The ultimate make-ahead breakfast recipe, refrigerator oats are soaked overnight in a chocolate peanut butter yogurt mixture.
My boys both love oatmeal and it makes me so happy. Not only because they’re both into the same breakfast at the same time but because oatmeal is one of the most nutritious ways to start the day – whether you’re a kid or an adult!
I have a confession to make: my kids think flax seed meal is brown sugar. My dirty secret? I store it in an air-tight container, out of the packaging, and sprinkle it on top of everything from cereal to oatmeal to yogurt.
While they typically love my 90 second microwave oatmeal, now that we are heading into the warmer months I will be transitioning into refrigerator oats served chilled.
The best part about refrigerator oatmeal is that I can prep a big batch on Sunday and just scoop it out each morning when I need it. To start, you simply whisk together plain, unsweetened yogurt with milk, melted peanut butter, cocoa powder, cinnamon and vanilla. A ripe, mashed banana adds sweetness with the benefits of fiber.
Speaking of fiber, I fold in old fashioned oats and flax seed meal which then soak overnight in the yogurt mixture. In as little as 60 minutes, the oats begin to absorb the liquid and soften which is why this recipe requires no cooking!
Of course, the best part about overnight oats is that you can garnish them however you wish in the morning. Some days we just add banana slices and blueberries, other days we get crazy with more melted peanut butter and chocolate chips. The world is your oyster.
Your spoon is waiting.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2 cups low fat milk or milk of choice
- 1 ½ cups plain whole milk yogurt
- 1 ripe banana mashed
- ¼ cup creamy natural peanut butter melted
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill organic old fashioned oats
- ¼ cup flax seed meal
- melted peanut butter and chocolate chips optional garnish to serve
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, yogurt, mashed banana, melted peanut butter, cocoa powder, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir in oats and flax seed to incorporate.
- Divide mixture between four glass jars or keep in bowl and refrigerator overnight. Garnish to serve with additional melted peanut butter or chocolate chips if you wish.
Chef’s Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am honored to be in a long term partnership with Bob’s Red Mill. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Lemon Bowl possible. All thoughts are my own.
Want more healthy breakfast recipes? Check out my Pinterest board!
Kimberly Baxter
WOW this looks and sounds so delicious!
Liz DellaCroce
It’s so good! I hope you love it!
Liren | Kitchen Confidante
I just made a batch of overnight oats — tomorrow I’m going to have to make this one!!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday!
Wow, I’m pretty sure oatmeal has never looked so good! Crazily enough, I’ve still never made overnight oats, but I really need to start, especially since these look so decadent!
Liz DellaCroce
You must try it Kari!
Meredith
What a delicious sounding overnight oatmeal recipe! And I LOVE how you add ground flax seed to your littles’ food and they think it is brown sugar!!!
Liz DellaCroce
ahahah right? I hope this lasts awhile haha.
ChihYu
Totally love the flavor combination and it’s so easy and simple to make too. Thanks for sharing !
Liz DellaCroce
So easy! Enjoy!
Nicole | What She Ate
This looks magical. I love overnight oats, but don’t eat them often enough. I’ve never had yogurt in them before which I have to try next time! Thanks for sharing!
Liz DellaCroce
I really like how the yogurt gives it a little tang!
Cookin Canuck
You can’t beat a healthy breakfast that comes together in 10 minutes. Loving this idea for my whole family!
Liz DellaCroce
You really can’t right? xoxox
Sarah Newman
This would have been my dream breakfast as a kid! (And way healthier than the sugary cereals I used to eat everyday!). Love how your kids think flax seeds are brown sugar!! LOL *genius*
Liz DellaCroce
Yes totally!! hahah
Jersey Girl Cooks
This looks like one decadent dessert!
Liz DellaCroce
Sure does doesn’t it??
Tina
Ha! Imagine their surprise when your kids get to college and they ask for some brown sugar! I’m going to need to try that trick at home too.
Liz DellaCroce
Isn’t that so funny!!
Megan Stevens
Just wow. PB is the ULTIMATE comfort food. This looks so yummy!!
Liz DellaCroce
Really nothing better am I right?
Katie Walsh Beck
Ok overnight oatmeal is something I do all the time. It is quick to prep before bed and great to grab on my way into the office in the morning. I have never tried with chocolate or peanut butter, but this sounds like breakfast plus a treat! Amazing :)
Liz DellaCroce
YES!! So smart!!