Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Want a breakfast that feels like a treat but is secretly healthy? I’ve got you covered! These banana bread overnight oats are the perfect solution for busy mornings, they're endlessly customizable and will leave you feeling full and satisfied with banana-bread-inspired goodness.
Written by Julie on August 1, 2024
I’m all about meal prep—it’s my not-so-secret weapon to make sure there’s always something yummy (and healthy) to grab. And overnight oats? They’re such an easy breakfast hack. I’m obsessed with these little jars of banana-bread-inspired goodness because they make mornings SO much easier. It's like waking up to the comforting taste of banana bread with the creamy texture of oats—almost like having a tiny, sparkly breakfast fairy working the night shift while I dream of, well…probably more food. 😋
It’s a bit like making my bed each morning—it’s not just about the end result (though crawling into a made bed is an amazing feeling), but more about starting my day with an easy win. It’s those little habits, good or bad, that set the tone for the rest of our day. That’s why I love these banana bread overnight oats so much—they’re a simple, healthy way to start the day off right.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Overnight Oats Recipe
Breakfast Shortcut: No cooking required—just mix and chill your oats overnight!
Endless Flavor Possibilities: From fruity, nutty, or even chocolatey—there are SO many ways to make these banana overnight oats your own.
Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients to keep you fueled and feeling good.
Full & Happy Belly: Say goodbye to that mid-morning hunger with these satisfying oats that keep you full longer.
Delicious Hot or Cold: Enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge or warm them up for a cozy, comforting breakfast bowl.
Budget-Friendly: Oats are an inexpensive pantry staple, and you can use those ripe bananas for this healthy banana bread recipe!
Did You Know: Eating a bowl of oatmeal daily could help lower your cholesterol, reduce heart disease risk, and even help you live longer.
How to Make Banana Bread Overnight Oats
1. Add Oats
Start by adding old fashioned rolled oats to a glass or mixing bowl.
Note: You can also prepare this overnight oats recipe in a mixing bowl to add banana layers.
2. Mix Ingredients
Add the rest of your ingredients—unsweetened almond milk, dairy free vanilla yogurt, mashed banana, maple syrup, chia seeds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and any optional toppings if using.
3. Refrigerate
Give it all a good stir, cover, and let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight.
4. Top and Serve
After refrigerating, top with extra banana slices, walnuts, or even a dash of nutmeg. Enjoy your yummy banana overnight oats!
In The Kitchen Tips
Timing: Give your banana bread overnight oats at least 4 hours to soak up all the goodness. The longer they sit, the creamier they get, so overnight is ideal, but not a must.
Adjust the Liquid: Start with a 1:1 milk-to-oats ratio, adjusting based on your preferred consistency. More almond milk makes for creamier oats; less for thicker.
Top it Off: Add nuts, seeds, or granola just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Mason Jars: Perfect for prepping single servings of your overnight oats.
Chia Seeds: They bring omega-3s and fiber, plus they give your oats a pudding-like texture.
Leftover Makeover: Don’t let extra berries or half a banana go to waste—toss them into your oats for flavor and extra sweetness.
Choose Your Milk: Unsweetened vanilla almond milk adds a lovely hint of flavor to your banana oats.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you like it sweeter, add a bit more maple syrup.
FAQ
Are overnight oats good for you?
Absolutely! They’re packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, essential vitamins, and minerals.Can you make overnight oats with steel-cut oats?
Yes! Steel-cut oats take longer to soften than rolled oats, so you’ll need to soak them for at least 8 hours or overnight.Can I use water instead of milk in overnight oats?
You can, but milk (dairy or non-dairy) gives a creamier texture and adds protein to keep you satisfied.How long will overnight banana oats last?
They stay fresh for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container.Can I eat overnight oats warm?
Yes! While they’re delicious cold, you can also warm them up on the stovetop or in the microwave for a cozy breakfast bowl.
Banana Overnight Oats
Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a jar or container, combine the oats, milk, yogurt, mashed banana, maple syrup (if using), chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and optional toppings if using.
- Stir everything together until well combined. Make sure the banana is mixed in well.
- If you’re feeling like it, add a layer of peanut butter or almond butter, followed by sliced bananas. Top with a drizzle of nut butter before sealing the jar (walnuts or pecans once it’s finished).
- If using add the optional toppings now and mix again.
- Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. The longer the oats soak, the creamier they’ll become.
- You can eat it cold straight from the jar, warm it up in the microwave, or on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Notes
- You can also use plain Greek yogurt instead of dairy-free vanilla.
- If you don't have yogurt you can alternatively use an additional 1/4 cup of milk.
Optional Toppings:
- 2 Tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1–2 Tbsp peanut or almond butter
- A few slices of banana
- Hemp or flaxseeds
- Cacao nibs
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped strawberries
- Dried fruit
