Peanut Butter and Jelly Yogurt Bowls

A classic childhood favorite in a healthier form, these PB&J Yogurt Bowls are guaranteed to hit the spot. With a combination of protein-rich Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and strawberry preserves, this flavorful bowl is sure to become a staple in your home.

Like many of you, I grew up on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Ham and cheese sandwiches were good too, but there was simply nothing like cracking open my lunch box and seeing a classic PB&J waiting for me. The combination of creamy, nutty peanut butter and sweet, fruity jelly was just unreal. It was like eating dessert for lunch.

In recent years, we’ve seen the combination of peanut butter and jelly show up in new places like ice cream flavors, smoothies, and yogurt bowls. The first time I threw together this easy recipe for PB&J Yogurt Bowls, I was astounded at how nostalgic I got over the classic flavors. It was like creating a lighter version of my favorite childhood sandwich! Now I love making this recipe for breakfast or a satisfying snack.

This delicious recipe works great packed up in mason jars as a meal prep for on-the-go breakfasts that you can bring to work, school, or on your next road trip. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and kid-approved! It also is in constant rotation with these Chunky Monkey Yogurt Bowls and this Blueberry Lemon Frozen Yogurt Bark.

The Origins of PB&J

The first time the world saw the combination of peanut butter and jelly in a dish was for a recipe for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. In 1901, the first peanut butter and jelly sandwich recipe was published in the Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics and was written by Julia Davis Chandler. In her recipe, she called for crab-apple or currant jelly and claimed that this recipe was the first of its kind. As far as we know, she was right!

During the Great Depression in the 1930’s, peanut butter sales soared because the creamy product was low in cost and high in protein, providing a cheap and satisfying meal. This eventually led to the rise of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich being included on ration menus for American soldiers in World War II.

After the war was over, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches skyrocketed across the country. Kids loved it for the delicious flavors and parents loved how easy it was to make. Today, peanut butter and jelly remains one of the most beloved flavor combinations in recent American history.

Key Ingredients

This simple yet satisfying yogurt bowl comes to life with just 5 ingredients. The best part is that you probably already have most of them at home! The key ingredients you will need to make this decadent breakfast dish include:

• Greek yogurt: Make sure you get plain Greek yogurt for this recipe. I also like the nonfat kind, but you can use low fat or low sugar as well.
• Mixed berries: We use a delicious combination of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries to add a ton of fresh, sweet flavors to the dish.
• Peanuts: Chopped into small pieces, peanuts add just the right amount of crunch to the bowl. You can sub these out for sliced almonds, if you like those better.
• Strawberry preserves: I prefer the low-sugar kind, but you can use whatever you like. This can also be subbed out for grape preserves, if you prefer that.
• Peanut butter: What would a PB&J bowl be without the PB? I love using creamy peanut butter in this recipe because it swirls in beautifully with the yogurt.

Serving and Substitution Tips for PB&J Yogurt Bowls

Here are some of my favorite serving styles and substitutions for this dish:

• Try mixing in some protein powder with the yogurt for an even more protein-packed bowl.
• For some added sweetness, try drizzling a teaspoon of honey on top of the bowl just before serving.
• If you don’t have strawberry preserves or want to mix it up, you can use any kind of jelly or preserves you like. Grape, apricot, peach, blueberry, and blackberry jelly or preserves all make fantastic options.
• For a flavorful twist, try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the bowl.
• If you don’t have peanuts, any chopped nuts will work. This includes almonds, pecans, walnuts, and cashews.

More Greek Yogurt Toppings

Yogurt bowls make the perfect vessels for a wide variety of toppings. You can get creative and switch it up with different flavors and textures. Additional topping ideas for Greek yogurt include:

• Granola
• Chia seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Shredded coconut
• Fresh fruit
• Dried fruit
• Chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts
• Honey
• Caramel syrup
• Cereal
• Cacao nibs
• Hemp seeds

Frequently Asked Questions about Greek Yogurt Bowls

Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this dish:

How do I store this dish?

These yogurt bowls store wonderfully in the fridge. When I prep them ahead of time, I like to store them in mason jars in the fridge until I’m ready to eat them. They keep for up to 4-5 days, so you can prep a batch on Sunday and enjoy pre-made breakfasts all week long. My one recommendation would be to hold off on adding the chopped peanuts until you’re ready to eat, otherwise, they may not retain their crunch.

What is healthy to put in yogurt?

You can add a ton of different healthy toppings to yogurt to amp up the flavor and the nutrient levels. Some of my favorite topping ideas include nut butter, fruit, nuts, seeds, and granola.

Is yogurt a good breakfast for weight loss?

Yes! Greek yogurt is loaded with protein, probiotics, and beneficial nutrients, making it ideal for any healthy diet targeted at weight loss.

What should I pair with this dish?

Whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends or serving breakfast for the family, this yogurt bowl makes a great addition to any spread. You can serve this sweet breakfast dish alongside savory classics like scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and homestyle potatoes.

More Healthy Breakfast Recipes:

• Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
• Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
• Chocolate Banana Muffins
• Healthy Greek Yogurt Pancakes
• Ham and Cheese Egg Muffins