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If you’re craving a breakfast that combines convenience, nutrition, and the nostalgic joy of your favorite sandwich, you’ve come to the right place. The **PBJ Overnight Oats Recipe** is a delightful twist on classic peanut butter and jelly, turning it into a creamy, wholesome morning treat that’s ready as soon as you wake up. Perfect for busy days or lazy weekends, this dish balances the hearty texture of oats with the sweet tang of raspberry preserves and the richness of peanut butter, creating a perfect harmony in every bite.

PBJ Overnight Oats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the best part of making this recipe. Each component plays a key role—from the creamy peanut butter adding protein and richness, to the raspberry preserves bringing a burst of bright sweetness, to the oats and chia seeds creating a satisfying texture and nutritional boost.

Crunchy peanut butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich, nutty flavor and delightful texture contrast.
Raspberry preserves (2 tablespoons): Provides fruity sweetness and a beautiful splash of color.
Rolled oats (½ cup): The hearty base that soaks up all the flavors overnight, offering a creamy yet substantial bite.
Chia seeds (1 tablespoon): Packed with fiber and omega-3s, these seeds thicken the mixture and add nutrition.
Whole milk (¾ cup): Brings creaminess and richness that softens the oats to perfection.
Nuts (⅓ cup, for topping): Adds crunch and an extra boost of healthy fats, perfectly complementing the soft oats.
Fresh berries (½ cup, for topping): Brightens the dish with freshness, color, and juicy bursts of flavor.

How to Make PBJ Overnight Oats Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Peanut Butter and Raspberry Preserves

Begin by adding a generous layer of crunchy peanut butter to the bottom of your container, spreading it evenly. On top of that, spread the raspberry preserves equally across. This base will infuse your oats with the classic PBJ tasting notes and beautiful streaks of color.

Step 2: Add Rolled Oats, Chia Seeds, and Milk

Sprinkle the rolled oats and chia seeds evenly over the peanut butter and preserves layer. Then, pour the whole milk on top. Using a spoon or small whisk, gently combine the milk, oats, and chia seeds just above the bottom layers without disturbing them too much, so the classic flavor duo stays distinct until you mix it later.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover your container tightly with wax paper, plastic wrap, or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit overnight or for at least two hours so the oats soften thoroughly and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Top and Enjoy

When you’re ready to eat, remove the cover and add your nuts and fresh berries on top. Stir everything together and enjoy the delightful blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy sensations that make this PBJ Overnight Oats Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve PBJ Overnight Oats Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans introduces a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth oats. Fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries add a juicy pop of sweetness and brighten the dish visually. You can also drizzle a little extra honey or a few additional raspberries preserves on top for a sweeter touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your overnight oats with a hard-boiled egg or a small cheese plate if you want some savory balance. A glass of fresh orange juice or a hot cup of coffee or tea will complement the flavors and round out your breakfast experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your PBJ Overnight Oats Recipe in transparent jars to showcase the vibrant layers of peanut butter and preserves beneath the creamy oats. For a fun twist, sprinkle some colorful edible flowers or shredded coconut on top for an Instagram-worthy presentation that makes morning feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it covered tightly to preserve freshness and prevent odors from other foods infiltrating. When you want to eat, just add fresh toppings to keep the texture lively.

Freezing

While overnight oats are best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze single portions for up to one month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before eating. Note that some separation might occur, so stir well before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer warm oats, microwave the chilled PBJ overnight oats for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. Adding fresh toppings after reheating maintains the fresh contrast of textures.

FAQs

Can I use any type of milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute almond, oat, soy, or any plant-based milk to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences. Just keep in mind the consistency of your oats might vary slightly.

Is it okay to use crunchy or smooth peanut butter?

Both crunchy and smooth peanut butter work well. Crunchy adds delightful texture bits throughout, while smooth offers a creamier, uniform layer—choose what you love most.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and swap raspberry preserves with a vegan-friendly fruit spread. Double-check your peanut butter to ensure it contains no added dairy.

How long does the recipe keep in the refrigerator?

Your PBJ Overnight Oats Recipe stays fresh for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond that, the texture and taste may start to change.

What if I want it sweeter?

Feel free to stir in a little honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar before refrigerating, or add a drizzle on top before serving for extra sweetness without overpowering the classic PBJ flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and fun about waking up to the familiar yet reinvented flavors of peanut butter and jelly in a creamy, healthy format like overnight oats. I encourage you to try this PBJ Overnight Oats Recipe soon—it’s a no-fuss, nourishing way to start your day with a smile and a spoonful of nostalgia transformed into something fresh and exciting.