If there is one thing my 1.5-year-old loves, it’s overnight oats. I like to sweeten his oats naturally with mashed banana, and this Creamy Banana Overnight Oats recipe is a hit. It combines rolled oats, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and mashed banana for a creamy, nutritious breakfast that’s toddler-approved and ready to enjoy all week.
Make a batch of these banana overnight oats today and have an easy, flavorful breakfast waiting for you each morning.
How to Make Banana Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are incredibly simple to prepare and make busy mornings so much easier. This banana version is especially creamy thanks to mashed bananas and Greek yogurt. If you’re new to overnight oats, don’t worry — the method is straightforward and forgiving. Below are step-by-step instructions along with tips, ingredient details, and storage ideas so you can customize the recipe to your taste.
Step 1: Mash Bananas
Choose ripe or overripe bananas for the best sweetness and texture. If you have frozen bananas, thaw them until soft and mash them in the container you plan to store your oats in. Using the same container for mixing and storing keeps cleanup minimal and makes it easy to portion for meal prep.
Step 2: Mix it Up
Add the remaining ingredients to the mashed bananas and stir until everything is evenly combined. The primary components are:
- Rolled oats
- Chia seeds
- Almond milk (or your preferred milk)
- Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- Honey
- Vanilla extract
Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight. This time allows the oats and chia seeds to soften and thicken into a creamy texture.
Step 3: Top and Enjoy
This recipe yields six servings, so you can halve or double it depending on how many people you’re feeding or how many breakfasts you want to prep. Portion the oats into jars or meal-prep containers for grab-and-go mornings.
Great topping ideas include:
- Sliced fresh bananas
- Fresh berries
- Sliced apples
- Nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew)
- Granola for crunch
- Dried fruit
- Chopped nuts or seeds
Make them Blended Overnight Oats
If you prefer an ultra-smooth, pudding-like texture, try blending the ingredients before refrigerating. To make blended overnight oats:
- Put all ingredients into a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high for about one minute to break down the oats and create a silky texture.
- Transfer the blended mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- In the morning, eat as-is or add a splash of milk to loosen the texture if desired.
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 4.5 cups plain, unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you prefer)
- 1.5 medium bananas, mashed
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
Instructions
- Mash the bananas in a medium-sized bowl or Tupperware.
- Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, almond milk, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir well until evenly combined.
- Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the oats and chia seeds to soften.
- When ready to serve, stir and add any desired toppings such as fresh fruit, nut butter, or granola.
Tips & Notes
- Add protein: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or a spoonful of nut butter for extra protein and creaminess.
- Texture adjustments: If the oats are too thick in the morning, add a splash of milk and stir to thin them to your desired consistency.
- Make ahead: Portion into jars for easy breakfasts throughout the week. These oats keep well when refrigerated.
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator. Consume within several days for best flavor and freshness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is provided as an approximation:
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Sugar: 8 g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Recipe Details
- Recipe name: Creamy Banana Overnight Oats
- Author: Emily Richter
- Prep time: 10 mins
- Chill time: at least 2 hours (or overnight)
- Total time: about 2 hours 10 mins
- Servings: 6
This banana overnight oats recipe is an easy, healthy breakfast staple. It’s great for meal prep, customizable with your favorite toppings, and naturally sweetened with banana. Enjoy a creamy, satisfying start to your day!