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This single serving Peanut Butter Oatmeal recipe is made with just a few basic ingredients and comes together in about 15 minutes. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you make it on the stovetop or in the microwave, it’s a quick, warm breakfast for one that’s both filling and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with Simple Ingredients: Just oats, peanut butter, and a few pantry staples.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 15 minutes, with stovetop or microwave instructions.
- Creamy and Satisfying: Stirring in peanut butter at the end creates a rich, smooth texture.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
- Perfect for One or Two: Easy to double if needed.
This oatmeal has been a favorite breakfast in my house for years. It’s creamy, filling, and has just the right amount of sweetness. Stirring in the peanut butter at the end is the key—it melts into the warm oats and creates a smooth, rich texture. It’s a simple, one-bowl meal that you can adjust based on what you have or what you’re in the mood for. Whether you keep it plain or add toppings, it’s a recipe that always works.
Looking for more quick single serving breakfast ideas? Try our Breakfast Bagel Sandwich, Buttermilk Pancakes, Egg Wrap, Breakfast Bowl, or Avocado Toast—all ready in 15 minutes or less.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy peanut butter oatmeal recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats work best in this recipe and give the oatmeal a hearty texture. You can use instant oats, but they cook faster and may result in a softer, mushier consistency. If using instant oats, reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Water or Milk: Use either for cooking the oats. Milk makes the oatmeal creamier.
- Peanut Butter: I recommend using 1 tablespoon, but feel free to add more if you’d like it richer. I often use 2 tablespoons when I make it for myself. Stir it in while the oatmeal is still hot so it melts and blends in smoothly.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (optional): For added sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm spice flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness.
Recipe Variations
Make this recipe your own with a few easy swaps:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal: Stir in chocolate chips or a little cocoa powder.
- Almond Butter Oatmeal: Replace peanut butter with almond butter.
- Crunchy Oatmeal: Top with granola or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Berry Oatmeal: Mix in fresh or frozen berries.
How To Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- In a 1-quart saucepan, combine the oats, water or milk, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the oats are tender, the liquid is mostly absorbed, and the oatmeal has thickened.
- Remove from heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for 2 minutes.
- Uncover and stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
- Stir in honey or maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon, if desired.
- Transfer to a bowl and enjoy warm. Top with sliced bananas, berries, or an extra drizzle of honey, if desired.
Microwave Instructions
To make this oatmeal in the microwave, combine the oats, water or milk, and a pinch of salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl. (Make sure the bowl is large enough—the oatmeal will bubble up.)
Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes, then carefully remove and stir. If there’s still a lot of liquid, microwave for 30 more seconds.
Stir again, cover the bowl, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Add the peanut butter and sweetener, then stir until smooth.
Expert Tips
- Rolled oats work best: You can use instant oats if needed, but they cook faster and the texture will be softer and mushier.
- Start with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter: Add more if you’d like—I often use 2 tablespoons for a richer flavor.
- Milk vs. water: Milk makes the oatmeal creamier. Water works too, but the texture will be thinner and less rich.
- Sweeten to taste: Add honey or maple syrup depending on how sweet you like it.
- Customize it: This recipe is a great base—add toppings, spices, or mix-ins to make it your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
For thicker oatmeal, cook it a little longer or use less liquid. For thinner oatmeal, add more liquid during or after cooking.
Absolutely. Just double all the ingredients and use a 2-quart saucepan.
If you double the recipe and have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
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Peanut Butter Oatmeal
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk or water
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter
- ½ tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a 1-quart saucepan, combine the oats, milk or water, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the oats are tender, the liquid is mostly absorbed, and the oatmeal has thickened.
- Remove from heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for 2 minutes.
- Uncover and stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
- Stir in honey or maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon, if desired.
- Transfer to a bowl and enjoy warm. Top with sliced bananas, berries, or an extra drizzle of honey, if desired.
Notes
- Rolled oats work best: You can use instant oats if needed, but they cook faster and the texture will be softer and mushier.
- Start with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter: Add more if you’d like—I often use 2 tablespoons for a richer flavor.
- Milk vs. water: Milk makes the oatmeal creamier. Water works too, but the texture will be thinner and less rich.
- Sweeten to taste: Add honey or maple syrup depending on how sweet you like it.
- Customize it: This recipe is a great base—add toppings, spices, or mix-ins to make it your own.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I make this regularly and add one TBSP unsulphured molasses in place of honey or maple syrup. I skip the cinnamon as well. I love the earthy flavor that molasses adds. I also use a packet of raw stevia. Peanut butter is an awesome addition to oatmeal!
Excellent recipe.