If you’re anything like me and adore both peanut butter and jelly for breakfast, you’re going to flip for this Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal Bake Recipe. It’s like your favorite childhood sandwich, but in warm, cozy oatmeal form that’s perfect for a busy morning. I absolutely love how this bake comes out creamy, a little sweet, and totally comforting—plus, it’s super easy to make ahead! Stick with me here and I’ll walk you through all the simple steps to nail this fan-freaking-tastic dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Vibes: It captures that nostalgic PB&J flavor in a warm, wholesome baked oatmeal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for batch prepping — just bake and reheat through the week.
- Nutrient Boost: Loaded with chia seeds and oats, this is breakfast fuel that sticks with you.
- Flexible and Easy: You can swap crunchy peanut butter or jam flavors to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal Bake Recipe brings together pantry staples and a couple of pantry-friendly superstars for a hearty, flavorful breakfast bake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy or crunchy works here—if you love texture, crunchy is my go-to.
- Grade A Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness without overpowering the peanut flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Gives the bake a warm, comforting aroma and depth.
- Filtered Water: I find filtered tastes cleaner, but regular water works just fine.
- Rolled Oats: The star of the show for that sturdy yet soft oatmeal texture.
- Chia Seeds: These little powerhouses help thicken the bake and add fiber.
- Baking Powder: Just enough to give a slight lift and fluffiness to the oats.
- Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly; if your peanut butter is unsalted, bump this up slightly.
- Chia Seed Jam: This is my secret weapon for a tangy, fresh jam swirl; store-bought jam can work too if you thin it out a bit.
Variations
I love how versatile this Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal Bake Recipe is, so I always encourage mixing it up depending on what you have in the pantry or your dietary needs. It’s great as a base for creativity, really.
- Nut-Free Variation: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and use your favorite seed-based jam to keep it allergy-friendly; my niece loves this version.
- Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan if you pick maple syrup instead of honey and use plant-based milk (swap water for it).
- Texture Twist: Adding chopped nuts or mixing in some crunchy peanut butter amps up the texture, which my kids go crazy for.
- Jam Choices: I once used strawberry chia jam, but blueberry or raspberry works beautifully too, just swirl it gently for pretty marbling.
How to Make Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal Bake Recipe
Step 1: Get everything ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Then line a 9-inch bread loaf pan with parchment paper — I like how this makes cleanup easier and helps the oatmeal slide right out after baking. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and a medium mixing bowl. It sets you up for an easy flow once you start mixing.
Step 2: Whisk your wet ingredients
In your mixing bowl, add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula to stir these together until the peanut butter loosens up — sometimes I find microwaving the peanut butter for 10 seconds helps make this smoother. Slowly pour in the filtered water while whisking vigorously; this emulsifies the mixture so you’ll have a silky base for the oats.
Step 3: Mix in your dry ingredients
Next, add your rolled oats, chia seeds, baking powder, and sea salt right into the wet mix. Stir until everything’s evenly combined. This step’s key — you want those oats well coated to bake into a creamy but firm texture. If your peanut butter was unsalted, make sure to use 1/4 teaspoon of salt here for balance.
Step 4: Assemble and swirl
Pour the oat mixture evenly into the lined pan. Then, dollop tablespoons of chia seed jam all over the top — don’t be shy with the jam; it’s what gives this bake its signature flavor punch. Using the back of a spoon, gently swirl the jam into the oats for that beautiful marbled effect. Finally, smooth the top with your spatula.
Step 5: Bake and cool
Place the pan on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re aiming for a slightly golden top and a set, but still moist, oatmeal texture. I like to check at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. After you remove it, let the bake rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring it to a rack to cool completely — this helps it firm up and slice beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal Bake Recipe
- Warming the Peanut Butter: If your peanut butter is stiff, heating it briefly makes mixing much easier and prevents clumps.
- Loosen Your Jam: When using store-bought jam, mix it with a little water to make swirling a breeze without sinking to the bottom.
- Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaking keeps the oatmeal moist and tender—remember it sets more as it cools.
- Choose Your Pan Wisely: Using a loaf pan helps the bake cook evenly and slice nicely; a glass or metal pan both work great.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I often top my slices with a drizzle of extra peanut butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess and protein. Fresh berries on top add a pop of color and fresh tartness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes just an extra spoonful of jam is enough to get that nostalgic PB&J happiness.
Side Dishes
Because this bake is filling on its own, I usually pair it with simple sides like a smoothie or some fresh fruit salad. A hot cup of coffee or tea rounds out the morning well, especially on cozy weekend breakfasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, I’ve served this bake cut into squares alongside a build-your-own toast bar with different nut butters and jams. It’s a crowd-pleaser! You can even turn it into parfaits by layering warm oatmeal bake with yogurt and fruit in clear glasses — so pretty and impressive with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal Bake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It holds well and stays moist for up to 5 days—which is great because my family loves to grab it as a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
If I want to make this ahead even further, I slice and freeze individual pieces wrapped in parchment and foil. I’ve found freezing preserves the flavors and texture nicely, making busy mornings even easier. Just pop a slice straight from the freezer into the toaster oven when you’re ready.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the toaster oven method because it crisps the edges just a bit and warms evenly. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the texture a little gummy. Either way, I find it tastes just as good the second day!
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought jam instead of chia seed jam for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought jam works perfectly fine. I recommend thinning it out with 2-3 tablespoons of water to make it easier to swirl into the oatmeal mixture and prevent sinking during baking.
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Is this Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal Bake Recipe gluten-free?
It can be, yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid any cross-contamination and check that all other ingredients like baking powder and jam don’t contain gluten additives.
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Can I make this recipe ahead for the week?
Definitely! This bake keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes wonderfully in slices. It’s perfect to prep in advance for busy mornings—just heat and enjoy.
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What’s the best peanut butter to use?
I’ve tried both creamy and crunchy with success. I personally like crunchy for the added texture, but creamy makes for a smoother bake. Just pick your favorite, ideally with salt added for balanced flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in breakfast form. I used to struggle with making satisfying baked oatmeal that didn’t turn out dry or bland, but this recipe changed everything for me. It’s simple, nostalgic, and incredibly delicious—plus, it’s a hit with my family every time. If you’re craving that classic PB&J taste but want something a bit heartier and better for busy mornings, give this recipe a try. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Print
Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked PB&J Oatmeal recipe combines creamy peanut butter and fruity chia seed jam into a warm, wholesome breakfast bake. Rolled oats are mixed with peanut butter, maple syrup, and chia seeds, then baked until golden and set, making a nutritious and satisfying start to your day. It’s easy to prepare ahead and perfect for meal prep, offering a comforting twist on traditional oatmeal with a delightful peanut butter and jelly flavor.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (90 g) creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons grade A maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) filtered water
- 1/2 cup (120 g) Chia Seed Jam
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (190 g) rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (or substitute flax seeds)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt (or 1/4 teaspoon if peanut butter is unsalted)
Instructions
- Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9-inch bread loaf pan or similarly sized baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula to stir until the peanut butter loosens and blends well with the syrup and vanilla.
- Add water and emulsify: Slowly pour in the filtered water while whisking vigorously to emulsify the mixture, ensuring a smooth blend without lumps.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, baking powder, and sea salt into the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined into a thick oatmeal batter.
- Assemble the oatmeal bake: Pour the oat mixture evenly into the lined baking pan. Dollop the chia seed jam over the top and use a spoon to swirl it gently into the oats, creating a marbled effect. Smooth the surface for even baking.
- Bake and rest: Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top appears slightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Serve and store: Once cooled, slice the baked oatmeal and serve warm or at room temperature. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and enjoyed cold or warmed in a toaster or microwave.
Notes
- For extra texture, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- If using unsalted peanut butter, increase salt to 1/4 teaspoon for balanced flavor.
- You may substitute store-bought jam by mixing 1/3 cup jam with 2-3 tablespoons water to loosen it, making it easier to swirl into the oats.
- This recipe makes a great make-ahead breakfast that can be stored in the fridge and reheated as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg