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All your preferred morning flavors come together in these peanut butter banana overnight oats. Creamy and loaded with protein, they're super quick to put together before bed. Busy days get easier with these oats, and they’ll keep you full and ready to go until lunchtime.
One time before a long road trip, I threw together some of these oats because we needed an easy and filling breakfast. It ended up being the best part of our mornings on the go—now my family asks for it every time we travel.
Tasty Ingredients
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet kick. Fresh cinnamon is really punchy if you can find it.
- Chia seeds: Tons of fiber and omega-3s, and help the oats turn thick and pudding-like. Use fresh seeds for the best results.
- Rolled oats: Go for old-fashioned oats to get the perfect creamy but hearty mouthfeel. Skip the instant stuff or it’ll go mushy.
- Vanilla extract: Gives everything a sweet touch and ties all the flavors together. Check your bottle so you don't end up with fake flavors.
- Honey: Brings a lovely hint of sweetness. Raw honey has the best taste and benefits if you've got it.
- Unsweetened almond milk: This creamy plant-based option moistens everything without extra sugar or extra calories. The fresher the better.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Using plain, nonfat Greek yogurt keeps things light but packed with protein. Look for brands without added sugar.
- Creamy peanut butter: Pick the one that’s just peanuts and salt for that big peanut punch and healthy fats.
- Banana: The riper the better for easy mixing and built-in sweetness. Medium ones mash up just right for creamy oats.
Simple Steps
- Serve and Dig In:
- Give everything a good stir in the morning. Want it runnier? Just splash in a little more almond milk. Add banana slices, nuts, or more peanut butter on top if you want.
- Let it Chill:
- Put a lid over the bowl or share the mix between jars and pop them in the fridge. Leave for two hours or, even better, overnight so the oats and seeds turn thick and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Time for rolled oats, chia seeds, and cinnamon. Make sure to mix well so every bit is covered and soaks up the goodness.
- Mix in the Wet Stuff:
- Stir in the almond milk, Greek yogurt, honey, peanut butter, and a splash of vanilla right into your mashed banana. Keep mixing until everything looks totally blended.
- Mash Your Banana:
- Use a fork or potato masher to smash up half a ripe banana in a big bowl. Try to get it really smooth so the flavor spreads through the oats.
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The peanut butter is hands down my favorite part. Its rich taste works so well with bananas. My dad and I used to make peanut butter banana sandwiches together when I was little, so this combo is pure comfort for me now.
Tips for Storing
Seal your overnight oats and stash them in the fridge. They’ll taste fresh for about four days. If they dry out, just stir in a bit of almond milk and they’ll be good to go.
Switch It Up
If you can't do dairy, grab a coconut or almond-based yogurt. Nut allergies? Use sunflower seed or almond butter instead of peanut butter. Maple syrup is a tasty swap if you want things sweeter than honey.
How to Serve
Top these oats with extra banana, peanuts, granola, or swirl on some more nut butter. Toasted nuts or cacao nibs add crunch. Not a fan of cold oats? Pop them in the microwave for half a minute to warm them up.
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Origins and Traditions
This dish first started out in Switzerland as bircher muesli, with oats soaked overnight to blend and soften. Adding peanut butter and bananas brings in those American flavors, and Greek yogurt makes it even more filling and modern.
Common Questions
- → How long do I soak oats to get them just right?
Pop them in the fridge for a couple hours or, better yet, overnight to get them soft and creamy.
- → Can I swap out the peanut butter?
You sure can! Try almond or cashew butter for a new twist—both taste great in oats.
- → Are there other milk options I can use?
Yep. Go for any plant milk you like—soy, coconut, oat, whatever you've got on hand.
- → How do I tweak how sweet they are?
Use more or less honey, or switch it up with maple syrup or agave. You can skip it if you're not into sweets.
- → How long do these oats stay good in the fridge?
They'll last about 3 or 4 days in a sealed container in your fridge and stay fresh.