good.

Why You’ll Love This

This recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it breakfast hero. You spend five minutes the night before, and you wake up to a creamy, dreamy, and absolutely delicious jar of goodness. There’s no cooking involved, which means no messy pans to scrub when you’re still half-asleep. It’s a healthy breakfast recipe that honestly tastes like a treat, keeping you full and satisfied all morning long. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can make it exactly how you like it. It’s the perfect simple breakfast idea that delivers so, so much flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: The base of our dish; they soften perfectly overnight.
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds: These little powerhouses thicken the mixture and add a boost of fiber.
• 1/2 cup milk of your choice: Dairy or any unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat works great.
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: For a big punch of protein and a wonderfully creamy texture.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter: The star of the show! Use creamy or crunchy.
• 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey: For a touch of natural sweetness.
• A pinch of salt: Just a dash to make all the other flavors pop.
• 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite jam or jelly: Swirled in for that classic PB&J vibe.
• Optional toppings: Sliced bananas, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of granola for crunch.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. Grab your container. A 12-ounce mason jar or any container with a tight-fitting lid is perfect.
2. Add the dry ingredients. In your jar, combine the rolled oats and chia seeds. Giving them a quick stir here helps prevent the chia seeds from clumping together.
3. Mix the wet ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup, and that pinch of salt until it’s smooth and combined. Honestly, if your peanut butter is stubborn and a little clumpy, that’s okay! It will all meld together overnight.
4. Combine everything. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in your jar. Secure the lid and shake it vigorously for about 30 seconds, or stir everything together until it’s fully incorporated.
5. Swirl in the jam. Drop spoonfuls of your jam on top of the oat mixture. Take a knife or a spoon and gently swirl it through. Don’t overmix—you want beautiful ribbons of fruity goodness.
6. Chill out. Pop the lid back on and place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight (for a full 8 hours).
7. Serve and enjoy! The next morning, give the oats a good stir. Add a splash of milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. Top with your favorite ingredients and dig in!

Peanut Butter Substitutes You Can Try

Not a peanut butter fan or have an allergy? No problem. This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can easily swap in the same amount of almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. They all bring their own unique, nutty flavor and creamy texture that works perfectly with the jelly. For a lower-fat option, powdered peanut butter (like PB2) mixed with a little water is a fantastic alternative that still gives you that classic taste.

Serving Ideas For Your Overnight Oats

This jar is a complete meal all on its own, but turning it into part of a bigger breakfast buffet is always fun. For a weekend brunch or when you have guests, set out a few jars of these oats alongside a platter of fresh fruit, a bowl of yogurt, some crispy bacon or sausage, and a basket of muffins. It’s the perfect make-ahead component that lets you enjoy the morning instead of being stuck in the kitchen. It’s brilliant breakfast inspo for a crowd.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk and swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Higher Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to the wet ingredients. You might need to add an extra splash of milk to get the right consistency.
• Flavor Twists: Try using different jams! Raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry are classics, but apricot or peach jam are delicious surprises. For a savory breakfast twist, believe it or not, swirl in a tablespoon of tahini instead of jelly and top with sesame seeds and a drizzle of hot honey.
• No Chia Seeds? You can leave them out, but your oats will be a bit soupier. You could add an extra tablespoon of oats to help thicken it up.

Storage & Reheating

These overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold straight from the fridge, and they will keep beautifully for up to 4 days. This makes them the ultimate quick breakfast idea for your weekly meal prep—just make a few jars on Sunday. I don’t recommend freezing them, as the texture of the oats and yogurt can become a bit grainy and separated when thawed. If you find you prefer warm oatmeal, you can gently heat them in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway through. Just know that warming them will melt the swirl of jam, turning your whole jar a fun shade of pink!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats? You can, but the texture will be much softer, almost like mush. Rolled oats give you the best, heartiest texture for overnight oats.
• My oats are too thick in the morning. What should I do? Easy fix! Just stir in a little extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. It’s all about personal preference.
• Are overnight oats actually healthy? Yes! When made with these wholesome ingredients, they are a fantastic healthy breakfast recipe. They provide a great balance of complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats to fuel your morning.
• Can I make these for a crowd? Absolutely. This recipe is easily doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled. It’s one of the easiest breakfast food ideas for serving a group without any morning stress.