These Banana Bread Overnight Oats are breakfast you can wake up to — five minutes to prep, vegan-friendly and easy to make gluten free. Hearty, wholesome, and ready when you are, they’re perfect for busy mornings.
~Same recipe from 2015, photos updated July 2020~
I love banana bread in all forms, and this banana bread overnight oats recipe gives the same cozy flavor with minimal effort. It’s an easy overnight oatmeal variation that tastes like banana bread and is ready straight from the fridge in the morning. Prep a few jars tonight and enjoy breakfast without the fuss tomorrow.
Overnight oats are a simple way to fuel your day. With a quick mash of banana, a few pantry staples, and a short chill, you’ll have a filling breakfast you can grab or warm up on busy mornings.
Why you will love these Banana Bread Overnight Oats:
- Simple ingredients and easy prep. Just mash a ripe banana, add oats, milk, and a few flavorings, then mix. No baking required and nothing fussy.
- Kid friendly. The sweet banana and mild spices are usually a hit with kids. You can customize with chips, fruit, or nut butters to keep picky eaters interested.
- Great for meal prep. Make several jars at once and you’ll have breakfast ready for days. It takes only a few minutes to assemble.
- Easily adaptable. Make them vegan by using plant milk, gluten free with certified oats, or nut free by omitting nuts or using seeds instead.
If you’re new to overnight oats, this is a great place to start!
Recipe Ingredients:
- Oats: Rolled (old-fashioned) oats are my go-to for texture. Quick oats also work if you prefer a softer, faster result. For gluten free, use certified gluten free oats.
- Milk: Any milk will do — dairy or plant-based. Whole milk or unsweetened vanilla almond milk are great choices, but use what you prefer.
- Ripe bananas: Very ripe bananas with brown spots mash easily and add natural sweetness.
- Maple syrup: Optional sweetener to taste. Super ripe bananas often provide enough sweetness on their own.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that banana-bread flavor.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add crunch; swap for walnuts or almonds, or omit if desired.
- Optional add-ins: Ground flax, chia seeds, yogurt, extra banana, or shredded coconut for extra texture and nutrition.
How To Make These Oats:
- Mash half a ripe banana in the bottom of a sealable jar or bowl.
- Add the oats, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup (if using), flax (optional), a pinch of salt, and the chopped pecans. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. In the morning stir and add a splash of milk if needed. Top with sliced banana and extra nuts, and serve warm or cold.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Start without extra sweetener — very ripe bananas add plenty of natural sugar. Add maple syrup only if needed.
- Best consumed within three days. Overnight oats with banana taste freshest within three days. If prepping for later in the week, add mashed banana just before serving for the later portions.
- Make it vegan or gluten free easily. Use a dairy-free milk for a vegan version and certified gluten free oats if needed.
Do you have to eat your oats cold?
No — you can enjoy these overnight oats cold or warmed. Heat them briefly in the microwave or on the stove if you prefer a cozy, warm breakfast. I warm mine most mornings.
Recipe Variations:
Keep the base the same and try these variations to change the flavor or boost nutrition:
- Add a pinch of brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.
- Stir in protein powder for extra protein.
- Fold in a spoonful of cream cheese for a tangy, cheesecake-like twist.
- Mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
- Swirl in almond or cashew butter for richness.
- Add Greek yogurt for creaminess and extra protein — vanilla Greek yogurt adds flavor, plain may require a touch more sweetener.
More overnight oats recipes:
- Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Overnight Oats
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
- Triple Chocolate Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Lemon Overnight Oats
- Vanilla Cold Brew Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
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Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 mashed ripe banana
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (regular or gluten free)
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 2 T chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Dash of sea salt
- 1 T ground flax (optional)
- 2 tsp 100% pure maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Mash the banana in the bottom of a bowl or jar that can be sealed. Combine all other ingredients and stir well.
- Refrigerate overnight or at least about 4 hours. Serve hot or cold.
- Garnish with sliced banana or extra nuts if desired.
Notes
- Sweeten to your preference — very ripe bananas add a lot of natural sweetness.
- Overnight oats with banana are best within three days; add mashed banana later if prepping for a full week.
- Use dairy-free milk for a vegan version and certified gluten free oats if needed.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 59 g,
Protein: 11 g,
Fat: 12 g,
Fiber: 7 g,
Sugar: 23 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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