Peanut Butter and Cacao Overnight Oats
A creamy and delicious overnight oats recipe that tastes like a Snickers ice cream bar, but makes for a healthy breakfast that the whole family will love!
A Delicious Make Ahead Breakfast
This rich and creamy overnight oats recipe is reminiscent of a Snicker’s Ice Cream Bar and tastes like you’re eating dessert for breakfast, but it’s actually so good for you!
I make a batch of this every Sunday night during the school year in anticipation of the week ahead. It’s a breakfast my kids love to eat, and I happily oblige in making it as I know it will keep them full all morning long.
Healthy Ingredients
Made with heart healthy oats, and lots of protein thanks to the milk and Greek yogurt, these overnight oats also pack a good dose of healthy fats and antioxidants with the addition of peanut butter and cacao nibs. While the figs are optional, they add extra fiber and sweetness (and my kids think they are candy!).
Quick to Make, Measuring is Optional!
I’m providing measurements for the purpose of the recipe, but I generally don’t measure as I’m making this. Once you’ve made it a few times, you too, will be able to eyeball the amounts and mix together a batch in less than a minute.
I’ve found as long as the oats are well saturated with milk, it results in a wonderfully creamy oat in the morning. If you don’t add enough milk, they will be a bit too thick, but can easily be thinned out with more milk or Greek yogurt. It’s such a forgiving recipe!
For the toppings, I just add a dollop of yogurt and a dollop of peanut butter, then mix it all together and top with sliced figs (dried or fresh) and sprinkle with the cacao nibs.
Recipes Tips and Variations
- Container: Use a large container with a lid for best results.
- Oats: The original version of this recipe called for Old Fashioned Rolled Oats. I’ve found the type of oat doesn’t make much of a difference, so we just use whatever we have on hand (usually Quaker Quick Oats).
- Sweetener: I sweeten my oats with agave syrup, which doesn’t spike blood sugar as much as traditional granulated sugar does. But any sweetener will do – you use honey, maple syrup, Stevia or regular sugar.
- Milk: I switch between oat milk and regular cow’s milk when making this, because of nut allergies in our family. However, almond milk, soy milk or any other milk alternative will work.
- Cacao Nibs: I love the crunch and chocolately flavor the cacao nibs bring. Plus, they are unsweetened and full of antioxidants. If you don’t have them on hand, feel free to substitute with chocolate chips.
- Greek Yogurt: We use Non-Fat Greek Yogurt with a drop of vanilla, but if you need a dairy-free option, I’ve also used Vanillabean Cashewmilk Yogurt, and it’s even more delicious!
- Storage: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week, so it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weekday mornings!
Peanut Butter and Cacao Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons agave
- 2 ¼ cups milk dairy or non dairy
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or non dairy alternative
- ½ teaspoon vanilla essence omit if using vanilla flavored yogurt
- 2 tbsp cacao nibs
- ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
- 2-3 dried figs optional
Instructions
- Make the oats the night before: In a large bowl or container with a lid, combine the oats, agave, milk, and a pinch of salt.
- Cover and refrigerate the oats overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- When you are ready to eat, thinly slice the figs. Mix the Greek yogurt with the vanilla. Divide the overnight oats between 4 serving bowls and top with a dollop of the Greek yogurt, followed by peanut butter. Sprinkle with cacao nibs and 1-2 fig halves.
