Peanut Butter Overnight Oats with Banana & Dark Chocolate

How to Make It

1. 1

   Build Your Base

   In a clean mason jar or airtight container with at least 400 ml capacity, add the rolled oats and chia seeds. Pour in the almond milk (or cow's milk) and Greek yogurt. Add the vanilla extract, maple syrup or honey if using, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir everything together thoroughly until fully combined.

   Tip: Using a wide-mouth mason jar makes stirring and layering much easier and doubles as a portable breakfast container.
2. 2

   Swirl in the Peanut Butter

   Drop the natural peanut butter on top of the oat mixture in a few spoonfuls. Using a spoon or butter knife, gently swirl it through the oats without fully mixing it in. This creates beautiful ribbons of peanut butter throughout the jar and ensures pockets of flavour in every bite.

   Tip: If your natural peanut butter is very thick, warm it for 10 seconds in the microwave to make swirling easier.
3. 3

   Refrigerate Overnight

   Seal the jar with its lid and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours, ideally overnight (8–10 hours). During this time the oats will fully hydrate and soften, the chia seeds will swell and create a pudding-like texture, and all the flavours will meld together beautifully.

   Tip: These oats keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge, making them ideal for weekly meal prep. Prepare multiple jars on Sunday for easy weekday breakfasts.
4. 4

   Check Consistency

   When ready to eat, remove the jar from the fridge and give it a good stir. Check the consistency — overnight oats should be thick and creamy but still spoonable. If the oats have absorbed all the liquid and seem too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of extra milk until you reach your preferred texture.

   Tip: Some people enjoy overnight oats cold straight from the fridge; others prefer them slightly warmed. If warming, microwave for 60–90 seconds and stir before topping.
5. 5

   Add Fresh Toppings and Serve

   Just before serving, arrange the fresh banana slices neatly on top of the oats and scatter the dark chocolate chips over everything. Serve immediately in the jar or transfer to a bowl. For extra crunch and added nutrition, consider an additional topping of a small handful of crushed walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon.

   Tip: Always add banana and chocolate chips immediately before eating — not the night before — to prevent the banana from browning and the chocolate from softening into the oats.