While creating the recipe for these mini cupcakes (← ohmygoodness those are so amazing… and positively addictive!), I bought humongous bunch of bananas in case I needed to test the recipe three or four times to perfect it. Since they turned out really well after the first round, I ended up with a few extras that started to turn rather speckly on the counter after a couple of days. I immediately knew what I wanted to do with them…
My dad subscribes to my blog’s email updates and reads every singe one before opening the newspaper in the mornings, and he recently told me that he loved the look of my banana bread protein overnight oats. He started trying to eat a little healthier the week before, trading his nightly chips for a handful of nuts and his morning store-bought granola for oatmeal, so I offered him one of the last ripe bananas.
That evening, just a couple of days before Easter, we stood in the kitchen together while I walked him through the recipe. He hates measuring anything (he much prefers the “eyeball method”—that’s why he’s a great cook and leaves most of the baking to me!), but he still pulled out his own kitchen scale to make sure he added the right amount of each ingredient.
The following morning, I walked into the kitchen to find the empty jar soaking in the sink, and when Dad arrived home from work, he carried in a huge bunch of bananas from his car. Success!
While he waited for those bananas to ripen, we tried other overnight oat combinations. He enjoyed my apple pie recipe, and he even tested a tropical version of his own with Trader Joe’s apricot mango Greek yogurt. After each breakfast, he reported that those banana bread oats were still his favorite! But because we both enjoy trying new things, we decided to come up with a slightly different flavor combination with the then-ripened bananas…
These Peanut Butter Banana Protein Overnight Oats! My dad loves peanuts and snacks on them nearly every day, so it sounded like the perfect breakfast for him. And we were right! These healthy oats are full of sweet banana flavor with the perfect amount of warm peanutty taste—and nearly 19g of protein!
For those of you who haven’t tried any of my overnight oat recipes before, they’re incredibly easy to make! Simply mix together all of the ingredients in a mason jar or tupperware container, put on the lid, and refrigerate them until morning (or at least 8 hours). Then grab a spoon and dig in!
So yes—they are meant to be eaten cold! While the oats sit in the Greek yogurt overnight, they soften as much as if you had cooked them on the stove or in the microwave. In other words… They’re perfect for quick, lazy, and healthy breakfasts!
You can use either old-fashioned oats or instant oats in this recipe. No, instant oats aren’t the ones sold in those individual flavored brown paper packages! They’re also called “quick cooking” or “one minute” oats, and they’re sold in large canisters right next to the old-fashioned oats. However, do not substitute steel-cut oats; those do not soften enough and remain slightly crunchy.
For the peanut butter flavor, you’ll use peanut flour. Peanut flour is made from finely ground partially defatted peanuts, so it has the same flavor as peanut butter but a lot fewer calories—and a higher protein content! This is the brand that I buy (and I always purchase it online from Amazon!) because it only contains peanuts. This brand is another good option, and it’s easier to find in grocery stores. Other brands of peanut flour contain added sugar, which we’re trying to avoid in this clean eating recipe, so double check the label before you buy.
Ready to make your own? And when you do, remember to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram using #amyshealthybaking. I’d love to see your overnight oats!
| Peanut Butter Banana Protein Overnight Oats | | Print |
- ¼ cup (25g) old-fashioned oats (gluten-free if necessary)
- ½ cup (120g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup (65g) mashed banana (about 1 rather small banana)
- 1 tbsp (7g) peanut flour
- 12 drops vanilla crème stevia, or to taste
- Add all of the ingredients to a glass jar or tupperware with a tight-fitting lid, and stir until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Instant oats (aka quick-cooking or one-minute oats) may be substituted for the old-fashioned oats. Do not substitute steel-cut oats; they do not soften enough.
Try to use the ripest, spottiest banana that you can find for the best flavor!
To keep the oats clean eating friendly, the only ingredients in the peanut flour should be peanuts and salt (optional). Protein Plus is my favorite peanut flour. JIF peanut powder is also clean eating friendly, but PB2 is not since it contains sugar. PB2 will still work as a substitute.
Any sweetener may be substituted for the stevia. You’ll want the equivalent of about 2-3 teaspoons of granulated sugar.
If left for longer than 24 hours, the mashed banana will start to turn brown. That’s perfectly fine! It won’t affect the flavor or texture of your oats.
{gluten-free, clean eating, low fat, low calorie, high protein, lower sugar}
I think you know how I feel about oats haha, and I have a banana with peanut butter at least twice a week for a mid-morning snack!! These look perfect! 🙂
You love oats more than anyone I know Marina! And that’s saying something… Seeing as my brother eats them every morning for breakfast! 😉 I’d love to hear what you think of these if you try them!
I like the idea of overnight oats, but I would really prefer to eat them hot. Can these be warmed?
I don’t really recommend that because of the amount of yogurt in the recipe, which could make heating the oats tricky. I’d love to hear what you think of them if you try the recipe Jennifer! 🙂
I’ve never clicked on an email faster than the moment I saw “peanut butter banana”. These oats seem perfect, I’m making them now!
You’re too cute Emma — I’m touched! 🙂 What did you think of the overnight oats??
Oh my goodness, so yummy! I only had vanilla greek yogurt on hand, so I used that and skipped the sweetener, and they came out perfect. For those who don’t really like the idea of cold oats, I always heat mine up for 10-15 seconds after taking them out of the fridge. It’s just enough to get them closer to room temperature, which is great if you don’t love cold food like me.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the oats Lauren, and thanks for sharing that quick microwave tip! That’s so smart! 🙂
Has anyone tried using applesauce in place of the banana? I’m not a big banana fan but I love to put peanut butter on my apples.
That would be a wonderful substitutions Annette! Just use the same amount of applesauce in place of the banana. I’m excited to hear how that turns out!
My mom and I enjoyed these oats. I used Truvia and PB2. I added a little bit of vanilla extract. I think the flavors were well balanced without any further changes, but the oats were even better topped with a bit of ReddiWip and a dash of cinnamon.
I’m so glad you and your mom enjoyed these overnight oats Diana! 🙂
I have been so happy with all your recipes Amy. Using a scale and following your directions has helped me perfect my baking skills. Since I lift weights and exercise, I often like to replace a portion of your recipes with grass fed whey protein to help build lean muscle. Everything has turned out phenomenal with the help of your precise measurements. Starting in July 2017 I was an overweight dad with terrible eating habits. Now with the help of your blog I create delicious treats I love and have lost 30 lbs of weight and am in great shape. Thanks for everything you do.
WOW!!! Congratulations Adam! That’s such a HUGE accomplishment to lose 30 pounds since July — good for you! Your story is so inspirational! 🙂 I’m truly honored that you’ve incorporated my recipes into your healthy living journey. What a big compliment — thank you so much! I’m really glad you’re enjoying all of my recipes and that the whey protein substitutions have worked so well. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know! 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what recipes you try next!
I cannot have yogurt, as it makes me sick. Can I substitute nut milk for the yogurt? Would the proportions be the same? I’m really anxious to try this!
I really appreciate your interest in my recipe Nikki! If you’d like to substitute nut milk for the Greek yogurt, you should use half the amount (¼ cup) because Greek yogurt is much thicker than nut milk. 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what you think of these overnight oats!
Hey there!
If I wanted to use unsweetened almond milk instead of the yoghurt, what quantity would you recommend I use?
Thanks
p.s. I just came across your website via google accident 2 days ago. I am addicted already! Hello from Scotland 🙂
Just noticed that this question has already been asked – apologies! ?
No worries, Vikki — I’m always happy to help! 🙂
You’re so sweet — thank you, Vikki! I truly appreciate your interest in my recipes! 🙂 If substituting any type of milk for the Greek yogurt, you’ll need about half the amount, so around ¼ cup. Your oats won’t have as much protein, but the flavor should still be great! I can’t wait to hear what you think of these overnight oats!
Would it change the calorie count if you used almond butter? Just wondering cause I can’t eat peanuts. Thanks!
I’m so honored that you’d like to try this recipe of mine Whitney! Yes, the nutrition information and calorie count will change. This is the free nutrition calculator that I use, if you’d like to know by how much! 🙂 I’d love to hear what you think of these overnight oats if you try them!