With a combination of creamy yogurt, soft oats, and flavorful ripe bananas, this Banana Overnight Oats recipe is a perfect make-ahead breakfast for a baby, toddler, or adult.
I love easy make-ahead breakfasts that I can prep in minutes and have ready and waiting in the morning—because that’s one less thing to worry about as a mom! And this Banana Overnight Oats recipe, much like my Apple Overnight Oats and Mango Overnight Oats, is fast, nourishing, and so yummy.
Quick Look: Banana Overnight Oats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Servings: 3
- Flavor Profile: Fresh banana with vanilla and hint of cinnamon
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for make-ahead breakfasts and toddler snacks
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Table of Contents
The beauty of this recipe is that it has similar nutrition to a bowl of oatmeal, but can sit in the fridge until you need it. It can even be blended into a smoother mixture so you can put it into a reusable pouch for a baby or toddler.
Why This Recipe Works
By combining yogurt, milk, rolled oats, and ample flavor from banana, vanilla, and cinnamon, you can make a creamy breakfast pudding to enjoy with the kids. (It’s super nutritious too, with fiber, protein, and beneficial fats.)
You can add sliced bananas, berries, or minced walnuts on top or even a drizzle of peanut butter. It’s so yummy!
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Banana Overnight Oats so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Very ripe banana: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and banana flavor. They are also easier to mash when they are very ripe.
- Milk: Use dairy or nondairy milk to soften the oats and make the mixture creamy.
- Plain Greek yogurt: This adds creaminess and protein to the overnight oats.
- Rolled oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats soften nicely as they rest in the fridge.
- Maple syrup: Add a little for sweetness, or omit it when serving to a baby.
- Vanilla extract and cinnamon: These add cozy flavor to the banana and oats mixture, so definitely plan to add them.
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How to Make Banana Overnight Oats
Here’s a preview of how to make Banana Overnight Oats so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl or storage container.
Step 2. Stir together to make an even mixture. Blend smooth for a smoother final consistency, if desired.
Step 3. Cover or divide among smaller jars and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Stir, add more sweetener or toppings as desired, and serve cold.
Banana Overnight Oats FAQs
No, I was surprised by that too but when I tested the recipe, I left a jar in my fridge for 5 days and it did not brown at all.
Sure, you can add 1 tablespoon help seeds, some peanut butter or other nut or seed butter, or serve alongside scrambled eggs.
You can double the vanilla extract or use vanilla bean paste, add a little nutmeg or allspice, add shredded unsweetened coconut, or top with berries or a drizzle of nut or seed butter.
How to Store
Store Banana Overnight Oats in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Stir before serving cold.
Best Tips for Success
- Blend all of the ingredients together for a smoother texture. This is a great option if you want to serve the oats in a reusable pouch.
- Or, use oat flour and skip the blender.
- Add 1 tablespoon hemp seeds for additional protein.
- Omit the added sweetener when serving to a baby, or increase it to taste for older kids and adults.
More Recipe Ideas
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Banana Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed very ripe banana (with brown spots; from about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch salt, minced walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl or storage container, stirring together to make an even mixture. (You can add the mixture to a blender and blend smooth to make a smoother final consistency, if desired.)
- Cover or divide among smaller jars and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften the oats and thicken the mixture.
- Stir, add more sweetener or toppings as desired, and serve cold.
Equipment
Notes
- This can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days in a sealed airtight container.
- Blend all the ingredients together to make a smoother texture. This is a great method if you’d like to serve this recipe in a reusable pouch.
- Omit the added sweetener if serving to a baby. Or increase it to taste for older kids and yourself.
- Dairy-free: Use a nondairy yogurt and milk.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
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