Weekday mornings can be rough! Life happens and it can be easy to forget (or skip) breakfast, despite your best intentions. The good news is, you can plan ahead. Throw together this simple peanut butter banana overnight oats recipe with coconut flakes and crunchy cacao nibs before bed and wake up with one less line on your to-do list!
Did you know that in the National Weight Control Registry survey of people who have lost an average of 50+ lbs and kept it off for ten years or more, 78% of them at breakfast every day? In my own experience working with clients who previously skipped breakfast and then started adding it in, I consistently hear rave reviews about increased energy levels, focus and productivity. PLUS, it’s so much easier to walk past those _____ (insert donuts, breakfast tacos, etc. etc.) in the break room when you’re not hungry from skipping breakfast or from not eating enough protein at breakfast. Fuel your body first so it’s primed and ready to greet the day.
About overnight oats
Overnight oats are prepared by using equal ratios of milk and old fashioned oats, refrigerated and soaked in a covered jar. They are very versatile because you can essentially top them with whatever you’d like! Soaking for a full 8 hours is preferred for best results, but even a few hours is okay!
What I love about this recipe
There are three things I love about this recipe!
- It’s adequate in protein. As a general rule, I like to see no less than 15 grams of protein per meal. Usually between 15 and 25 grams of protein per meal is adequate, but that number might change depending on your specific needs. Oatmeal made with water won’t pass the protein test. I used a fat-free high-protein milk (I really like Fairlife) to pack in enough protein and stave off hunger throughout the morning.
- It’s high in fiber. Most women and men need 25 to 38 grams of fiber a day, respectively (per the Dietary Reference Intakes). But… more often than not, I see first-time clients eating less than 10 grams daily. This overnight oats recipe delivers a solid 9 grams of fiber alone!
- You can prep it the night before. Yassss. If I could have a mini-elf helper to prep all of meals so my fridge was magically stocked with nutritious food at all times, I would. Unfortunately the Keebler elves are not for hire (I looked into it). But in all seriousness, prepare yourself for success. The more frequently you can prep healthful foods ahead of time, the more likely you are to eat them.
- You can it take on the run. This meal is already placed perfectly in a cup for you! Eat it in the car, at the office, or while chasing down your preschooler to change out of her Elsa jammies. I have even brought it in a cooler to the gym for a post-workout breakfast!
I hope you love this peanut butter banana overnight oats recipe! Also prepare to be impressed that the bananas don’t brown after being sliced when milk is poured on top. How cool is that?
Let me know what you think and tell me what recipes or other nutrition tips you want to see next!
Disclosures: None. This post was not created in affiliation with any product or brand.

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats with Coconut and Cacao Nibs
Ingredients
- 1/2 c old fashioned oats
- 1/2 c fat-free high-protein milk (like Mootopia or Fairlife; alternatively you can use a plant-based milk alternative which will be much lower in protein)
- 1 Tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tsp honey
- 1/2 whole sliced banana
- 3/4 tsp cacao nibs
- 1 1/2 tsp unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- In a mason jar or cup, layer items in this order: old fashioned oats, peanut butter, banana, cacao nibs, unsweetened coconut flakes. Finally, pour milk on top.
- Cover and refrigerate. For best results, let soak overnight for 8 hours, although a few hours will be okay.
Nutrition

I love overnight oats and cocoa so this is perfect!
I love overnight oats! They’re such a time and stress saver in the morning!
I’m an overnight oats girl! Plus I love peanut butter, so this is perfect!
Peanut butter with bananas and chocolate is a match made in heaven! This overnight oats recipe looks delicious!
I COMPLETELY agree! Thanks Sara!
Yum!! All of a sudden I wish it was breakfast time! Looks delicious!
Always breakfast time around these parts!!
Sounds delicious, I love overnight oats!
Me too, Danielle!!
Looks so yummy; and I love that it’s adequate in protein and has plenty of fiber!
Thanks Lauren! Me too :).