Easy PB & J Overnight Oat Recipe

Easy PB & J Overnight Oat Recipe

Written by: Berry & Brine

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Time to read 6 min

Let’s talk about breakfasts that actually make mornings easier instead of harder. Because once January hit, we officially turned into an overnight oats household… and honestly? Game changer.


These PB&J Overnight Oats are everything you want in a make-ahead breakfast: cozy, filling, nutrient-packed, and wildly convenient. You mix everything up the night before, pop it in the fridge, and wake up to breakfast that’s already done. Zero morning prep. Zero thinking. Just grab a jar and go.


And then there’s the Berry & Brine strawberry balsamic jam. That’s where the magic happens. A little layer of sweet-tart jam tucked between creamy peanut buttery oats? It legit tastes like a nostalgic PB&J sandwich — minus the crust and plus a whole lot of grown-up vibes.


What really seals the deal though is the homemade cinnamon maple pumpkin seed granola. That crunchy topping brings texture, warmth, and just enough sweetness to make this feel like a treat instead of a “healthy breakfast.” It’s the kind of recipe that works for busy weekdays, slow weekends, or feeding the whole family without losing your mind.


These oats travel well, keep great in the fridge, and make mornings feel surprisingly put together. Whip up a batch on Sunday and suddenly you’re winning at life by Wednesday.


Trust us — once you try these, they’re going straight into your weekly rotation.

PB & J overnight oats
PB & J overnight oats
PB & J overnight oats

What is in PB & J Overnight Oats?


Steel-Cut Oats

These are the hearty base of the whole recipe. Steel-cut oats give you that chewy, satisfying texture that holds up overnight without turning mushy. They’re packed with fiber and keep you full for hours, making them perfect for busy mornings.
Recommendation: Regular steel-cut oats (not quick-cook).


Milk of Choice

Milk softens the oats and creates that creamy, spoonable consistency. Almond milk keeps things light, but any milk works here — dairy or plant-based. Choose something unsweetened so you can control the sweetness yourself.
Recommendation: Unsweetened almond, oat, or whole milk.


Maple Syrup

Just a touch of maple syrup adds natural sweetness and warmth without overpowering the other flavors. It pairs beautifully with peanut butter and cinnamon later on. You don’t need much — it’s more about balance than sugar.
Recommendation: Pure maple syrup, grade A or amber.


Natural Peanut Butter

This is where the PB in PB&J really shines. Natural peanut butter adds richness, protein, and that nostalgic flavor we all love. Make sure it’s well stirred so everything blends smoothly.
Recommendation: Unsweetened natural peanut butter, creamy or chunky.


Strawberry Balsamic Jam

The star layer. Sweet, tart, and beautifully jammy, this gives serious PB&J vibes while keeping things elevated. It adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the oats and peanut butter.
Recommendation: Berry & Brine strawberry balsamic jam or any quality fruit-forward jam.


Cinnamon Maple Pumpkin Seed Granola

This brings crunch, warmth, and that bakery-style finish. Cinnamon and maple add cozy flavor while pumpkin seeds deliver protein and texture. It turns simple oats into something special.
Recommendation: Homemade (recipe below) or quality seed-heavy granola.


Fresh Strawberries (Optional)

Totally optional, but they add freshness, color, and extra fruitiness. Slice them right before serving so they stay bright and juicy.
Recommendation: Fresh seasonal strawberries.



Cinnamon Maple Pumpkin Seed Granola — Ingredient Breakdown


Steel-Cut Oats 

These toast up beautifully and stay crunchy, giving the granola real structure. They’re heartier than rolled oats and bring serious texture.
Recommendation: Regular steel-cut oats.


Roasted Salted Pumpkin Seeds

Nutty, crunchy, and packed with minerals, pumpkin seeds make this granola feel substantial. The salt balances the maple sweetness perfectly.
Recommendation: Roasted, lightly salted pepitas.


Maple Syrup

Maple syrup coats everything and caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating that irresistible crunch.
Recommendation: Pure maple syrup.


Cinnamon

Cinnamon brings warmth and cozy vibes that make this granola feel bakery-level good.
Recommendation: Fresh ground cinnamon.


Browned Butter

Browned butter adds rich, nutty depth that takes this granola from basic to bougie. Totally worth the extra step.
Recommendation: Unsalted butter, lightly browned.

Tools you will need to make PB & J Overnight Oats

    • Medium mixing bowl

    • Spoon or spatula

    • Measuring cups & spoons

    • 4 mason jars or containers with lids

    • Baking sheet (for granola)

    • Parchment paper

    • Small saucepan (for browning butter)

    • Cooling rack (optional)

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[RECIPE] PB & J Overnight Oats

PB & J overnight oats

These PB&J Overnight Oats are creamy, nutty, sweet-tart, and topped with crunchy cinnamon maple granola. They’re easy to prep, perfect for busy mornings, and taste like your favourite childhood sandwich — upgraded.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups steel-cut oats

  • 1½ cups milk of choice (unsweetened almond recommended)

  • 1½ tbsp maple syrup

  • ¼ cup natural peanut butter

  • Pinch of salt

  • ½ jar Berry & Brine strawberry balsamic jam

  • ⅓ cup cinnamon maple pumpkin seed granola

  • Fresh strawberries (optional garnish)


Cinnamon Maple Pumpkin Seed Granola

  • 2 cups steel-cut oats

  • 1 cup roasted salted pumpkin seeds

  • ¼ cup maple syrup

  • 1½ tsp cinnamon

  • ½ cup butter, melted and lightly browned

  • Pinch of salt

Directions

  • Granola (Make First)

    1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

    2. In a large bowl, combine oats, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and salt.

    3. Stir in maple syrup and browned butter until evenly coated.

    4. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

    5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and fragrant.

    6. Cool completely — it crisps as it cools.


  • Overnight Oats

    1. In a bowl, mix oats, milk, maple syrup, peanut butter, and salt until fully combined.

    2. Divide oat mixture evenly between 4 jars.

    3. Add a spoonful of strawberry balsamic jam to each jar and gently swirl or layer.

    4. Seal jars and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).

    5. Before serving, top with granola and fresh strawberries if using.

These PB&J Overnight Oats are cozy, nostalgic, and wildly practical — the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together. Creamy oats, rich peanut butter, bright jam, and crunchy granola come together in the best way. Make a batch once, and you’ll wonder how you ever survived mornings without them.

Products used in PB & J Overnight Oats

Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut?

Yep — totally doable. Rolled oats will give you a softer, creamier texture and need less soaking time (about 4 hours instead of overnight). Steel-cut oats stay chewier and heartier, which we personally love, but rolled oats are great if that’s what you have. Just know the consistency will be more pudding-like. If using rolled oats, you may want to slightly reduce the milk so things don’t get too loose.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely — that’s the whole point. These jars keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. We like to add granola right before eating so it stays crunchy. If you’re meal prepping for the week, make everything Sunday night and you’re set. It’s one of those recipes that actually makes weekday mornings feel manageable.


What other jam flavours work well?

Honestly, so many. Strawberry, blueberry, mixed berry, or even apricot would be delicious. Anything with a little tang balances the peanut butter nicely. If you’re feeling fancy, try cherry or raspberry vanilla. Just aim for something fruit-forward and not overly sweet so the flavors stay balanced.

Maria Boulter & Amanda Lowell, Founders

Berry & Brine was founded by childhood friends Maria and Amanda, who turned their shared love for locally sourced food into unforgettable experiences. Maria, a seasoned preserver inspired by summers in Fredericton, spent 15 years perfecting her craft, while Amanda, with a marketing background, brings a passion for hospitality. Now moms and entrepreneurs, they’ve made their dream business a reality.

Maria Boulter & Amanda Lowell, Founders

Berry & Brine was founded by childhood friends Maria and Amanda, who turned their shared love for locally sourced food into unforgettable experiences. Maria, a seasoned preserver inspired by summers in Fredericton, spent 15 years perfecting her craft, while Amanda, with a marketing background, brings a passion for hospitality. Now moms and entrepreneurs, they’ve made their dream business a reality.

Pair PB & J Overnight Oats with:

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