This Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal is the ultimate bowl of goodness to kickstart your early mornings! Jam-packed with bold flavor, nutrients, and creaminess, these oats are not only made with all simple ingredients, but they can be whipped together in just a few short minutes or made overnight for easy meal prep throughout week. All vegan + gluten-free.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links via Amazon for products that I wholeheartedly love.
Thank goodness that it's mid-way into the week! It's so crazy how quickly the Fall season is moving. Are you just as surprised as I am? Moreover, I'm just excited for all of the Thanksgiving deliciousness ahead. It's always a real treat working with Fall flavors! Besides, I'm super stoked about the Holiday season too! To kick things off in November, I'm happy to share this easy + delicious Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal with you! Plus, this Vanilla Cashew Protein Shake is such a great drink that comes jam-packed with nutrients!
It's definitely going to be a season of baking and more baking! Oh and not just ordinary baking, but decor will definitely be involved. The only downside with the holiday season in NYC is that it gets really, REALLY cold. Ahhh!
Oats are really great for breakfast, however, the Southern girl in me loves her pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, and the whole works! Haha. But when I do make oats, I really try to keep things interesting with flavor. Just try this Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal + Roasted Oranges for yourself.
Packed with great, bold flavor and nutrients, this protein oatmeal is a sure way to get your taste buds dancing and your tummy full for a few hours before needing another bite to eat. A win, win recipe and it’s dairy-free, vegan, + gluten-free. Perfect for adults + kids. Makes for a great meal prep throughout the week.
What Kind of Milk For Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal
When it comes to vegan milk options, there are so many possibilities. From oat milk (which I use in this recipe) soy milk to nut milk to the newest trend, potato milk, you can find a delicious plant-based option you love. And what makes these milks even better? You can make them from scratch at home! All of these dairy-free milk recipes will work for this creamy high-protein oatmeal recipe:
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS OATMEAL!
Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, wooden spoons, high-powered blender, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How to Make Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal
There are a few key ingredients in this warm Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal recipe that you may not usually use in your morning oatmeal. these make this bowl better for you and even tastier.
Of course, I always use Bob's Red Mill products when it comes to my flours, oats, and grains, so this recipe was no different.
Ingredients
Here's the list of ingredients to make Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal for breakfast today:
Bananas. You’ll want to use really ripe bananas for the densest, sweetest flavor.
Thick Cut Rolled Oats. Choose gluten-free if necessary. You can also use old fashioned if preferred.
Oat milk. Feel free to use any plant-based milk you like. you can use homemade or store-bought.
Peanut butter. Use organic, smooth peanut butter for this oatmeal to ensure that it's vegan.
Chia seeds. These are packed with fiber and healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
Spices. This oatmeal is all about the simple spice blend, which includes cinnamon and nutmeg.
Cane Sugar. I like to use organic sugar to make sure it's fully vegan. You can also use maple syrup instead for a more natural sweetener.
Vanilla. for a dash of warming flavor.
Nuts. Use walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or your favorite kind! I like to toast them!
Granola. You can use a great store-bought brand like Purely Elizabeth or make your own!
Health Benefits of Oats
Oats are another superfood that’s great to start your day with. Rolled oats like the ones used in this recipe, are a healthy source of complex carbs, fiber (the soluble kind!), protein, and fat. In addition, they are loaded with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Other great benefits of oats, according to studies:
They can help lower cholesterol.
Helps regulate blood sugar levels to avoid crashes and spikes
May help with losing weight.
Helps to relieve constipation.
LOOKING FOR A HEALTHIER SWEETENER OPTION?
The Best Healthy Sugar Alternatives + Substitutes list is all about finding better ways to enjoy your favorite sweets without compromising your healthy lifestyle. For those who follow a vegetarian and/or vegan lifestyle, this lists offers a few great ideas to incorporate healthy sweeteners into your diet.
Of course, these Vegan Banana Pancakes are the true testament to just how delicious bananas and peanut butter can be. What better way to kick-start your day than with a stack of pancakes and a few slices of fruit and some good ole’ peanut butter sauce.
How to Ripen Bananas for This Protein Oatmeal
Have you ever had bananas that weren't fully ripe, but you were dying to make this oatmeal or something else like a bread? Well, I totally understand. I've definitely been there. Luckily, I've come across a few hacks to help you ripen your bananas if you're in a pinch and here's what you can do:
Keep the banana bunches together to avoid the ripening process from stalling.
Store your bananas in a warm place like near a heater or atop your refrigerator. This helps them to ripen faster.
Using a paper bag, add your bananas inside and fold it over to close it. The gases from inside the bag once shut tight will ripen the bananas within 24-36 hours.
If you're looking to ripe your bananas more quickly for baking purposes then you can do one of the following:
Oven Method: Preheat the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit and place bananas (with peels on) unto a baking sheet and let them bake for 15-20 minutes or until skins are black. The bananas at this point should be soft and sweet.
Microwave Method: Poke holes into the peel bananas (all around) and microwave for 30 seconds at a time until the bananas are soft enough.
Toppings for Protein Oatmeal
Add crunch and texture to your Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal with your favorite toppings. I like to serve this bowl with:
Fresh berries, especially blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries
Sliced almonds or another nut. Walnuts, hazelnuts or brazil nuts are also great.
Almond butter or another nut butter
Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower
Yogurt. You can use plant-based or regular yogurt to add a nice creamy topping to your quinoa.
Cocoa powder adds a tasty chocolatey finish and extra antioxidants
Can I Make Overnight Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal?
Absolutely! Simply add all oatmeal ingredients to a bowl and mix together until combined. Tightly cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours). On the day of, top your overnight oats per the recipe and enjoy.
Is This Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal Gluten-Free?
Yes! This Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal recipe is totally gluten-free for my celiac friends out there. Be sure to buy oats that state "gluten-free" on the package. Some oats are GF and some are not, so pay attention when shopping! If you are not sensitive to gluten, you can use any variety of oats.
More Protein Packed Breakfast Recipes To Try!
If you love this Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal, then you're sure to love the following recipes:
1cupthick-cut Rolled oats, organic(Ensure that it's GF-certified if desired)
1very ripe banana, mashed
3 ½cupsOat milk, homemade or store-bought(You can use your fave plant-based milk!)
¼cuporganic cane sugar(See Notes!)
¼cuporganic peanut butter, softened
1tablespoonchia seeds
1teaspoonvanilla extract
½teaspoonground cinnamon
¼teaspoonground nutmeg
Pinch ofsea salt
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
Sliced bananas
Fresh blackberries
Chia seeds
Peanut butter, drizzle
Chopped walnuts(You can use your fave nuts)
Granola, homemade or store-bought
Instructions
TO MAKE THE OATMEAL:
Add oats, oat milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until everything is combined. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low so that everything simmers for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once done, oats should thicken and become swollen + fluffy and creamy with half the the liquid still remaining. Stir in the cane sugar, vanilla, softened peanut butter, chia seeds, and mashed banana and let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes before removing it from heat.
To serve, portion oatmeal into serving bowl(s) and top with sliced bananas, your fave nuts, chia seeds, fresh blackberries, peanut butter drizzle, and/or granola, if desired.
Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
STORAGE: Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Perfect for meal prep for the week!
OVERNIGHT OPTION: Simply add all oatmeal ingredients (substituting the cane sugar with maple syrup) to a bowl and mix together until combined. Tightly cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 8 hours). Once ready to serve, top overnight oats with toppings and enjoy.
TOASTED NUTS: Add chopped walnuts/pecans/almonds, etc. to a baking sheet and toasting them in the oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5-10 minutes, tossing them halfway to avoid browning on one side.
WHAT PLANT-BASED MILKS ARE GOOD FOR THIS RECIPE? You can always use your fave plant-based milk instead of oat milk. Any one of the following works: Almond, coconut milk, homemade cashew milk, flax milk, etc.
NUT BUTTER: If preferred, you can always substitute Almond butter with Peanut butter, SunButter (perfect for allergy-free needs!), Tahini (Sesame Seed Butter), Hazelnut Butter, etc.
SWEETENER: Instead of cane sugar, you can simply use pure maple syrup, additional mashed bananas, Agave, or your favorite sweetener.
EQUIPMENT: Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Protein Peanut Butter Banana Chia Oatmeal. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, wooden spoons, high-powered blender, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Yes, it's so easy to prep and is just perfect and full of flavor! Thanks so much, Katherine! I'm so excited about doing this magazine as a Thank You to my readers!
I can't believe how quickly fall is coming! Ahhh. Even though I don't want summer to end, I am looking forward to warming and satisfying breakfasts like this. I love starting my day with PB and chia seeds!
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
LET US KNOW!
Can you make these recipes using steel cut oatmeal instead and if yes how does or change the cooking time?
Hi Shefali! You sure can! When using Steel Oats, they will take a bit longer, around 30-40 minutes simmered until tender! 🙂
I love adding peanut butter to my oats. It tastes amazing!
Hi Lewis! Yes! I’ve been loving it too! Thanks so much for sharing!
Yummm! I'm always ready for a big bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit and chia! Just pinned this beautiful breakfast. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks so much, Traci! I am with ya on that one! I do hope that you enjoy it once you give it a try! 🙂
I love how elegant this looks but is so simple to make! The flavors definitely speak to me also!
Thanks so much, Shelby! The flavors really do burst in this dish! Just perfect!
How exciting about your magazine.
This looks like a very tasty bowl for a great start to the day, full of goodness and so easy to prepare.
Yes, it's so easy to prep and is just perfect and full of flavor! Thanks so much, Katherine! I'm so excited about doing this magazine as a Thank You to my readers!
I can't believe how quickly fall is coming! Ahhh. Even though I don't want summer to end, I am looking forward to warming and satisfying breakfasts like this. I love starting my day with PB and chia seeds!
Yes, I'm just as shocked as you are, Sues! But I am looking forward to warm bowls of this stuff daily and soups and chilis!