Start your day with this creamy Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal, a comforting twist on the classic childhood favorite.
Packed with plant-based protein from peanut butter, fiber-rich oats, and heart-healthy fats, this breakfast is naturally satisfying and nourishing.
Quick, easy, and ready in under 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy mornings or effortless meal prep.
Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal
Equipment
- 1 Small Saucepan
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 Bowl (for serving)
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 3 Tbsp natural peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp strawberry jam
- 1 Tbsp peanuts
Instructions
- Warm the Milk: Pour 1 cup of your preferred milk—dairy or plant-based—into a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow the milk to gently warm. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top and to distribute the heat evenly, creating a smooth base for your oatmeal.
- Add Oats and Chia Seeds: Once the milk is warm, stir in 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats and 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. Mix thoroughly so that the oats are fully submerged and the chia seeds are evenly dispersed. This ensures that every spoonful will have a consistent texture and nutritional boost.
- Bring to a Gentle Boil: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Keep a close eye on the saucepan, as milk can foam up quickly. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and scorching. The oats and chia seeds will start absorbing the liquid, releasing their natural thickness.
- Simmer Until Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the oats from clumping and to encourage a creamy consistency. The chia seeds will begin to swell, adding natural thickness and a subtle gel-like texture. Continue stirring until the oats reach a soft, creamy texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste your oatmeal to check the texture. If you prefer a slightly thinner consistency, add a splash more milk. For a richer flavor, you can gently stir in a tiny pinch of salt. This step helps balance the natural sweetness of the jam and peanut butter.
- Transfer to Serving Bowl: Using a spoon or spatula, carefully pour the hot, creamy oatmeal into a bowl. Make sure to scrape all of the mixture from the saucepan so none of the goodness is left behind.
- Add Peanut Butter: Dollop 3 tablespoons of natural peanut butter on top of the oatmeal. For extra creaminess, you can gently swirl it into the oats using the back of a spoon, or leave it as a soft topping that melts slightly with the residual heat.
- Top with Strawberry Jam: Spoon 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam on top of the peanut butter layer. You can create little pockets of jam for bursts of fruity sweetness or swirl it into the oats for an even distribution of flavor.
- Garnish with Peanuts: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of peanuts over the top to add a satisfying crunch. This adds texture contrast, protein, and healthy fats, making each bite both delicious and nutritious.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal is now ready to enjoy! Serve it warm for a comforting breakfast or a quick meal any time of day. Optional: pair it with fresh fruit, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned oats for a creamier, chewy texture; quick oats will cook faster but may become mushy.
- Chia seeds add natural thickness and a nutritional boost; you can substitute flax seeds if desired.
- Milk choice impacts creaminess and flavor—dairy milk offers richness, while almond, soy, or oat milk keeps it plant-based.
- Peanut butter should be natural or unsweetened to avoid excess sugar and keep the dish healthy.
- Peanuts on top provide crunch and extra protein; lightly roasting them enhances flavor.
- Jam options can be customized—strawberry, raspberry, or mixed berry all work well.
Chef’s Secrets: Tips For Perfect Oatmeal
The secret to perfectly creamy oatmeal lies in careful attention to heat and timing.
Always warm the milk first to avoid cold spots that can affect consistency.
Stir regularly while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure uniform thickness.
For a velvety texture, slightly swirl the peanut butter into the oats before serving.
Using fresh or lightly roasted peanuts enhances the flavor and gives a satisfying crunch, while selecting a high-quality, low-sugar jam balances sweetness without overwhelming the natural nutty taste.
Serving Suggestions: Ideas To Elevate Breakfast
This oatmeal is incredibly versatile. For extra flavor and nutrition, top it with fresh berries, banana slices, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add a subtle sweetness, and a dash of cocoa powder creates a chocolatey twist.
Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a smoothie to round out a wholesome morning meal.
It’s also ideal for packing into jars for on-the-go breakfasts or prepping several days’ worth for easy meal planning.
Storage Tips: Keep Oatmeal Fresh Longer
If you have leftovers, store the oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best texture, keep the peanut butter and jam separate and add them when reheating to maintain their flavor and consistency.
To reheat, gently warm on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Roasted peanuts can be sprinkled on top after reheating to maintain crunchiness.
Freezing is not recommended as the oatmeal’s texture may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply use plant-based milk and ensure your peanut butter and jam contain no animal-derived ingredients.
2. Can I use instant oats instead?
Instant oats work, but they cook faster and become softer, so reduce simmering time to avoid mushy texture.
3. Can I substitute peanut butter with other nut butters?
Absolutely! Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter can be used for variety or to suit dietary preferences.
4. How do I make this recipe low-sugar?
Choose natural peanut butter with no added sugar and low-sugar or unsweetened jam.
You can also reduce the jam quantity or replace it with fresh fruit for natural sweetness.
5. Can I prepare this in advance for meal prep?
Yes, cook the oats and chia seeds in advance and store them in the fridge.
Add peanut butter, jam, and peanuts just before serving to keep toppings fresh and flavorful.
