Thank you for showing up here, and today’s recipe? Oh, it’s a breakfast that’s been rocking my world lately. Let me just say this: if you’ve ever wished you could eat a peanut butter cup first thing in the morning and feel good about it… your dream just came true. These Peanut Butter Cup Protein Overnight Oats are not only decadent and creamy with a hint of chocolate indulgence, they’re also packed with protein and fiber to keep you fueled all morning long.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof. Whether you’re chasing gains at the gym, wrangling kiddos, or just trying to eat something satisfying before a back-to-back Zoom call marathon, these oats are about to become your breakfast BFF.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the magic you’ll need to make two servings:
For the chocolate oats:
-
¾ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
-
⅔ cup rolled oats
-
1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder
-
1½ tablespoons Dutch cocoa powder
-
½ tablespoon chia seeds
-
Pinch of salt
For the peanut butter layer:
-
¾ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
-
2 tablespoons powdered peanut butter
-
1½ tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
-
A pinch of stevia or your preferred sweetener (to taste)
For the chocolate shell:
-
3 tablespoons dark chocolate chips
-
1 teaspoon coconut oil
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Protein Overnight Oats
Step 1: Mix the chocolate base
Start by mixing the almond milk and protein powder in a bowl or large measuring cup until smooth—no lumps, please! Add in your oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir until fully combined. The texture might look a little thin at first, but don’t worry—the chia seeds and oats will soak everything up overnight.
Step 2: Divide and conquer
Spoon the chocolate oat mixture evenly into two jars or meal prep containers. I like to use wide-mouth mason jars because it makes layering easier (and they look super cute too!).
Step 3: Whip up the peanut butter layer
In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, powdered peanut butter, creamy peanut butter, and stevia. Stir until it’s smooth and thick, almost like a peanut butter mousse. Then layer this mixture over the chocolate oats in your jars.
Step 4: Top it with a chocolate shell
Now for the fun part! Melt your chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave, heating in 15-second intervals and stirring between each until it’s glossy and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over each jar and spread it into an even layer—it will harden into a gorgeous shell that cracks when you dig in. Yes, it’s basically dessert for breakfast… but with benefits.
Step 5: Chill and serve
Seal your jars and refrigerate overnight. When you wake up? You’ll be greeted with the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like a superhero. All you need is a spoon and a bit of anticipation for that satisfying crack of chocolate on top.
Helpful Tips
-
Use rolled oats, not quick or steel-cut. Rolled oats absorb just the right amount of liquid for that perfect creamy texture.
-
Chia seeds are magic. They help thicken the oats and add fiber, omega-3s, and a fun texture. But if you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out.
-
Balance your sweetness. The chocolate shell brings some sweetness already, so keep your sweetener light in the oat and yogurt layers unless you prefer things on the sweeter side.
-
Double or triple it. This recipe scales easily if you want to prep breakfast for a few days. Trust me, future you will thank you.
Substitutions and Variations
-
Milk: Use whatever milk works for you—oat, soy, dairy, cashew. Just make sure it’s unsweetened if you’re watching sugars.
-
Protein Powder: Chocolate whey gives that classic flavor, but you can swap in vegan protein or vanilla for a different twist.
-
Nut Butters: Almond or cashew butter are great swaps for peanut butter. Want nut-free? Try sunflower seed butter!
-
Sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, or monk fruit sweetener all work beautifully in place of stevia.
-
Add-ins: Toss in sliced banana, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of granola on top of the hardened shell for some added flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based protein powder, dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond milk yogurt), and check that your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly.
Can I eat these warm?
Absolutely. If you want a warm breakfast, just remove the chocolate shell and microwave the oats for about 30–60 seconds. You can re-add the shell after or skip it if you prefer.
How long do they last in the fridge?
They keep well for 3–4 days. The texture might soften a bit more after day 2, but they’ll still be totally tasty.
Do I need the chocolate shell?
Technically, no. But c’mon, that crispy top layer takes these oats from good to legendary. Try it once—you’ll be hooked.
Storage Instructions
Keep your overnight oats in airtight jars or containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chocolate shell holds up surprisingly well! If you’re prepping more than two servings, just multiply the recipe accordingly and store the jars stacked or side-by-side for grab-and-go ease.
These also travel well. If you’re taking them on the road, pop them into a cooler or insulated lunch bag and enjoy whenever hunger strikes.
More Recipes to Try
If you’re into high-protein breakfasts that don’t skimp on flavor, you’re in the right place. Try mixing up your routine with other flavor-packed overnight oats—think strawberry shortcake, mocha almond, or banana bread. Or venture into savory territory with breakfast bowls and egg muffins that keep you full and focused all morning.
But for now, keep this Peanut Butter Cup Protein Overnight Oats recipe close—it’s one of those “once you know, you know” kind of meals. It’ll keep you coming back, spoon in hand, morning after morning.
This one’s a game changer, friends. Creamy, chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness—with enough protein to power your day. Whether you’re fueling up post-workout or just looking for a reason to leap out of bed, these Peanut Butter Cup Protein Overnight Oats are here for it.
Try them, share them, snap a photo (you know I love seeing your creations!), and let me know how they turned out. Happy spooning!