These Banana Overnight Oats are a healthy, make-ahead breakfast option. Mashed banana and honey sweeten the oats, and a splash of almond extract gives it that classic banana bread flavor!
Please don’t judge me, but … I never used to like oatmeal. At all. There was just something about mushy oats that made me turn my nose up at them.
Thankfully, I’ve come to my senses in recent years and can now chow down on oatmeal in any form. From baked oatmeal to oatmeal in a mug to mini baked oatmeal cups, I’m officially an oatmeal convert.
In the summer, I particularly love making overnight oats. If you’ve never tried overnight oats before, they’re essentially a mixture of oats, milk and / or yogurt, and your choice of spices. You mix everything together, let it sit overnight in the fridge, and you get to enjoy your handiwork the next morning!
If you’re looking for easy breakfast ideas, then this is it.
My current favorite recipe is for banana overnight oats. I promise, these oats taste just like banana bread! Keep reading to learn which “secret” ingredients I used to make these oats taste like dessert.
Ingredients for Banana Overnight Oats
To make this banana overnight oats recipe taste like banana bread, I flavored the oats with a mixture of vanilla extract, almond extract, and ground cinnamon. Sounds delicious, right?
Here’s what else you’ll need to make the oats:
- Old-fashioned oats
- Milk
- Banana
- Honey (or maple syrup)
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
I opted to make these overnight oats with no yogurt because I don’t always keep it on hand. However, you’re fine to add a spoonful of yogurt to the oats, if desired.
What Are the Best Oats for Overnight Oats?
I prefer using old-fashioned oats (aka rolled oats) in my overnight oats recipes. Old-fashioned oats soak up the milk really well and become super creamy with time.
Instant oats tend to become mushy if left overnight in the fridge, and steel cut oats are much too hearty to use in banana bread overnight oats.
How to Make Banana Bread Overnight Oats
This overnight oats recipe is incredibly easy to prepare! You need just 10 minutes to whisk together the oat mixture, and then you can pop it in the fridge overnight.
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In an airtight container, add the oats, milk, mashed banana, honey/maple syrup, vanilla and almond extracts, cinnamon, and salt.
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Stir or seal with a lid and shake well to make sure everything is combined.
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Pour into two mason jars (if desired) or keep in the container.
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Refrigerate overnight so that the oats will soften and absorb the liquid.
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When you’re ready to eat, remove from refrigerator and stir.
How Long Do Overnight Oats Last?
Store the overnights oats in the fridge for up to four days. If the oats soak up too much of the liquid, simply add a splash of milk to loosen them up again.
Do I Have to Chill the Oats Overnight?
No, the banana overnight oats will be ready to eat after about four hours. However, letting them sit in the fridge overnight is preferred.
Can I Add Yogurt to my Overnight Oats?
I made this particular batch of overnight oats without yogurt, but you’re welcome to stir in a spoonful or two, if desired. Note that adding yogurt to the mixture will make the oats even thicker and creamier.
Tips for the Best Overnight Oats
- The oats are not overly sweet. I find the honey and ripe banana adds the perfect amount of sweetness, but if you would like more, add additional honey/maple syrup before serving.
- You may use any type of milk you’d like to make this recipe. Dairy or non-dairy milks both work.
- To make this recipe vegan, use your favorite non-dairy milk and substitute the honey for pure maple syrup.
Looking for more overnight oats recipes?
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Overnight Oats
- Cherry Overnight Oats
- Chai Spiced Overnight Oats
- Cake Batter Overnight Oats
Banana Overnight Oats
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup milk any kind
- 1 ripe banana mashed
- 1½ teaspoon honey or pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- In a medium airtight container, add oats, milk, mashed banana, honey/maple syrup, vanilla and almond extracts, cinnamon, and salt. Stir or seal lid and shake well to make sure everything is combined.
- Pour into two mason jars (if desired) or keep in container. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, so that the oats will soften and absorb the liquid.
- When ready to eat, remove from refrigerator and stir.
Notes
- The oats are not overly sweet. I find the honey and ripe banana adds the perfect amount of sweetness, but if you would like more, add additional honey/maple syrup before serving.
- Oats will last in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- See my tips and tricks for making these Banana Bread Overnight Oats above the recipe box.
Nutrition
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