A meal prep done right with overnight protein oats: 5 ways for breakfast! For this, I use a basic recipe and then add from there. This week we have strawberry chocolate, peanut butter & jelly, banana nut, blueberry pie and birthday cake. All are customizable, gluten free and added sugar free!
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I am a huge fan of using a basic recipe and building from there. Having a foundation to start from makes it so easy. Plus, you could always make a bulk batch and split it from there instead of doing it all individually. The basic recipe is super easy and simple!
SO… what will you need to make this basic overnight protein oats recipe?
- Oats
- Liquid of choice
- Greek or dairy free yogurt
- Nut butter
- Protein powder
5 Overnight Protein Oats Flavors
1. Peanut Butter and Jelly
Easily one of my favorite overnight protein oats combinations. All you need is to use peanut butter as the nut butter of choice and either mashed berries, jelly or jam. I love to use homemade chia jam for an extra boost of fiber and healthy fats.
2. Birthday Cake
This another good one that surprisingly does actually taste like cake batter. For this recipe, the first key ingredient is cashew butter, which has a slightly sweeter profile compared to other nut butters. The second key is the almond extract. You only need the smallest amount but trust me, it truly makes the oats!
3. Blueberry Pie
Blueberries are my favorite fruit so there is no question as to why this flavor made the top 5 list. Pro tip for this one: heat it up for that true blueberry pie flavor. All you need is to use almond butter as the nut butter, add blueberries and cinnamon!
4. Banana Nut
This is the overnight protein oats version of the classic Starbucks banana nut bread. There is something just incredible about the banana flavor with the mix of walnuts and spices. For this, use almond butter (or pecan butter!) as the nut butter. Then add mashed banana + banana slices, cinnamon and nutmeg.
5. Strawberry Chocolate
My love for strawberry and chocolate runs deep. In college my mom would send me chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine’s Day and it never disappointed. Whenever I’m in the mood for a slightly sweeter breakfast, this is it. I replaced the vanilla protein powder with chocolate and also added cacao powder. It is important here that you add additional liquid because of the cacao powder. Add in sliced strawberries and there you go. Optional chocolate chips if you are really feeling sweet!
How do I reheat this?
Reheat in the microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. This recipe also stores well in a refrigerator for one week.
Can I make any substitutions to the basic recipe?
- Oats: I have made this recipe with steel cut, old fashioned, quick and irish – all have worked! However, if you use another kind, I do not know if the timing or texture will be off.
- Liquid: either water or milk of choice work here. All milk will provide a slightly creamier taste but all up to preference. I typically use water and almond milk with a 1:1 ratio
- Yogurt: I love greek yogurt for the creamy texture and extra boost of protein. If you are dairy free, I would recommend finding a dairy free yogurt that is thicker in consistency.
- Protein Powder: I use Nuzest Protein, which is a vegan pea protein powder. I love this one but you can use whichever brand you prefer! You do not need to add any protein powder but the oats may be more runny in consistency.
Need more oatmeal recipes? Check these out!
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Overnight Protein Oats: 5 Ways
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oats
- 2/3 cup liquid of choice
- 1 tbsp greek yogurt sub dairy free if needed
- 12.5 g vanilla protein powder
- optional sweetener
Peanut Butter and Jelly
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp mashed berries, jam or jelly
Birthday Cake
- 1 tbsp cashew butter
- 1 drop almond extract
- sprinkles optional
Blueberry Pie
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Banana Nut
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tbsp mashed banana
- 1/4 banana cut in slices
- 1 tbsp crushed walnuts
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- dash nutmeg
Strawberry Chocolate
- 1 tbsp cashew butter
- 1 tsp cacao powder
- 2 tsp liquid of choice
- 2 strawberries sliced
Instructions
- In a jar or storage container, mix together oats and protein powder
- Add liquid of choice, greek yogurt and nut butter. Shake well
- Add in additional components (depending on which flavor you make)
- Enjoy cold or heat up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
Notes
- nutrition is based off of the basic recipe using Trader Joe’s all natural peanut butter and Fage non-fat greek yogurt
Amanda says
I meal prep these for the hubs every Sunday night so he has a quick, healthy breakfast to grab in the morning! Birthday cake is our favorite! Thanks, Nat!!