Banana Overnight Oats

Banana overnight oats are healthy, vegan, gluten-free, and taste like banana bread! This easy make-ahead breakfast recipe is perfect for busy families and meal prep. It’s made with pantry staples like rolled oats, bananas, chia seeds, and cinnamon. These overnight oats are easily customizable with endless possibilities for toppings and flavors!

In my opinion, banana oatmeal is undoubtedly the creamiest, coziest, and most satisfying breakfast. There’s a reason it’s commonly referred to as “a hug in a bowl!” These banana overnight oats provide the same comfort and flavor, but they’re even easier to make and even better for meal prep.

If you run on a busy schedule, overnight oatmeal is truly a life changer. With just 5 minutes of preparation the night before, this healthy breakfast is ready to go right when you wake up in the morning. It’s convenient when you don’t want to use the stovetop or need to grab something as you head out the door.

I love this recipe because it has an indulgent, dessert-for-breakfast flavor and texture. Yet, it’s secretly made with nutritious ingredients like rolled oats, bananas, and chia seeds. You can customize the flavor with various mix-ins and toppings, like peanut butter or chocolate chips. You will want to make this recipe over and over again!

These banana overnight oats are:

• Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free
• A quick and easy breakfast for busy families
• Thick, sweet, creamy, and high fiber
• Naturally sweetened with overripe bananas
• Kid-friendly and great for back-to-school season
• Reminiscent of banana bread!

Ingredients in healthy banana overnight oats

• Oats: Overnight oats are made with rolled oats, not steel cut or instant oats. Rolled oats have already been steamed and flattened, which makes them perfect for soaking overnight.
• Milk: Use any type of non-dairy milk or regular milk. I typically use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for this recipe.
• Banana: These overnight oats are naturally sweetened with mashed banana which keeps the recipe refined sugar-free. Overripe bananas that have a spotty peel will create the best taste and texture.
• Maple syrup: Banana will provide plenty of sweetness on its own, but you can also include a dash of maple syrup to further sweeten the oats. Other possible options include honey, agave nectar, and coconut sugar.
• Chia seeds: These are a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They also expand while soaking which creates a thicker and creamier consistency.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla provides a sweet flavor and aroma.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a popular pairing with bananas. It makes these overnight oats taste like banana bread.
• Salt: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of all other ingredients.

How to make overnight oats with banana

For the full ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

First, add rolled oats, milk, mashed banana, maple syrup (optional), chia seeds, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to a jar. Mix the ingredients together, then seal with a lid.

Next, store the oats in the refrigerator overnight or at least 4 hours.

The next morning (or whenever you are ready to eat), remove the lid and stir the oats. If desired, add a splash of milk to thin the consistency.

Enjoy the oats directly out of the jar or transfer them to a bowl. Add any toppings of your choosing, like fresh fruit, nut butter, and granola. Enjoy!

Recipe variations for banana bread overnight oats

The great thing about this banana overnight oats recipe is that it’s incredibly customizable! Feel free to stir in other ingredients, like yogurt and nut butter.

• Yogurt: Add ¼ cup of your favorite yogurt or non-dairy yogurt. This will make the oats even creamier.
• Nut butter: Get a boost of healthy fats by adding almond butter or peanut butter. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter or tahini.
• Protein powder: Stir in a scoop of protein powder to make them high protein overnight oats. Vanilla, chocolate, or peanut butter protein powder would taste great.
• Cocoa powder: If you’re a chocolate lover, this one’s for you! Stir in 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or cacao powder. This will give the oats a rich chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate chips: I like adding stevia-sweetened chocolate chips for a sugar-free option.

What are the best overnight oats toppings?

The options are endless! See a long list of topping ideas in my Basic Overnight Oats post. For these particular banana overnight oats, I think the best toppings include the following:

• Sliced banana or berries
• Peanut butter or almond butter
• Chocolate chips
• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Drizzle of maple syrup or honey

Can you heat up overnight oats?

Overnight oatmeal is typically enjoyed cold directly from the refrigerator. However, you can pop it into the microwave if you prefer a hot breakfast. This is helpful if you love warm oatmeal, but need a truly quick option for busy mornings. It will take just 1-2 minutes to heat up.

How long do banana overnight oats last?

Banana overnight oats are best enjoyed within 24 hours. However, you can keep them stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Be sure they are tightly sealed with a lid to maintain freshness.

More overnight oatmeal recipes

• Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
• Chocolate Overnight Oats
• Vanilla Overnight Oats
• Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
• Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

If you try these Banana Overnight Oats, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

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