Okay, real talk—how many times have you stared at that almost-empty peanut butter jar, debating whether to scrape it clean or just toss it? Well, hold up. Don’t throw it out. That sticky, peanut-buttery goodness clinging to the sides? That’s breakfast gold.
This peanut butter overnight oats recipe is my go-to when I want something easy, filling, and, honestly, kind of addictive. Plus, it’s like a reward for remembering to plan ahead (which—let’s be honest—doesn’t always happen).
Perfect for busy mornings, late-night snack planning, or when you’re just trying to be a tiny bit more responsible with your food waste (go you!).
🥣 Peanut Butter Overnight Oats in a Jar
What You’ll Need:
- 1 almost-empty peanut butter jar (yup, we’re makin’ the jar do the work)
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ to ⅔ cup milk of choice (I’m loyal to vanilla almond milk, but do you)
- Optional but delicious toppings:
- Vanilla Greek yogurt + granola
- Sliced banana + honey
- Fresh berries + honey
- Honestly? Whatever’s hanging out in the fridge
How to Throw it Together:
- Add the oats straight into that peanut butter jar—like, just dump ’em in.
- Pour in your milk of choice. You want enough to soak the oats but not drown ’em.
- Give it a good stir or shake. Scrape the sides a little with a spoon if the peanut butter’s being clingy.
- Pop the lid on, stick it in the fridge overnight (or at least 6 hours—just long enough to forget you made it).
- The next morning, layer on your toppings—Greek yogurt + granola for a little crunch, sliced banana if you’re feelin’ classic, or fresh berries for a summer vibe.
- Drizzle some honey if you’ve got a sweet tooth, then grab a spoon and dig in. No dishes. No drama. Just creamy, dreamy oats.
😋 Three Flavor Combos Worth Trying
1. Classic Banana & Honey
- Tastes like comfort.
- Super creamy, slightly sweet, just chef’s kiss.
2. Berry Burst
- Fresh strawberries or blueberries + honey.
- Feels like a fancy café breakfast but without leaving your house (or your sweatpants).
3. Crunchy Yogurt Parfait
- Vanilla Greek yogurt + granola on top.
- Add a tiny splash of maple syrup if you’re feelin’ wild.
🙋♀️ FAQs – Because You Know Someone’s Gonna Ask
Can I use steel-cut oats?
Eh, I wouldn’t. They stay pretty tough unless you cook ’em first. Stick with old-fashioned or rolled oats—they soften up nicely overnight.
Do I have to use a peanut butter jar?
Nope! You can use any container. But if you’ve got that jar, it’s basically built for this. Less waste + less cleanup = a win.
Is it sweet enough without honey?
Depends on your milk and yogurt. Vanilla almond milk and Greek yogurt add a little sweetness. But if you’ve got a sweet tooth, go ahead—drizzle that honey.
How long do these oats keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. But I swear, once you taste it, there won’t be any leftovers.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Totally. Swap the Greek yogurt for a coconut or almond-based version, and use plant milk.

Got an Almost-Empty Peanut Butter Jar? Make These Overnight Oats.
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 jar 1x
Description
Creamy, dreamy overnight oats made right in the peanut butter jar—no dishes, no drama. Perfect for those who want breakfast to make itself.
Ingredients
- 1 almost-empty peanut butter jar
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ to ⅔ cup milk of choice (like vanilla almond milk)
- Optional toppings:
- Vanilla Greek yogurt
- Granola
- Sliced banana
- Fresh berries
- Honey
- Anything else hangin’ out in your fridge
Instructions
- Dump the oats directly into the almost-empty peanut butter jar.
- Pour in milk—just enough to soak the oats but not drown ’em.
- Stir or shake well. Use a spoon to scrape the sides if needed.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- In the morning, add your favorite toppings like Greek yogurt + granola, banana slices, fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey.
- Grab a spoon and dig in. No dishes necessary.
Notes
Customize with whatever toppings you have on hand. Great way to use up the last bits of peanut butter without wasting a thing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: overnight oats, peanut butter jar, no-cook breakfast, meal prep, oats, easy breakfast
🥄 Final Scoop
This recipe isn’t fancy, but it is magic. You take a sad little peanut butter jar and turn it into breakfast with zero effort. And honestly? There’s something weirdly satisfying about scraping the last bits of peanut butter with every bite of those creamy oats.
Next time you see a nearly-empty jar in the fridge, don’t toss it. Make overnight oats. Your future sleepy self will thank you.
And hey, if you’re feeling extra, drop a handful of chocolate chips in there. No judgment.