These overnight oats are naturally sweetened with banana for a healthy breakfast that tastes like banana bread! This is a great make-ahead recipe for busy mornings!

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Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve been on an oatmeal kick lately because I love how oats keep me full until lunchtime. They’re a whole grain making them a good source of protein and fiber, so it’s a breakfast that is really satisfying. There are a million ways to make overnight oats, but lately, I’ve been making these banana bread overnight oats for my toddler and me. It’s great because the banana adds lots of natural sweetness so I don’t have to add any sugar. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to prepare the night before so our breakfast routine is easy the next day!

Oats are also a great budget-friendly option. It’s relatively inexpensive to buy a container of oats and they last a long time in the pantry, so I don’t have to worry about them expiring before I use them up! I typically buy my oats at Aldi, Kroger, or Publix.

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Banana– You’ll want a very ripe banana for this recipe since that will add lots of sweetness. If you don’t have a ripe banana, you may want to add a little sweetener. If you’re not a fan of bananas, try my apple cinnamon overnight oats!
  • Oats– I use rolled oats, sometimes called old-fashioned oats. I think they’re the best for overnight oats, but you can use instant oats if needed. Do not use steel cut oats, which won’t soften very well.
  • Chia seeds– These help create a thick texture but if you don’t have chia seeds, you can skip them or substitute with ground flaxseed.
  • Vanilla– A little vanilla extract helps add sweetness and flavor.
  • Almond butter- This helps add healthy fats to the oats, making them more filling with a luxurious taste. You can substitute with peanut butter or sunbutter.
  • Milk– I used almond milk but any type of milk works fine.
  • Salt– A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor. Don’t skip it!

How to Make Overnight Oats

banana overnight oats
Add mashed banana, oats, milk, chia seeds, vanilla, salt,
and almond butter to a jar. Stir until combined.
banana bread overnight oats
Let the oats sit in the fridge for 2-3 hours or overnight.
Then add any additional toppings and enjoy!

Do I have to use chia seeds?

If you don’t have any chia seeds, don’t worry. You can still make these overnight oats! But if you use them, they make these oats extra thick. Plus, they’re actually a superfood! Chia seeds contain fiber, protein, healthy fats, calcium, manganese, and magnesium. When mixed with a liquid, they expand and thicken. They create a puddling-like texture in these overnight oats. You can typically find chia seeds in the organic section of the grocery store near flax seeds and other seeds. You can also order chia seeds on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to soak my oats overnight? No, the oats will be ready after just a few hours. But they can be soaked overnight, so you can make the oats in advance if you like.
  • Can I warm them up? Absolutely! If you like your oats warm, just pop them in the microwave for a minute to warm them up.
  • Can I add sweetener? Sure! If your banana isn’t super ripe you may want to add a little honey, maple syrup, stevia, or brown sugar.
  • Can I add other toppings? Yes! Try it with chopped strawberries, raspberries, or a sprinkle of granola.
  • What if I don’t have a jar? You can use any container. I recommend a glass container like a mason jar or a small glass container with a tight fitting lid like a Pyrex container. You can also repurpose containers like glass yogurt containers or spaghetti sauce jars! I recommend using a container that is at least 16 ounces, so you have room to stir the ingredients together.

More Overnight Oats Recipes

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banana bread overnight oats

Banana Bread Overnight Oats

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2-3 hours
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 1 cup 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Refrigerator
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

These overnight oats are naturally sweetened with banana for a healthy breakfast that tastes like banana bread! This is a great make-ahead recipe for busy mornings!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 very ripe banana, mashed
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or almond milk)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Add mashed banana, oats, milk, chia seeds, vanilla, almond butter, and salt to a jar. Stir until combined.

  2. Let the oats sit in the fridge for 2-3 hours or overnight. Then add any walnuts or additional toppings and enjoy!