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This high Protein Overnight Oats recipe is an easy way to get a hearty breakfast to keep you going all morning! Only 5 minutes to prep and ready when you wake up! Oats with protein powder, chia seeds, peanut butter and maple syrup all come together to give you a great protein boost!
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? Overnight oats are a fan favorite around here. We love so many flavors including banana bread, triple chocolate, and coconut cream pie. And of course this classic protein packed version!
Why You Will Love These Protein Overnight Oats:
- These protein overnight oats pack in 22 grams, AND they taste amazing. Fuel yourself for the day ahead. Plenty of protein, a great source of 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 meal prep a week’s worth of healthy breakfast. No hassle on those busy mornings–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. This is a great base recipe that easily can be made to your taste!
Protein sources in this recipe:
Half a cup of oats already has about 5 grams of protein. Toss in a half tablepspoon of 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. That’s a win for sure! Want even more protein? You can add a big dollop of Greek yogurt too.
Recipe Ingredients:
- rolled oats: I prefer rolled oats, also called old-fashioned oats, in this protein overnight oats recipe. Some people like steel cut oats but they are way too chewy for my liking. If you only have quick 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 like almond butter or seed butter will work if there are any allergies.
- milk: you can use a non-dairy milk or regular milk. I use whole milk of vanilla almond milk–depends on what we have around. Oat milk, coconut milk, unsweetened almond milk, or soy would all be other great options!
- 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.
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 if using in a mason jar or airtight container.
- Chill for at least 4 hours.
- Add sliced bananas, fresh berries or enjoy with any of your favorite toppings! (warm or cool, your choice.)
New to Overnight Oatmeal? Check these FAQs on Overnight 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:
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!
As long as you use a dairy free milk and a plant based protein powder, your oats will be vegan.
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.
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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Protein Overnight Oats
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
Instructions
- Combine oats, chia seeds, maple, peanut butter, vanilla, protein powder, and salt and stir to combine.
- Add in milk and stir.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least for about 4 hours. Add sliced bananas just before serving.
Video
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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So pretty & so tasty: this has been pinned!
If you’re looking to disguise protein powder flavors in the recipe (as mentioned) you might also try blending the oatmeal (with all ingredients included) after over-night-ing it. It makes a ‘soft serve’ type spoon-able texture that a lot of people feel is nice. If you threw in the whole banana, you’d end up with PB+Banana flavored chia oat breakfast. (More banana=more flavor fighting power if the protein’s not too tasty) Plus, a tad of texture variety can be fun with a recipe as tasty as this.
Oooh, what a great idea! I’ve never tried blending it!
Hi, Lorie. I’m going to try your recipe, but I’d like to know why you add salt to it. Adding salt can be a problem for some people with high blood pressure.
Hi there! By all means skip it for sure! Iodized salt is typically the issue but the body does need a small amount of salt. When you aren’t eating processed foods, adding it in is beneficial. But you won’t miss it if you leave it out! Hope you enjoy them!
I do not follow, or LIKE sites. I DID YOURS !!!
I really need nutrition facts on these wonderful dishes.
I’m diabetic and I have to keep up with this.
I may be just not seeing the nutrition facts, and they are there ???/
Hi Denise! This means so much to me! So glad you are here! For my own former food issues I never count calories or anything like that. However, if you copy and paste the ingredients into any online counter, you can get all the info. I believe My Fitness Pal has a good one. Thanks so much again!
Hi! Can the chia seeds be left out or does that effect the taste too much? Thanks!
Hi Bree! You can absolutely leave the chia seeds out! Lessen the milk by maybe a tablespoon as the chia seeds absorb a lot of milk. Enjoy!
These are so good! I subbed one T honey for the maple syrup and it tastes amazing.
Glad to know the substitution worked well for you!
Hi! Will steel cut oats work? I’d love to try this but only have steel cut in my pantry! Thanks!
Hey Gail! Steel Cut Oats work, they just tend to be a bit more crunchy/chewy but some of my favorite bloggers prefer the steel cut so have at it!
This is amazing!!! Overnight oats are so easy to make and you an enjoy healthy breakfast in the morning. Plenty of fibre and protein and of course tasty. I really like combination of banana and peanut butter
Thanks Maria! I’m quite the Overnight Oats addictvand peanut butter and banana really is such a great combo! Thanks!!!
Do the rolled oats need to be cooked first?
Hi Sunni! You don’t need to cook the Oats first. That’s the beauty of Overnight Oats. The soaking of the oats is what does the trick. Enjoy!
Hi, can protein powder be replaced with anything? I don’t use protein powders. If not, how is this effected?
Hi Kim! You could easily skip it. My husband was looking for a higher protein Oatmeal and I went with the most real food protein powder. You could add some flax if you wanted but certainly should be just fine without!
Hi Lorie!
I’m a new reader and completely obsessed with your site! Why didn’t I find you sooner??
Your recipes are inspiring and are exactly what I look for in terms of how I like to cook and eat!
And your recipes are ALL amazing which I’ve never really run across, where I love each and every recipe, so just want to say kudos for such a fabulous site! You’re doing a great job! N keep up the good work 🙂
Hi Nita! This was the BEST thing to wake up to this morning! Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m so glad you love the site. Let me know how the recipes go and thanks again! ?