Easy Overnight Oats with Raspberries

For many years, I commuted an hour each way to work, and left very early in the morning. In an effort to maximize my sleep, I started making overnight oats every evening so I had access to a convenient breakfast the next day.

The base recipe of oats, milk, and peanut butter has remained the same, although I have used both powdered and regular peanut butter. Powdered peanut butter mixes well, but is more expensive than regular peanut butter. The base recipe has a cost of approximately $0.52, but the toppings can add up quickly.

The recipe I enjoy the most includes whole flax seed, almonds, and raspberries. I found that this keeps me full until lunch, and adds some much needed fiber to my diet. However, cheaper combinations I have used include using dried fruit (like cherries, cranberries, raisins, etc.), nearly any sliced or chopped nut is pleasant, and other fresh berries (such as strawberries and blueberries).

I used to add all of the toppings prior to refrigeration, but the meal ended up too soggy for me. I also used to make multiple servings ahead of time, but the quality becomes marginal by the third day. So, I would recommend making it nightly and adding the toppings just before eating.

The cost of the raspberry overnight oats is a pricey $1.39. Consider alternate toppings to significantly reduce your daily cost. See below for the cost breakdown.

Cost Analysis:

Note: The costs are based on what I paid for ingredients in 2020. Your total cost may differ.

Night Before:

In the Morning:

Recipe:

Easy Raspberry Overnight Oats

  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

An easy and tasty breakfast with a nutty flavor and a mixture of texture.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup old fashioned oats (uncooked)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter or peanut butter powder
  • 1 tablespoon flax seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup raspberries

Directions

  1. Combine oats, milk, and peanut butter in a bowl with a tight fitting lid (or use a mason jar).
  2. Seal bowl and refrigerate mixture for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
  3. Before consuming, mix in toppings of your choice. This recipe includes flax seed, almonds, and raspberries, which results in a pleasant nutty taste and a mix of textures.
  4. Enjoy!

-James

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Small Batch Peanut Butter Oat Breakfast Bites

James’ previous job required an hour long commute. He often left early in the morning, and he did not have time to sit down for a lengthy breakfast. During this time period, I started making these breakfast muffins on a weekly.

The muffins have just about everything. You get a little maple syrup, oats, cinnamon, peanut butter, and chocolate in every bite. They are quick to make and easy to transport. Win win!

I prefer to make a small batch (about 6 muffins) because they are really only good for a few days. However, this batch can easily be doubled or tripled.

Despite the amount of flavor in these bites, they are relatively inexpensive. My cost analysis (see below) comes out to about $0.28 per muffin. You could always ditch the chocolate chips to save a few cents, but where is the fun in that?

Frugal Cost Analysis:

Note: This cost analysis is based on what I paid for my own ingredients in the year 2020. Actual prices may vary.

Picture Tutorial:

Recipe:

Small Batch Peanut Butter Oat Bites

  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

These delicious breakfast muffins pack a lot of flavor into every bite. Peanut butter, oats, cinnamon, chocolate...need I say more?

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup old fashioned oats (uncooked)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil (or other neutral oil)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Mix all dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.
  3. Add egg and oil to the dry ingredients and mix.
  4. Mix peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla into the mixture.
  5. Stir in chocolate chips.
  6. Line a muffin/cupcake tin with liners or light grease.
  7. Fill muffin tin cups about 3/4 of the way full.
  8. Bake for 14-18 minutes. The muffins should be lightly browned.
  9. Allow to cool and enjoy!

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