These chocolate peanut butter overnight oats taste like my favorite candy bar snuck into my oatmeal. Making this recipe is like having a breakfast butler who preps your meal while you sleep, leaving you with a jar of chocolate-peanut butter bliss that’s ready before you hit snooze the second time.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
But unlike an actual peanut butter cup, these chocolate peanut butter overnight oats are packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients to keep you satisfied. With just a few minutes of prep the night before, you’ll wake up to a creamy, indulgent breakfast that fuels your day — no cooking required.
Now, if you’re like my daughter and think oatmeal should always be served hot, let me share this: While she initially gave me the side-eye, my divalicious food critic took one bite and changed her tune. By Wednesday, she’d eaten through Thursday and Friday’s meal prep. Note to self: double batch next time.
In This Article
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for busy mornings. Prep it in minutes the night before, and wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast that requires zero effort. Just grab a spoon and go!
- Rich chocolate peanut butter flavor. It’s like eating dessert for breakfast, but with plenty of peanut butter protein powder and fiber to keep you full and energized.
- Customizable and meal-prep friendly. Make a big batch for the week and top each serving with your favorite add-ins, from fresh fruit to crunchy nuts.
- No cooking required. No stovetop, no oven — just mix, chill, and enjoy a creamy, indulgent breakfast straight from the fridge.
What are Overnight Oats?
Think of overnight oats as the ultimate breakfast hack for those of us who aren’t exactly morning people. Instead of standing over a hot stove at 7 am (when my brain is still in sleep mode), I let the fridge do all the work. The oats take a cold milk bath overnight and transform into something that’s between pudding and traditional oatmeal, yet better than both.
My favorite part? Getting creative with mix-ins and toppings. It’s like having a custom breakfast bar in your fridge, minus the fancy hotel prices and the need to put on pants to fetch your food.
Are Overnight Oats Healthy?
You know that guilty feeling when you eat dessert for breakfast? Yeah, you won’t find that here. These oats are like the straight-A student who’s also captain of the sports team — overachieving in both taste and nutrition. The fiber keeps my digestive system running smoother than my morning coffee routine, while the protein ensures I’m not raiding the snack drawer by 10 am.
I’ve turned these oats into my personal nutrition playground. Some days I’m tossing in Greek yogurt like I’m paying off my protein debt, other days I’m sprinkling chia seeds as if they’re magical health confetti. Fresh fruit? That’s just me pretending to be a responsible adult who makes good choices.
Key Ingredients
Crafting the perfect chocolate peanut butter overnight oats involves selecting quality ingredients that not only enhance flavor but also boost nutritional value. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:
- Oatmeal. The best oats for overnight oats are old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats turn to mush, and steel-cut oats stay crunchy enough to wake your neighbors. These classic oats hit the sweet spot — they soak up liquid like a thirsty marathon runner but keep just enough texture to remind you that you’re eating actual food.
- Naked PB Powdered Peanut Butter. My favorite option for this recipe is Naked PB powdered peanut butter. It’s literally just powdered peanuts — no sketchy ingredients that you need a chemistry degree to pronounce. Just pure, peanutty goodness that mixes in smoother than caramel sauce on apple pie.
- Cocoa Powder. This is where the chocolate magic happens. Regular unsweetened cocoa powder transforms these oats into a rich, chocolatey breakfast that feels like dessert got up early.
- Chia Seeds. These tiny but mighty seeds do double duty. They create a perfect pudding-like texture while sneaking in nutritious omega-3s and fiber.
- Milk. Use the milk of your choice — traditional dairy or plant-based — to hydrate the oats and meld the flavors together. I’ve made this recipe with skim milk, 2% milk, almond milk, and oat milk — and all work like a charm. So, choose your favorite. This recipe isn’t picky!
- Plain Greek Yogurt. Plain Greek yogurt brings the protein and adds a touch of tang while lending a creamy texture to the oats. For a dairy-free or vegan option, substitute with plant-based yogurts made from almond, coconut, or soy milk. I like Kite Hill’s plain unsweetened Greek yogurt.
- Maple Syrup. Real maple syrup is my sweetener of choice. It adds just enough sweetness while adding its deep, caramel-like taste to the richness of cocoa and peanut butter.
How to Make Overnight Oats
Listen, if you can stir things in a bowl, you’ve got this recipe down. No fancy techniques or secret handshakes required. Just mix, chill, and wake up to breakfast magic.
Here’s the play-by-play:
- Mix the Ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, combine oats, milk of choice, Naked PB powdered peanut butter, cocoa powder, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Give it a good stir until everything is combined.
- Divide into Jars. Portion your mixture into containers. I use mason jars, but any container with a tight lid works.
- Add Toppings. This is where you get to play breakfast artist. Bananas and coconut and nuts, oh my! I’ve got a whole list of topping ideas below that’ll make your taste buds high-five your brain.
- Refrigerate. Pop those jars in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight. The oats need their beauty sleep to reach peak deliciousness.
- Serve and Enjoy. Give it a quick stir and dig in. Your tomorrow-morning self will thank your today self for the effort.
How to Make Dairy-Free Overnight Oats
Use this ingredient list for a dairy-free, vegan version of these delicious overnight oats. Then, follow the same instructional steps in the regular recipe below.
1 cup old fashioned regular oats
1 cup plain dairy-free Greek yogurt (I like Kite Hill Greek Style)
¾ cup Naked PB powdered peanut butter
3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tsp chia seeds
1 cup plant-based milk (I like to use oat milk or almond milk)
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp maple syrup
Best Toppings for Overnight Oats
Enhance your chocolate peanut butter overnight oats with a variety of delicious and nutritious toppings. Here are the toppings that make my morning a little brighter:
- Dark Chocolate Chips. Because sometimes you need that extra hit of chocolate. I’m not judging. I’m too busy sprinkling these on my own breakfast!
- Cacao Nibs. Think of these as chocolate’s sophisticated cousin – all the rich flavor without the sugar rush. They add the perfect crunch factor.
- Banana Slices. Fresh bananas and chocolate/peanut butter anything are a match made in breakfast heaven.
- Shredded Coconut. A sprinkle of coconut turns these oats into a tropical vacation in a jar. Or at least that’s what I tell myself while eating breakfast at my desk.
- Fresh Berries. Any berry works here — blueberries, strawberries, raspberries. They add a pop of color that makes my breakfast look Instagram-worthy, even at 7 am.
- Chopped Peanuts: When you want that extra peanutty crunch. Because sometimes smooth just isn’t enough.
What to Serve with Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
These oats stand perfectly fine on their own. Trust me, I’ve eaten them straight from the jar while standing in my kitchen. But on mornings when I’m feeling extra fancy (or just extra hungry), here’s what I pair them with:
- Fresh Fruit Salad. A mix of berries, melon, and citrus brings a bright, fresh contrast to the rich chocolate/peanut butter combo.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs. For an extra protein punch, enjoy a couple of hard-boiled eggs alongside your oats. I prep a batch each weekend for a second grab-and-go option in the morning.
- Whole Grain Toast with Nut Butter. Sometimes one form of nut butter just isn’t enough. A slice of toast with a schmear of almond butter adds crunch and keeps me full until lunch dares to show its face.
Storing Overnight Oats
To keep your chocolate peanut butter overnight oats fresh, store them in an airtight container like a mason jar or sealed food storage container. This prevents them from absorbing fridge odors and helps maintain their creamy texture.
How long do overnight oats last? When properly stored in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to five days, making them perfect for meal prep. Over time, the oats will soften, and the liquid may separate. If that happens, just give them a quick stir before eating.
Sage Advice: I’ve learned through trial and error that some toppings are better added right before eating. Nuts and most fresh fruits prefer to be fashionably late to the party. So, I add those in the morning just before I grab a spoon and dig in. However, I was surprised to learn that sliced bananas do just fine when added ahead of time. Who knew they had it in them?
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mason jars or similar airtight containers
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned regular oats
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (see notes above to make dairy-free or vegan)
- ¾ cup Naked PB powdered peanut butter
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tsp chia seeds
- 1 cup milk (see notes above and below)
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
Toppings (Optional)
- sliced bananas
- fresh berries
- chopped nuts
- coconut flakes
- mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add all ingredients (except the optional toppings) to a medium-sized bowl.
- Stir to combine.
- Evenly divide the chocolate peanut butter mixture into five glass jars or similar containers with a tight-fitting lid. Add your favorite toppings, then secure the lid.
- Chill for at least four hours or overnight
- When ready to enjoy, remove the lid, stir the overnight oats, and enjoy.
Notes
- I like dividing this recipe into five servings to help me meal prep for the week. Using a 6-oz mason jar is perfect for a healthy snack.
- For a single-serving breakfast option, cut the recipe in thirds, place all of the ingredients in a 1 ¼ or 1 ½ cup mason jar. Shake to combine. Refrigerate and serve as indicated above.
- See the section above to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan.
- Don’t like chocolate? Simply omit the cocoa powder.
- I have made this recipe with skim milk, 2% milk, almond milk, and oat milk — all of them work very well.
- If the oats are too thick after chilling, add a splash of your favorite milk before serving.
- For sweeter overnight oats, mash a half of a banana into the overnight oats mixture or add extra maple syrup when preparing the oatmeal.
- If you need a nut-free option, swap the Naked PB powdered peanut butter with your favorite protein powder.
- If you prefer warm oats, and I know I do when it’s cold outside, remove the lid and microwave the mason jar of overnight oats for about 30 seconds.
Nutrition
Please Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated. It should only be used as an approximation.
