Pin it Start your morning with a high-protein breakfast that tastes just like a classic peanut butter cup. These Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats are a creamy, decadent treat made with layers of peanut butter-infused oats and a rich cocoa ganache, providing a nutritious start to the day without any cooking required.
Pin it Preparing these oats is as simple as mixing a few pantry staples and letting the refrigerator do the work. By layering the oats with homemade cocoa ganache, you create a beautiful jar that is ready to grab and go whenever you are.
Ingredients
- Oats Mixture: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice), 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or 0% fat), 3 tbsp natural peanut butter, 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt.
- Optional Add-ins: 2 tbsp chia seeds, 1 scoop (30g) vanilla or chocolate protein powder.
- Cocoa Ganache Layer: 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey, 2 tbsp milk of choice.
- Toppings: 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips, 1 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts (optional).
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the base
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, chia seeds, and protein powder (if using). Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Step 2: Make the ganache
- In a small bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, and milk until smooth and glossy to form the cocoa ganache.
- Step 3: Initial layering
- Divide half of the oat mixture between two jars or containers. Spread half of the cocoa ganache on top of the oats in each jar.
- Step 4: Complete the layers
- Layer the remaining oat mixture over the ganache, then finish with the rest of the ganache on top.
- Step 5: Garnish
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and chopped peanuts over the top.
- Step 6: Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until thick and creamy.
- Step 7: Serve
- Serve chilled. Stir before eating, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
These overnight oats can be made up to 3 days in advance, making them an excellent choice for weekly meal planning. For the best consistency, ensure you allow at least 4 hours of refrigeration to let the oats and chia seeds fully hydrate.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based yogurt and ensure your chocolate chips and protein powder are vegan-certified. You can also substitute almond milk with any preferred milk, such as oat, soy, or cashew milk.
Serviervorschläge
Enjoy these oats straight from the fridge for a refreshing breakfast. For extra texture and crunch, consider adding a layer of granola or cacao nibs just before serving. If you prefer a more integrated flavor, stir the jar thoroughly to distribute the cocoa ganache before eating.
Pin it With the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter, these oats make healthy eating feel like an indulgence. Prepare a couple of jars tonight and look forward to a delicious, high-protein breakfast waiting for you in the morning.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long do peanut butter cup overnight oats last in the refrigerator?
These layered oats stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly in sealed containers in the refrigerator. The oats actually thicken and the flavors meld together beautifully over time, making them an excellent option for meal prep. The cocoa ganache maintains its glossy texture, and the toppings stay crunchy when kept separate until serving.
- → Can I make these overnight oats vegan?
Absolutely. Simply replace the Greek yogurt with your favorite plant-based yogurt alternative—coconut or almond yogurt work particularly well for their creamy consistency. Ensure your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly, and if using protein powder, select a plant-based variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.
- → What's the purpose of the cocoa ganache layer?
The cocoa ganache creates that authentic peanut butter cup experience by providing a rich, chocolatey contrast to the creamy peanut butter oats. Whisking together cocoa powder, maple syrup, and milk forms a glossy, smooth layer that mimics the chocolate coating of traditional peanut butter cups. It seeps slightly into the oats during chilling, creating marbled ribbons throughout.
- → Can I substitute the peanut butter with other nut butters?
While peanut butter provides the classic flavor profile, you can experiment with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter for a nut-free version. Each alternative will slightly change the nutritional profile and flavor, but the creamy texture and satisfying protein content remain. The cocoa ganache pairs well with any nut butter variety.
- → Do these oats need to be heated before serving?
These are designed to be enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator, which makes them incredibly convenient for busy mornings. However, if you prefer warm oats, you can gently heat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Just note that the cocoa ganache will melt and become more integrated into the oats rather than remaining as distinct layers.
- → How can I increase the protein content further?
The base already provides 22 grams of protein from Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and optional protein powder. To boost it even more, use collagen peptides dissolved in the milk mixture, add a tablespoon of hemp seeds, or stir in Greek yogurt with higher protein content. You can also top with additional nuts or seeds for extra protein and crunch.