These Banana Bread Overnight Oats are a tasty way to start your day! Packed with oats, mashed bananas, and a hint of cinnamon, they taste just like a slice of banana bread.
What’s great is that you can prepare them the night before, so breakfast is ready when you are! I love adding a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch—it’s like having dessert for breakfast! 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Banana: A ripe banana is key for natural sweetness. If bananas aren’t ripe, try using a banana that’s slightly bruised, or mash cooked apples as an alternative. You can also consider using a small amount of unsweetened applesauce for a similar texture.
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give a chewy texture, but if you prefer something quicker, quick oats can work too. For a gluten-free option, you can use certified gluten-free oats. Steel-cut oats won’t soften without cooking, so stick with rolled or quick oats for this recipe!
Milk: You can use any milk you prefer: dairy, almond, soy, or oat milk work great. If you’re looking to reduce calories or fat, unsweetened almond or cashew milk is a fantastic choice, giving you a light flavor.
Chia Seeds: These seeds thicken the oat mixture. If you don’t have chia seeds, ground flaxseeds can be a great substitute. Just keep in mind that they have a different taste and texture than chia.
Sweetener: Honey and maple syrup are both excellent for sweetness. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using a low-calorie sweetener or simply omitting it, as the ripe banana adds plenty of sweetness.
How Do I Ensure My Oats Absorb the Liquid Perfectly?
Getting the right texture is important for overnight oats. The soaking process lets the oats absorb moisture, making them creamy and delicious. Here are a few tips to ensure a great consistency:
- Make sure to combine the ingredients well. The oats should be evenly distributed in the liquid.
- Seal your jar or container tightly before refrigerating to prevent air from drying out the mixture.
- Let it soak for at least 4 hours, but overnight works best—just keep it in the fridge!
- If you find them too thick in the morning, stir in a splash of milk to loosen up the oats.
How to Make Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional, for topping)
- A pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours (or overnight) to chill in the fridge. It’s super easy and perfect for a quick breakfast—just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mashed banana, rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, honey or maple syrup (if you like it sweet), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together really well until you see no dry oats or lumps of banana. It should all be nicely blended!
2. Refrigerate Overnight:
Transfer your mixture into a jar or any container with a lid. Make sure to seal it tightly so nothing spills. Pop it in the refrigerator overnight (or at least for 4 hours) so the oats can soak up the milk and soften.
3. Enjoy the Next Morning:
The next morning, take your oats out of the fridge and give them a good stir. If you find that it’s too thick for your liking, pour in a splash of milk to make it creamier. Top your oats with chopped walnuts and some extra banana slices if you want. Now, enjoy your delicious and healthy Banana Bread Overnight Oats cold!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that the texture will be different. Quick oats absorb liquid faster and tend to become mushier. If using quick oats, you might want to reduce the soaking time to about 2-3 hours instead of overnight.
What Milk Alternatives Work Best for This Recipe?
Almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk all make great alternatives! Just choose the unsweetened version if you want to keep the sugar low. Each option will slightly change the flavor profile, but they all complement the banana well.
How to Store Leftover Overnight Oats?
If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just give them a good stir before serving. You might need to add a splash of milk to refresh the consistency if they thicken over time.
Can I Add Other Toppings or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your oats by adding other fruits like berries or apples, nuts, seeds, or even a dollop of yogurt for creaminess. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
