Why You'll Love It
- No cooking required—just mix and let it sit overnight.
- Packed with protein to keep you satisfied all morning long.
- The rich combination of peanut butter and chocolate feels indulgent.
- Perfect for meal prepping a whole week of breakfasts at once.
"I've made these every Sunday for a month now—my whole family looks forward to Monday mornings!"
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; they soften perfectly without turning mushy like instant oats might.
- Peanut Butter: A good, natural peanut butter without added sugars gives you that pure, nutty flavor and healthy fats.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: This is your protein boost and chocolate flavor source. A quality powder mixes in smoothly without graininess.
- Milk: Any milk you like works here. I often use almond milk, but dairy or oat milk are wonderful too. It's the liquid that brings it all together.
- Maple Syrup: A touch of natural sweetness to balance the richness. You can adjust this to your taste, honestly.
- Chia Seeds: These little seeds thicken the mixture beautifully and add a nice bit of fiber and omega-3s.
Complete Cooking Process
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Ingredient Readiness:
Getting your ingredients measured and ready is the only real work here. The oats and chia seeds are dry, waiting to soak up the liquid. The peanut butter might need a good stir if the oil has separated.
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Flavor Development:
This all happens quietly in the fridge. As the oats sit in the milk and peanut butter mixture, they slowly absorb the flavors. The chocolate from the protein powder melds with the nuttiness, creating a deep, unified taste.
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Texture Control:
The chia seeds are key here. They plump up and create a lovely, pudding-like consistency. The oats soften but still have a gentle chew, which is just so satisfying.
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Finishing Touches:
Right before serving, that's when you get to play. A drizzle of extra peanut butter, a few chocolate chips, maybe some banana slices. It makes it feel special.
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Serving Timing:
These are best enjoyed cold from the fridge, ideally after soaking for at least 6 hours. They're perfect straight away in the morning, no fuss at all.
- Use a jar with a tight-fitting lid for easy shaking and storage.
- If the mixture seems too thick in the morning, stir in a splash more milk.
- For a cleaner peanut butter measurement, lightly spray your measuring spoon with oil first.
- Let the oats sit for a minute after stirring to let the bubbles settle before putting the lid on.
Pro Tips
You know, the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. I've made it so many times, and sometimes I'll swap the maple syrup for a bit of honey, or use a different nut butter altogether. It's forgiving. And on those mornings when I'm really rushing, I'll even eat it straight from the jar. No judgment here. It’s also a fantastic base for other flavors. Sometimes I think about how it would pair with some of the fun, themed recipes you see online, like those creative breakfast boards for a special occasion. It's just a solid, reliable start to the day.
The essence of the dish:
A fun fact or historical angle:
Flavor or sensory focus:
You Must Know
- Don't skip the chia seeds—they are crucial for the right pudding-like consistency.
- Stir the mixture very well to ensure the protein powder is fully dissolved.
- A minimum of 6 hours in the fridge is needed, but 8-12 is ideal for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
I wouldn't recommend it, honestly. Quick oats tend to get too soft and mushy when soaked overnight. Rolled oats hold their texture much better.
→ How long do these oats last in the fridge?
They'll keep well for up to 4-5 days. Just make sure they're in a sealed container.
→ My oats are too thick in the morning. What should I do?
No problem at all. Just stir in a little extra milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency.
→ Can I make this without protein powder?
You can, but you'll lose the primary chocolate flavor and the protein boost. You could try adding cocoa powder and a bit more sweetener, but the texture might be different.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
→ Can I heat these up?
You can, but they're really meant to be eaten cold. If you prefer them warm, heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently.
Chef's Tips
The oats will thicken as they sit, so a thicker consistency in the morning is normal.,For a stronger peanut butter flavor, use a roasted peanut butter or stir in an extra tablespoon.,These are perfect for meal prep—double or triple the recipe for breakfasts throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
per serving
420
Calories
25g
Protein
42g
Carbs
18g
Fat
Taste Profile
A rich and comforting blend of roasted peanut butter and sweet chocolate, perfectly balanced.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
The flavor will change, but the creamy result will be similar.
Use an equal amount for similar sweetness.
The recipe works perfectly with any milk you prefer.
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Banana Nut Version
Mash half a ripe banana into the mixture before refrigerating and use almond butter instead of peanut butter.
Berry Blast
Use vanilla protein powder and stir in a handful of mixed berries right before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Not shaking/stirring well enough, leading to clumps of undissolved protein powder.
- Using instant or quick oats, which become too soft and mushy.
- Refrigerating for less than 6 hours, so the oats don't fully soften and absorb the flavors.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
This is the ultimate make-ahead recipe! Prepare it up to 4 days in advance for a quick grab-and-go breakfast. The flavor actually improves after a day or two.
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy them cold; they do not freeze well due to the texture change.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Combine all ingredients in a jar, shake well, and refrigerate overnight (6-12 hours).
Remove from fridge, stir, adjust consistency with milk if needed, add toppings, and serve.
High Protein Peanut Butter Chocolate Overnight Oats
Waking up to these creamy, chocolate-kissed overnight oats feels like a small, gentle hug for your morning. Honestly, the way the peanut butter melts into the oats overnight creates this rich, comforting texture that just makes the whole day start right.
Timing
Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
0 Minutes
Total Time
5 Minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Main Mixture
- 01 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 02 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 03 1 scoop (about 1/4 cup) chocolate protein powder
- 04 1 cup milk (dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
- 05 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 06 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, to taste
- 07 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 08 Pinch of salt
For Serving (Optional)
- 01 Sliced banana
- 02 Extra drizzle of peanut butter
- 03 Dark chocolate chips
- 04 Chopped peanuts
Instructions
Grab a medium-sized jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, chocolate protein powder, and that little pinch of salt.
Pour in the milk, then add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Now, put the lid on firmly and shake it all up really well. You want everything to be completely combined. Honestly, give it a good shake for about 30 seconds.
Take the lid off and give the mixture a good stir with a spoon, scraping the bottom and sides to make sure no dry pockets are hiding. Sometimes the protein powder can settle.
Put the lid back on and place the jar in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best—aim for 8 to 12 hours for the perfect texture.
In the morning, give the oats a stir. If they seem too thick for your liking, stir in an extra tablespoon or two of milk. Then, top with your favorite additions like banana slices, more peanut butter, or a few chocolate chips before serving cold.
Notes & Tips
- 1 The oats will thicken as they sit, so a thicker consistency in the morning is normal.
- 2 For a stronger peanut butter flavor, use a roasted peanut butter or stir in an extra tablespoon.
- 3 These are perfect for meal prep—double or triple the recipe for breakfasts throughout the week.
Tools You'll Need
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Mason jar or container with lid
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Measuring cups and spoons
Must-Know Tips
- Shake vigorously, This ensures the protein powder is fully incorporated and prevents clumps.
- Taste after mixing, Adjust sweetness by adding a bit more maple syrup if needed before refrigerating.
- Use a wide-mouth jar, Makes stirring and serving so much easier.
Professional Secrets
- Chilling time is key, Allows flavors to meld and oats to achieve the ideal creamy texture.
- Layer toppings in the morning, Prevents sogginess and keeps textures fresh and appealing.
- A pinch of salt, Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Recipe by
Emma Fields“Mornings are my magic hour! I create easy, energizing breakfasts that turn sleepy starts into sunshine moments.” ☀️🥞
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