Easy Peanut Butter Porridge (+ Add-Ins)

This 5-ingredient peanut butter porridge is packed with fiber and protein to keep you satisfied until lunch! Gluten-free, Dairy-free, & Sugar-free options + the best add-ins and toppings for the ultimate peanut butter oats recipe! And, it’s ready in just 10 minutes!

Creamy, Protein-Dense, 10-Minute Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Simple overnight oats and oatmeal recipes have become low-fuss morning go-to’s. Where coffee oatmeal is perfect for those who require caffeine to function, adding peanut butter to oatmeal makes a peanut butter oatmeal recipe that’s hearty, creamy, and rich. Plus, it’s packed with nourishing fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats to keep you feeling satisfied until lunch.

Oatmeal with peanut butter requires just a handful of simple, inexpensive pantry staples and 10 minutes to prepare, making it a great option on busy mornings. Best of all, it’s SUPER adaptable with ingredient substitutes and a long list of mix-ins and toppings to make this recipe entirely your own.

We’ve even included adapting it into peanut butter overnight oats or cooking it in the microwave. It’s truly satisfying and delicious! You may also enjoy more easy oatmeal recipes like carrot cake oatmeal or apple cinnamon oatmeal.

The Ingredients

• Oats: You’ll need rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) for this peanut butter oatmeal recipe. Use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.

It’s possible to use instant oats, too, but they take quicker to cook and will have a softer, slightly mushier texture.

• Peanut butter: Use your favorite peanut butter – smooth or chunky, creamy or natural (we prefer the latter with minimal ingredients for the healthiest option). Other nut butters also work, like almond butter, cashew butter, or hazelnut butter.
• Sweetener: We love using maple syrup, but you can use any – brown sugar, agave, unrefined coconut sugar, sugar-free erythritol, etc. Sweeten to taste.
• Dairy–free milk: Use your preferred plant-based milk. I.e., coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, etc. For even creamier results, use a portion of dairy-free creamer.
• Cinnamon: Optional but adds a delicious subtle warmth that complements the nut butter well. Alternatively, chai spice or pumpkin pie spice are also complementary.
• Salt: Just a pinch will enhance the flavors of the oatmeal and peanut butter.

What Could I Add to Peanut Butter Oats?

Add extra flavor and/or nutrients to the peanut butter porridge with the addition of one or more of the below:

• Coffee: Replace some of the plant-based milk with any strong brewed coffee (regular or decaf) or even a shot of espresso. Alternatively, stir in a spoonful of coffee powder.
• Banana: Peanut butter banana oatmeal is one of our favorite flavor combinations. Add 1 banana per two portions and adjust the sweetener accordingly.
• Jam/jellies: Make peanut butter and jelly oatmeal with your choice of jam/jelly – raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, grape, etc.
• Cocoa powder: Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder (regular or dark) for rich, moreish chocolate peanut butter oatmeal.
• Vanilla extract: A few drops enhance the overall flavor of the peanut butter oats.
• Plant-based protein powder: Add a scoop of your favorite plain, vanilla, peanut butter, chocolate, or coffee protein powder. Increase the plant-based milk if it’s too thick.
• Chia seeds/flax: A tablespoon adds protein, fiber, and heart-healthy omegas.
• Zucchini: ¼-½ cup of shredded zucchini cooked into the oatmeal becomes practically unnoticeable but provides extra nutrients.

How To Make Peanut Butter Porridge?

• 1) First, add the oats and plant-based milk to a small saucepan, bring to a low boil, then simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.

• 2) Then stir in the peanut butter, sweetener, cinnamon, and salt until it becomes creamy, give it a taste, and adjust any ingredients to your liking.

To adjust the texture, cook it for longer for thicker peanut butter oatmeal or add plant-based milk for a thinner consistency.

• 3) Finally, transfer the peanut butter oatmeal to a bowl and top it with your desired toppings (we used sliced banana, peanut butter, and nuts/seeds) – enjoy!

Transform this into peanut butter overnight oats by stirring all the ingredients in a jar with (optional) 1 tbsp chia seeds for thickening, then leaving it overnight in the fridge. Add 1 tbsp (per portion) jam/jelly for PBJ overnight oats or cocoa powder for chocolate peanut butter oats.

Topping Options

• Banana slices (for fiber, filling power, and micronutrients)
• Fruit (i.e., berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries, apple, pear, etc.)
• Dairy-free chocolate (chips, a chunk, shaved, or sauce/syrup)
• Nuts/seeds (for crunch, protein, & healthy fats. I.e., peanuts, almonds, pepitas)
• Jams/jellies (raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, or grape jelly for PBJ oats)
• Compote/sauce (a fruity compote/sauce is often healthier than the above)
• Coconut flakes/shreds (raw or toasted for flavor, crunch, and healthy fats)
• Dried fruit (like raisins, cranberries, or dates – for a little extra chew and sweetness)
• Cacao nibs (a subtle chocolate flavor with a heap of antioxidants)
• Granola (just a sprinkle for crunch)

FAQs

Pro Recipe Tips

• To adjust the consistency: If it’s too thick, add extra plant-based milk. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer it or add thickening ingredients like almond flour, protein powder, chia seeds/flax meal, peanut butter powder, etc.
• For the best texture: Be careful not to overcook the oatmeal, or it can become mushy. Also, stir often to avoid burning to the bottom of the pot.
• Tweak to taste: Adjust any elements to fit your flavor and diet preferences (i.e., milk type, sweetener type and amount, etc.)
• Experiment with toppings and add–ins: There are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe in new and delicious ways, so have fun experimenting.
• For lighter oatmeal: Replace some or all of the plant-based milk with water.
• For more flavor: Toast the oats for a minute before adding the liquid.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Transfer the peanut butter oatmeal (or overnight oats) to an airtight container, allow it to cool, then store for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Separate the PB oatmeal into portions (like in a silicone muffin tray or freezer bags, spread flat) and freeze it for 2-3 months. Thaw a portion in the fridge overnight.

Reheat: Use a microwave or the stove to gently reheat the oats over low heat, adding an extra splash of water/plant-based milk if needed to adjust the consistency/texture.

More Easy Vegan Oat Recipes

• Peanut butter oatmeal cups
• 3-ingredient peanut butter oatmeal balls
• Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
• Simple stovetop oatmeal
• Coconut oatmeal cookies
• Easy peanut butter granola
• Vegan walnut oat scones

Photos by Alfonso Revilla