PB and J Overnight Oats

PB and J Overnight Oats! Whipped peanut butter overnight oats and banana layered with grape chia filling! A heart healthy breakfast filled with soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Valentine’s day may be over but I’m still celebrating one of my favorite couples, peanut butter and jelly. BL and I celebrated the holiday weekend with family in Tahoe by hiking, eating lots of fabulous food, and of course- enjoying more than a few glasses of wine.

By yesterday morning, I was ready for a reset button. While my happy weight approach to eating allows me to enjoying food without feeling guilty, I know that after a few days of rich meals, I’m ready for healthier fare. It’s also probably why I don’t get too bummed out when I travel or enjoy “unhealthy” meals. I know consistency is what matters most in the long run, and I naturally tend to revert back to lots of plants for my every day diet.

Yesterday morning, I was craving something filling enough to power me through my personal to-do list yet light enough that I didn’t feel sluggish. This PB and J overnight oats fit the bill and more.

I honestly don’t think I’ve bought jam since I first created my blueberry chia jam last winter. Not only is it easy to make, it’s also packed with fiber, healthy fats and naturally occurring sugar, which can’t be said with regular preserves or jams. After returning from Tahoe on Sunday night, I made a quick batch of my chia jam to be used for peanut butter toast throughout the week.

To make things even easier, but still keep the heart healthy benefits, I swapped in 100% concord grape juice instead of the cooked blueberries. Eliminating the cooking step means this jam pretty much makes itself: place the liquid in a jar, add the chia seeds, shake and place in the fridge. Chia seeds do their magic and in a few hours, you’ve got jam.

PB and J Overnight Oats

While I originally had PB and jelly toast on the brain, I took advantage of our day off and put together these cute layered breakfast jars. I’ve been trying to eat more oatmeal in the morning, and overnight oats are hands down my favorite way. These peanut butter ones are so creamy and luscious, you’ll almost forget you are eating soaked rolled oats!

I’ve probably made a dozen or so riffs on traditional overnight oats but whipping them like this has got to be my new favorite. I’ve seen banana get whisked into oatmeal while it’s cooking so I thought why not try the same thing with overnight oats? Plus, if peanut butter isn’t going with jelly, he’s going with bananas.

After the peanut butter is good and whipped, throw in the oats and set aside till morning. If you like your oats really sweet, try adding in a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before setting them overnight. I think the ripe banana adds the perfect amount of sweetness, but then I also tend to skew towards less sweet foods. It’s your oatmeal! Season as you please!

Peanut Butter Overnight Oats Health Benefits

Besides being a good reason to get up in the morning, this PB and J overnight oats is also packed with heart healthy benefits. And since I was recently reminded that February is Heart Health month, this oatmeal practically made itself.

Oats contain soluble fiber which is helpful in reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Oats are also a good source of plant lignans, which along with reducing heart disease, have also been associated with lower hormone-related cancers and osteoporosis.  Swapping in juice for the jam portion means you also get to enjoy the benefits of 100% grape juice, which have been shown to help promote healthy blood flow and cholesterol levels.

But, like all healthy food, it’s still gotta taste good. There are very few foods I eat for the “health benefits” alone; if it taste delicious, I’m going to eat it. Thankfully, this oatmeal is one that I will be making over and over again. With all the pretty layers and 10 minute prep-time, I have a feeling that you will too.

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking! 

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