Save Start your morning with a breakfast that feels like a classic treat but fuels like a professional athlete's meal. These High-Protein Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats are creamy, satisfying, and layered with the nostalgia of a childhood favorite. Packed with protein and a vibrant strawberry jam swirl, it's the perfect Pinterest-worthy start to your day.
Save The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and texture. By mixing vanilla protein with creamy Greek yogurt and old-fashioned oats, you create a dense, pudding-like base that perfectly complements the nutty peanut butter and the zesty, fresh strawberry reduction.
Ingredients
- Oats Base: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 scoop (30 g) vanilla protein powder, 2 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey, ½ tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt.
- Peanut Butter Layer: 3 tbsp natural peanut butter.
- Strawberry Jam Swirl: 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (diced), 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey, 1 tsp lemon juice.
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well until fully mixed.
- Step 2
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add strawberries and maple syrup. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries soften and release juices. Mash lightly with a fork. Remove from heat, stir in chia seeds and lemon juice. Let cool to thicken.
- Step 3
- To assemble, spoon half the oat mixture into two jars or containers. Add a layer of peanut butter (about 1½ tbsp per jar), then top with the remaining oat mixture.
- Step 4
- Swirl 2–3 tablespoons of the strawberry jam on top of each jar.
- Step 5
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
- Step 6
- In the morning, stir lightly if desired. Top with extra strawberries or a sprinkle of peanuts.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Always check your labels for allergen safety. This recipe contains peanuts and dairy (from yogurt and potentially the protein powder). Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if you have a gluten sensitivity.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this breakfast by swapping peanut butter for almond or sunflower seed butter. To make the recipe vegan, simply use a dairy-free yogurt and a plant-based protein powder.
Serviervorschläge
For an extra crunch, top your oats with chopped nuts or granola just before eating. While these are best enjoyed chilled, you can briefly microwave them if you prefer a warm bowl of oats.
Save With 380 calories and 41g of carbohydrates per serving, this is a balanced and energetic way to start your day. Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy oats and classic PB&J flavor!
Recipe FAQ
- → How long do these overnight oats last in the refrigerator?
These layered oats stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in airtight containers. The peanut butter may firm up when chilled, but it softens quickly once stirred or briefly warmed. The chia jam will continue to thicken over time, developing an even more preserves-like consistency.
- → Can I use a different protein powder?
Absolutely. Whey, casein, or plant-based proteins all work well here. Keep in mind that unflavored powders will result in a less sweet final product, while chocolate protein would create a delicious chocolate-peanut butter variation. Adjust the maple syrup accordingly based on your powder's sweetness level.
- → What milk alternatives work best?
Unsweetened almond milk provides a neutral backdrop that lets the peanut butter and strawberry flavors shine. Oat milk adds natural creaminess and subtle sweetness, while soy milk boosts protein content. Coconut milk (carton, not canned) creates a richer texture but adds coconut flavor. Dairy milk works perfectly if you consume it.
- → Can I make the strawberry jam ahead of time?
Yes, the chia jam keeps for 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Make a double batch and store it in a jar to streamline future breakfast prep. The chia seeds continue gelatinizing over time, so leftover jam will become thicker. A quick stir before using brings it back to a swirled consistency.
- → Is it necessary to cook the strawberries for the jam?
Cooking the strawberries breaks down their cell structure, releasing juices that combine with maple syrup to create a syrupy base. The heat also helps activate the chia seeds' gelling properties. You could mash raw berries with chia seeds and sweetener, but the texture will be fresher and less jam-like without the brief cooking step.
- → Can I make this nut-free?
Sunflower seed butter makes an excellent nut-free substitute with a similar creamy texture and slight nuttiness. Pumpkin seed butter works too but has a more pronounced earthy flavor. Both options maintain the protein content and rich mouthfeel that peanut butter provides to this layered creation.