This quick, easy, and delicious peanut butter oatmeal is a perfect healthy breakfast for peanut butter lovers.
Breakfast peanut butter oatmeal
If you haven’t tried peanut butter oatmeal yet, you’re in for a treat. Thick, creamy, and comforting, this recipe is one of my favorite breakfast options. Everything cooks together in one pan, and you can top it with chocolate chips, fruit, or any favorite topping.
This oatmeal can easily be made vegan, gluten-free, low-calorie, low in saturated fat, cholesterol-free, and free from added sugars, while still providing fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, and protein.
Peanut butter oatmeal flavors
Chocolate Peanut Butter: Stir a tablespoon of cocoa powder (and an optional teaspoon of Dutch-process cocoa) into the oats before cooking for a chocolatey twist.
Peanut Butter Banana: Mash a ripe banana into the oats before heating and add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. For extra sweetness, caramelize the banana in a pan or microwave and add it to the finished bowl.
Coconut Peanut Butter Cookie: Use coconut milk and fold in a handful of shredded coconut while cooking. Top with shredded coconut or your favorite coconut snacks.
High Protein Oatmeal: The base recipe already provides over 14 grams of protein. For more, stir in a scoop of your preferred protein powder (plain, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or chai) before heating.
Peanut Butter & Jelly: Swirl a spoonful of grape or raspberry jam into the hot oatmeal and garnish with chopped peanuts.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie: Add 1/4 cup raisins and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon before cooking. Dried dates or figs work well too.
Ingredients for healthy peanut butter oats
Basic ingredients: rolled oats, peanut butter (or powdered peanut butter), milk of choice, pure vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and a sweetener you prefer.
For a vegan version, use plant-based milk such as almond, soy, oat, coconut, or flax milk. Optional toppings include mini chocolate chips, sliced or mashed banana, chia seeds, strawberries, blueberries, or a spoonful of a nutty spread.
Sweeten with maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, date sugar, brown sugar, agave, xylitol, stevia, or any sweetener you like. Adjust the amount based on taste and whether your milk or nut butter is already sweetened.
Swap peanut butter for almond, cashew, macadamia, or coconut butter, or use powdered peanut butter or peanut butter–flavored protein powder for a lower-calorie option.
To make larger batches, simply multiply the ingredients and use a bigger pot to cook the oats.
What type of oats?
This recipe uses rolled (old-fashioned) oats. Quick oats, instant oats, or steel-cut oats will also work—quick and instant cook faster, while steel-cut takes longer. You can also substitute spelt, kamut, or quinoa flakes in equal amounts.
Oats are naturally gluten-free but can be processed where wheat is present. If you need strictly gluten-free oats, choose certified gluten-free brands.
Step by step recipe video
Watch the peanut butter oatmeal recipe video above
How to make peanut butter oatmeal bowls
Combine the rolled oats, salt, sweetener, milk, and peanut butter (or powdered peanut butter) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low–medium and stir frequently until the oats thicken and reach a porridge consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternatively, cook the mixture in the microwave on high for 2–3 minutes or until thick, adjusting time for your appliance wattage. Transfer to a bowl, add toppings, and enjoy hot.
This recipe yields a single serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or eat cold.
Tips for measuring in grams
If you prefer a scale, use 45 g rolled oats, 180 g milk, and 30–45 g peanut butter depending on how peanut-buttery you like it. Add the pinch of salt and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla by eye. A medium banana is about 120 g if using fruit.
Recipe
Peanut Butter Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup milk of choice
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2–3 tbsp peanut butter or powdered peanut butter
- Sweetener of choice, to taste
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 ripe banana
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low–medium and stir frequently until thick. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla, and serve with desired toppings. The recipe can also be made in the microwave. Leftovers can be eaten hot or cold.
Video
More Peanut Butter Breakfast Recipes
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Chocolate Banana Bread
Protein Bars
Peanut Butter Muffins
Cereal Bars
Vegan French Toast
Chocolate Smoothie