Peanut Butter Jelly Oatmeal

This sweet and nostalgic twist on the classic PB&J transforms the beloved sandwich into a delightful handheld treat. These Peanut Butter and Jelly Oatmeal Cups combine wholesome ingredients with the comforting flavors we all grew up with, creating the perfect portable snack or dessert that both kids and adults will adore.

I first created these cups during a particularly busy week when I needed grab and go snacks for my family. Since then, they've become our favorite afternoon treat that satisfies sweet cravings while still providing wholesome nutrition.

Ingredients

• One Degree Organics Gluten Free Sprouted Rolled Oats: Form the hearty base and provide excellent texture. Choose thick rolled oats for the best results.
• Ground flaxseed: Adds a nutritional boost with omega 3s and helps bind the mixture together. Use fresh flaxseed for optimal flavor.
• Natural peanut butter: Delivers that classic creamy richness we all love. Look for varieties with just peanuts and salt for best quality.
• Pure maple syrup: Sweetens naturally without refined sugar. The real stuff makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Strawberry jam: Creates that perfect sweet contrast to the nutty oats and peanut butter. Select a good quality jam with visible fruit pieces.
• Dairy free dark chocolate: Provides the perfect finishing touch. Choose 70% cocoa content for a rich flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors. Pure extract rather than imitation makes a subtle but important difference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oats:

Pulse rolled oats in a food processor until coarsely chopped but not powdery. This creates the perfect texture for the base while ensuring they hold together properly. Transfer to a mixing bowl and combine with flaxseed and salt.

Create the base mixture:

Add peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla to the oat mixture and stir thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The mixture should be slightly sticky but holdable. If too dry, add a touch more maple syrup. If too wet, add additional oats.

Form the cups:

Divide the mixture evenly among a 12 cup muffin tin lined with parchment paper or use a silicone muffin pan. Press 2 tablespoons of mixture into each cup, creating a flat surface. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to make a small indent in the center of each cup.

Add the filling:

Place 1/2 tablespoon of strawberry jam in the center of each cup, then top with 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter. Gently spread the peanut butter to completely cover the jam. This prevents the jam from potentially bleeding into the chocolate topping.

Freeze to set:

Place the entire muffin tin in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up. This crucial step ensures the cups hold their shape and makes them easier to coat with chocolate.

Prepare the chocolate coating:

Break the chocolate into small pieces and place in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 15 second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat or the chocolate will seize.

Add the chocolate layer:

Remove the cups from the freezer and pour melted chocolate over each cup. Work quickly to spread the chocolate with the back of a spoon, ensuring each cup is fully covered. The cold cups will help the chocolate begin to set immediately.

Final setting:

Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired, then return to the freezer for at least 10 minutes until completely set. The salt adds a sophisticated flavor contrast that elevates these simple cups.

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The sprouted rolled oats are truly the secret star of this recipe. I discovered them a few years ago and never looked back. The sprouting process makes the nutrients more bioavailable and gives them a slightly nutty flavor that perfectly complements the peanut butter in these cups.

Storage Tips

These oatmeal cups store beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. Keep them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. You can enjoy them straight from the freezer or let them thaw for about 10 minutes for a softer texture.

For refrigerator storage, they'll keep well for up to a week. The chocolate may soften slightly but the flavor remains delicious. I actually prefer them slightly softened as the flavors meld together beautifully.

Customization Ideas

While the classic peanut butter and strawberry jam combination is nostalgic perfection, these cups welcome endless variations. Try almond butter with raspberry jam for a sophisticated twist, or sunflower seed butter with grape jelly for a school safe option. The basic formula stays the same while the flavor possibilities are limitless.

For a holiday version, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the oat mixture and using apple butter instead of jam. During summer, fresh blueberry compote makes an incredible filling that brightens the entire treat.

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Nutrition Boost

These cups might taste like dessert, but they offer substantial nutritional benefits. The oats provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, while the flaxseed adds omega 3 fatty acids. The peanut butter contributes protein and healthy fats, making these a satisfying treat that wont spike blood sugar like conventional desserts.

For additional nutrition, consider adding a tablespoon of hemp seeds or chia seeds to the oat mixture. You could also fold in some chopped dried fruits like cherries or apricots for additional antioxidants and flavor complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these oatmeal cups nut-free?

Yes! Swap the peanut butter with sunflower butter or tahini for a nut-free option. They will still taste delicious and maintain their creamy texture.

→ What type of oats should I use?

Rolled oats work best for this recipe. Quick oats can also be used, but avoid steel-cut oats as they won’t provide the correct texture.

→ How do I melt the chocolate properly?

Break the chocolate into small pieces and microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring each time. Continue until fully melted and smooth for easy pouring.

→ Can I skip the chocolate layer?

Yes, you can replace the chocolate layer by sprinkling mini chocolate chips over the peanut butter layer before freezing the cups.

→ How should I store these oatmeal cups?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Enjoy them straight from the fridge or freezer!