Name: Banana Overnight Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 245 min
Ingredients: 1 banana; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp vegan chocolate chips (optional); 1 tbsp sliced almonds (optional)

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These banana overnight oats are a delicious and easy way to start your day. Prepped the night before, in under 5 minutes, mashed banana combines with almond milk, and cinnamon and is topped with almonds and chocolate chips for a healthy sweet morning breakfast!

banana overnight oats topped with chocolate chips and almonds

It doesn’t get much easier than overnight oats when it comes to a quick and satisfying plant-based breakfast!

I’ve posted a few overnight oats recipes such as my Peanut Butter Overnight Oats and Protein Overnight Oats which are both fantastic! Not to mention the numerous oatmeal recipes I’ve also made.

But when you need something quick and easy, these banana overnight oats are just the thing! They’re perfect for when you have a banana that’s browning and needs to be eaten quick! Brown bananas add natural creaminess and sweetness without any added sugar or dairy!

This recipe is refined sugar free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan! So just about anyone can enjoy this recipe! It will keep you full and satisfied until lunch!

Why You’ll love these Banana Overnight Oats…

Simple ingredients
Quick prep
Creamy texture
Naturally sweetened
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free and Vegan
Healthy and filling

Ingredients

banana, almond milk, vanilla extract, oats, cinnamon, and chocolate chips and almonds on a counter

Banana, ripe and browning is best! Reserve a few slices to place on top.
Almond Milk, or other dairy free milk alternative.
Rolled Oats are preferred. Steel Cut oats and quick oats don’t work as well.
Cinnamon, adds a touch of spice.
Vanilla Extract enhances the flavor of the banana and cinnamon.
Sliced almonds and dairy-free chocolate chips to sprinkle on top.

Scroll to the bottom of the post to view the recipe card with quantities and complete directions.

Tools and Equipment

Mason Jar, or other container you can seal. I used a 16 oz mason jar. This gives you a little extra room to combine all of the ingredients.

How to Make Banana Overnight Oats – Step by Step

Step 1: Slice banana into chunks and add to your mason jar. Mash with a fork until combined, but still a little chunky.

Step 2: Pour in oats, almond milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Seal lid, and place in the refrigerator overnight, or for a minimum of 2 hours.

oats, milk topped with cinnamon in mason jar

Step 3: Remove from refrigerator. Stir to combine. Optional: Top with sliced banana, sliced almonds, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Top Tips for Making Banana Overnight Oats

For a sweeter flavor, add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
For thicker creamier oats, add ¼ cup of dairy-free yogurt.
Use rolled oats for the best consistency. Quick oats will absorb the liquid too quickly and result in a mushy texture. Steel cut oats are too thick to absorb the liquid and will be underdone.

overhead of mason jar filled with banana overnight oats topped with almonds, chocolate chips, and banana slices

FAQs

How do overnight oats work?

When oats soak over an extended period of time, such as overnight, they absorb the liquid and the starches break down. Instead of using heat to cook the oats, the process of soaking them in essence “cooks” them in a much slower process.

What is the ratio for overnight oats?

When making overnight oats, use a 2:1 ratio liquid to oats. This will produce a porridge like consistency. For example, 1 cup of liquid to ½ cup oats. or 2 cups liquid to 1 cup of oats.

How long do overnight oats need to soak?

They need to soak for a minimum of 2 hours. This gives the oats enough time to absorb the liquid and break them down so that they are edible.

Can you eat overnight oats warm?

Yes! You can eat them warm! Simply place in a microwave safe container. Heat for 60-90 seconds. They are meant to be eaten cold, since they are soaked overnight, they are safe and easily digestible. However, if you prefer a warm breakfast, there’s no harm in warming them up!

How do you serve and keep?

Serve topped with chocolate chips, sliced banana, and almond slices. The oats have a creamy texture, while the toppings add a touch of crunch. You may enjoy these straight out of the refrigerator, or warmed in the microwave.

Store in the refrigerator. You can prep several servings in advance. Overnight oats will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. However, I prefer to prep them fresh.

Are overnight oats healthy?

Oats are high in fiber and protein. They also contain vitamins and nutrients such as manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. When choosing your oats, use rolled oats as they are less processed than quick oats, and offer a better consistency.

The less processed the oats, the more fiber they have, making them a healthier option.

The slow-cooking process of overnight oats is also a health benefit, as the oats retain their nutritional benefits. When oats are cooked using heat, they lose some of their nutritional value.

In order to keep your oats healthy, stick to natural sweeteners, and don’t add too many extra toppings! Added sugar, and other toppings increase calories without any nutritional benefit.

silver spoon with oatmeal on top of mason jar filled with overnight oats

Check out these other recipes using oats!

If you’ve tried these banana overnight oats, let me know how they turned out. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more plant-based family recipes your whole family will enjoy!