Protein Overnight Oats (5 Minute Prep!)

Name: Protein Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 245 min
Ingredients: 1/2 c rolled oats (regular or gluten free); 1/2 small banana (sliced); 2/3 c unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice); 1/2 T chia seeds; 1 T protein powder; 1/2 - 1 T natural creamy peanut butter (or any other nut or seed butter); 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 - 3 tsp pure maple syrup; dash of sea salt

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This Peanut Butter Banana Protein Overnight Oats recipe is an easy way to get a hearty breakfast to keep you going all morning! Oats with protein powder, chia seeds, peanut butter and maple syrup all come together to give you a great protein boost!

Overnight oats in jar with peanut butter and banana on top.

This recipe was originally published January 2017 and updated July 2021.

Starting your day with overnight oatmeal already sets you up for success. Starting your day with protein packed overnight oats is gonna get you even more ready to go get 'em!

Easy and ready when you wake up, what is not to love?

Why you will love this protein overnight oatmeal recipe:

Here's why these overnight oats are the perfect way to start your day:

These protein overnight oats pack in 22 grams, AND they taste amazing. Fuel yourself for the day ahead. Plenty of protein, fiber and all of the good stuff!
You are able to prep breakfast ahead of time and have it ready for you in the morning. Overnight oatmeal is the best because it literally takes a few minutes to prep a week's worth of breakfast. No hassle in the morning--it is ready to go!
They are so simple to vary! Toss in some fruit, chocolate chips, coconut or other fun add ins. Use your favorite milk, regular or dairy free. You can use any protein powder--just go with the one you love. The flavor of your protein powder can allow you to change up these oats easily as well.

Spoonful in jar of oatmeal with bananas and peanut butter drizzle.

Protein sources in this recipe:

Half a cup of oats already has about 5 grams of protein. Toss in chia seeds and some sort of nut or seed butter and you are kicking up the protein well before you even add any protein powder!

Depending on the type of milk you use, you may add all the more. With these Peanut Butter Banana Protein Overnight Oats, you are gonna be fueled and ready for whatever comes your way! Even on a Monday!!

This protein overnight oats recipe has over 20 grams of protein. Boom. That's a win for sure!

Ingredients and Substitutions for your overnight oats:

rolled oats: I prefer rolled oats in this protein overnight oats recipe. Some people like steel cut but they are way too chewy for my liking. If you only have quick cooking oats, that is fine, but you may need to adjust the milk. For gluten free, make sure the package says "certified gluten free."
peanut butter: peanut butter or another nut butter or seed butter will work if there are any allergies.
milk: you can use a dairy free or regular milk. I use whole milk of vanilla almond milk--depends on what we have around.
protein powder: make sure you enjoy the flavor of the protein powder. No one wants overnight oats with an awful aftertaste! I like vanilla protein powder but sometimes add chocolate protein powder for a fun twist.
sweetener: I opt for maple syrup. You can sweeten with anything you would like: honey, brown sugar, agave, sugar, etc. You may want to wait to sweeten until serving as everyone has differing preferences.
chia seeds: these add a touch more protein. If you don't have them, that is ok!
vanilla: just a touch for great flavor.
sea salt: just a touch, also to round out the flavor. You can skip if desired.

Ingredient list of peanut butter banana protein overnight oats.

How to make protein overnight oats:

The best part about this protein packed oatmeal? It's easy as one, two three--seriously!

Combine all the ingredients except the bananas and stir.
Chill for at least 4 hours.
Add sliced bananas and enjoy! (warm or cool, your choice.)

New to Overnight Oatmeal? Check these FAQs on Overnight Oats.

Jar of oatmeal on coaster with bananas, measuring spoons and bowl of oats.

Recipe Tips:

If your protein powder tastes awful, it's not going to taste great in these oats. There are some really foul protein powders out there. Find one that you love. Don't think that the flavor will be masked by adding it to this recipe. I already made that mistake! Need help picking one out? Check out all of these protein powders!
Make this protein packed oatmeal vegan. Make sure you have a plant based protein powder and use a nut or seed milk. That should do the trick as all the other ingredients are plant based as well.
Do I have to add protein powder to these overnight oats? Nope! Protein powder just isn't for everyone and I get that. Plus, it can be pricy. So just skip it if you would like.
Add the bananas right before serving. Cut them up just before serving and toss them in. I highly suggest doing this if you are making several servings at a time and know you will be eating them over several days.

Protein Oats FAQs:

Can you use instant oats in these protein oats?

Yes you can! You may need to adjust the amount of the instant oats though as they may not absorb as much of the milk. Also, if using instant oats, you can pop them right in the microwave and eat them, well, instantly!

Can you make these oats vegan?

As long as you use a dairy free milk and a plant based protein powder, your oats will be vegan.

Do you have to use chia seeds in this recipe?

You don't have to use chia seeds, so if you don't have any, don't fret. The chia seeds absorb a bit of the milk, so if skipping them, a little less milk may be required. They will also slightly lessen the protein in this recipe, but it will be minimal.

How healthy are overnight oats?

Overnight oatmeal in general is a great option for a nutritious breakfast. They are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Talk about a great way to start your day!

Other overnight oatmeal recipes:

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