Banana Bread Overnight Oats
One of my favorite breakfasts that I always go back to when I’m trying to eat well and have a nourishing, healthy, and satisfying start to the day is overnight oats. They’re so quick to prep (I love that I can just spend 5 minutes putting them together right before bed and wake up to something delicious!), and this particular flavor combination is just SO GOOD!
We’re talking creamy oats combined with fresh, ripe banana, chopped nuts, cinnamon, maple syrup, and a touch of vanilla extract. Basically, everything that’s amazing about banana bread but without the hassle.
I like to make these oats in mason jars and eat them straight from the jar as a grab-and-go breakfast, though of course you can eat them out of a bowl if you prefer.
I recommend making a batch so you can enjoy them over the course of a few days. They also make a really fantastic post-workout meal, and they always leave me feeling energized and sustained without being weighed down.
Ingredients
Please note that if you want to skip straight to the printable recipe card, you’ll find it at the bottom of this post! In the next few sections, I’ll be explaining more about the ingredients I’ve selected and their role in the recipe, sharing pics from the process, and giving some extra tips and ideas for the best possible results.
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Banana: The riper, the better — it adds natural sweetness and that soft banana bread flavor.
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Old fashioned oats: Go for rolled oats, not quick oats or steel-cut. They soften up perfectly overnight without turning mushy.
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Whole milk: Whole milk gives it a rich, creamy texture, but feel free to swap in any milk you like — dairy or non-dairy both work.
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Chopped pecans: For that classic banana bread crunch. Walnuts are a great swap if that’s what you have.
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Maple syrup: Adds a little sweetness without being overpowering. You can add more in the morning if needed.
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Vanilla extract: This gives it that banana bread aroma — warm, sweet, and cozy.
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Ground cinnamon: A must for banana bread vibes. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg too if you like extra spice.
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Coarse sea salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and bring everything together.
How To Make Banana Bread Overnight Oats
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Mash the banana in a small bowl until it’s nice and smooth.
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Pour the milk into a mason jar or container with a lid, then stir in the oats.
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Add the mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined.
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Pop the lid on and place it in the fridge overnight — or at least 4 hours if you’re in a hurry. (Overnight gives the best texture, in my opinion.)
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In the morning, just give it a quick stir and dig in. You can eat it cold or warm it up if you prefer it cozy.
Storage
I store these in sealed mason jars in the fridge for up to 5 days — they hold up really well, which makes them perfect for prepping a few at a time. Just give them a quick stir before eating. Don’t freeze them though, as the texture doesn’t hold up well after thawing.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try using walnuts instead of pecans, or skip the nuts altogether for a nut-free version. You can also swap the maple syrup for honey or a dash of brown sugar if that’s what you have on hand.
For a protein boost, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla protein powder. And if you like it extra cozy, add a pinch of nutmeg or a few mini chocolate chips for a more indulgent twist. You can even stir in some raisins or chopped dates to play up the banana bread feel.
Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons real maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a small bowl until it’s nice and smooth.
- Pour the milk into a mason jar or container with a lid, then stir in the oats.
- Add the mashed banana, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Give everything a good stir until it’s well combined.
- Pop the lid on and place it in the fridge overnight — or at least 4 hours if you’re in a hurry. (Overnight gives the best texture, in my opinion.)
- In the morning, just give it a quick stir and dig in. You can eat it cold or warm it up if you prefer it cozy.
Banana bread, but make it breakfast. And way less work! These overnight oats hit all the right notes: soft, creamy, just sweet enough, and somehow even better on busy mornings. No baking, no fuss. Just grab a spoon and go. If you’ve tried them, leave a star rating below and share your thoughts. It makes my day, and it helps me to create and develop more recipes that you’ll love!
