Banana Bread Overnight Oats

A cozy, sweet, and wholesome breakfast that gives me all the nostalgic warmth of banana bread—without ever turning on the oven. The creamy oats mingle with ripe banana, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla while they rest overnight, making mornings a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this recipe feels like a treat but is secretly nourishing. The banana naturally sweetens the oats, the cinnamon adds warmth, and the chia seeds give it a little boost of texture and nutrition. It’s perfect for busy mornings when I want something ready to grab and go.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ½ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (almond, cashew, or other)

• ¼ cup unsweetened dairy-free vanilla yogurt

• 1 ripe banana, mashed

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, to taste)

• ½ tablespoon chia seeds

• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• A pinch of sea salt

Directions

1. I combine the oats, milk, yogurt, mashed banana, maple syrup (if I’m using it), chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a jar or container. I stir well so the banana blends in completely.

2. I cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours—or overnight—so the oats soak and thicken.

3. In the morning, I enjoy it straight from the fridge or warm it gently. I sometimes top it with extra banana slices, nuts, nut butter, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
Total Time: about 4 hours 5 minutes

Variations

I occasionally stir in a spoonful of peanut butter for extra richness. For a crunchier topping, I add a sprinkle of granola right before serving. When I want a chocolatey twist, I mix in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or mini chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

I store the oats in the fridge in a sealed jar or container for up to 3 days. If I reheat them, I do it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture.

FAQs

Can I make this with quick oats?

Yes, but I find quick oats make a softer texture, so I prefer rolled oats for a bit more chew.

Can I use regular dairy milk and yogurt?

Yes, I just swap them in using the same measurements.

How can I make this higher in protein?

I sometimes add a scoop of protein powder or stir in extra yogurt.

Can I make multiple servings at once?

Yes, I double or triple the recipe and portion it into jars for the week.

Can I freeze overnight oats?

I can, but I prefer them fresh from the fridge since freezing can change the texture.

Conclusion

I love how these banana bread overnight oats make breakfast feel special without any morning effort. They’re creamy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for making my mornings both delicious and stress-free.

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