Peanut butter and jelly oats are everything breakfast should be—warm, filling, nostalgic, and packed with nutrients to keep you energized through the morning. If you grew up loving PB&J sandwiches, this creamy, cozy oatmeal version brings back that same joy with a healthy twist.
Made with pantry staples like rolled oats, peanut butter, and a quick chia jam, this bowl is perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or lazy weekends when you need comfort in a bowl. Even better? It’s naturally vegan, dairy-free, and can be easily made gluten-free.
Let’s turn that classic lunchbox flavor into a fiber-rich, protein-packed breakfast you’ll want on repeat.
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Table of Contents
Why Peanut Butter and Jelly Oats Just Work
Peanut butter and jelly oats combine two breakfast all-stars: hearty oats and creamy peanut butter. Oats are rich in fiber and slow-digesting carbs, which help stabilize blood sugar and keep hunger away. Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats for staying power, plus a decadent texture that turns a simple bowl into something crave-worthy.
Add in a swirl of fruit-sweetened chia jam and you get the classic PB&J flavor—but with better nutrition and zero sugar crash.
PrintPeanut Butter and Jelly Oats: The Comforting Breakfast You Didn’t Know You Needed
Peanut butter and jelly oats are everything breakfast should be—warm, filling, nostalgic, and packed with nutrients. This cozy bowl transforms a classic PB&J into a creamy, high-protein oatmeal perfect for busy mornings or slow weekends.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp quinoa flakes (optional)
- 1 cup plant-based milk (or water)
- 1 tbsp creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or mashed banana)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp chia jam (raspberry or strawberry)
- Optional toppings: Fresh berries, Coconut yogurt, Crushed peanuts or granola, Coconut flakes or hemp seeds
Instructions
- Add oats, quinoa flakes, and plant-based milk to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oats begin to soften.
- Stir in peanut butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Pour into a bowl and swirl in the chia jam.
- Top with fresh fruit, yogurt, nuts, or granola.
- Overnight option: Mix everything except toppings in a jar, refrigerate overnight, and add toppings in the morning.
Notes
Try making your own chia jam by simmering ½ cup berries with 1 tbsp chia seeds and 1–2 tsp maple syrup. Let it sit off-heat for 15–20 minutes. Store oats in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or enjoy cold. Customize with nut butters, seeds, or fruit toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredients for the Best Peanut Butter and Jelly Oats
What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp quinoa flakes (optional for extra protein)
- 1 cup plant-based milk (or water)
- 1 tbsp creamy natural peanut butter
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or mashed banana for no sugar)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp chia jam (raspberry or strawberry)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries
- Coconut yogurt
- Crushed peanuts or granola
- Coconut flakes or hemp seeds
How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Oats
- Add oats, quinoa flakes, and plant-based milk to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oats begin to soften.
- Stir in peanut butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Pour into a bowl and swirl in the chia jam.
- Top with fresh fruit, yogurt, nuts, or granola.
Overnight Option: Mix everything except toppings in a jar, refrigerate overnight, and add toppings in the morning.
Make Your Own Chia Jam
Want a healthier jelly for your peanut butter and jelly oats? Try this fast chia version:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup berries (frozen or fresh)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1–2 tsp maple syrup
Method:
Heat the berries in a small pot for 3–4 minutes until they break down. Mash with a fork, stir in chia seeds and syrup, and let it sit off-heat for 15–20 minutes until it thickens.
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Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Peanut butter and jelly oats are perfect for meal prep. Cook a big batch and divide into jars for the week.
- Fridge life: Up to 5 days in airtight containers
- To reheat: Add a splash of milk and microwave or reheat gently on the stove
- Cold option: Enjoy chilled for a summer-ready breakfast bowl
Customization Tips
Feel free to tweak your peanut butter and jelly oats based on your mood and pantry:
- Swap peanut butter for almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter
- Add protein powder for an extra protein boost
- Stir in flax or hemp seeds for added fiber
- Top with banana slices, cacao nibs, or apple chips
This bowl is endlessly adaptable and never boring.
Final Thoughts
Peanut butter and jelly oats bring together childhood comfort and adult nutrition in a quick, easy recipe you’ll make again and again. It’s everything you love about a PB&J—warm, rich, sweet, and satisfying—with all the staying power of a high-protein breakfast.
Whether you’re in a rush or taking it slow, this is the kind of breakfast that shows up for you—any day of the week.
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FAQs:
Is peanut butter and jelly good in oatmeal?
Yes, peanut butter and jelly oats are a delicious and comforting twist on traditional oatmeal. The combination of creamy peanut butter and fruity jelly adds flavor, protein, and healthy fats, making your oats more satisfying and fun to eat.
How long can peanut butter and jelly sit out?
If mixed into oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. However, if your oats include dairy or fresh fruit toppings, it’s best to refrigerate them within 1–2 hours to maintain freshness and safety.
What makes peanut butter and jelly good?
It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, creamy and fruity. In peanut butter and jelly oats, this classic combo creates a nostalgic, craveable flavor that’s also nutrient-rich—ideal for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
Is peanut butter and oatmeal a complete protein?
While peanut butter and oatmeal aren’t complete proteins on their own, together they form a nearly complete amino acid profile. For a fully balanced plant-based protein meal, you can add chia seeds, hemp hearts, or a small scoop of protein powder.