These creamy banana overnight oats are perfect as a quick, healthy breakfast. Refrigerator oats can be prepared several days in advance, and only require 4 ingredients!
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Overnight oats with banana and peanut butter are the perfect no-fuss make ahead breakfast. You can make a big batch of oats in less than 5 minutes, and serve them throughout the week as breakfasts on the go.
Overnight oats is made by combining oats, milk and other oatmeal ingredients in a container, and storing it in a refrigerator overnight. With time, the oats will absorb the liquid. The result is very similar to oatmeal, but the oats are never cooked. You can serve the oats cold, or warm them up gently in a microwave if you prefer warm oats.
This no-cook oatmeal method is convenient, quick, and even kids can help you make it!
Why you'll love it
- Simple make-ahead breakfast
- A great way to use up bananas
- Only requires 4 ingredients
- Gluten free and vegan options available
- Serve the oats with your favorite toppings
- Quick, healthy and delicious breakfast option
- Serve the oats cold or warm
Ingredients
Old fashioned rolled oats: You can also use quick cook oats, but I think rolled oats have a better texture.
Greek yogurt: Or any yogurt that you like. Try natural yogurt or vanilla yogurt.
Milk: Any milk works. Try skim milk, oat milk or almond milk.
Banana: As ripe as possible!
Instructions
You can find full instructions + ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page
One: Mash a ripe banana into a bowl or container.
Two: Add the yogurt, milk and rolled oats to the bowl.
Three: Stir to combine the ingredients evenly. Transfer the ingredients to a sealed container, and store it in a refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight, or up to 4 days.
Four: Serve the oats cold, or warm them up in a microwave for a few seconds. Top your oatmeal with your favorite toppings, see the Serving Suggestions further below.
Top tips
- Make sure to use a really ripe banana. Ripe bananas are easier to mash, and taste great.
- You can use rolled oats or quick cook oats. Don't use steel cut oats, as these require cooking.
- You can prepare your overnight oats directly in their storage container.
Serving suggestions
Banana overnight oats are perfect to serve as a healthy breakfast or snack. They are also good as a healthy alternative for late night cravings!
I love to serve my oats with delicious toppings. Here are some of my favorites:
- Peanut butter, or other nut butters
- Frozen or fresh fruit and berries
- Sliced bananas, for extra banana flavor!
- Jams, like Blueberry Chia Jam
- Granola or Toasted Muesli
- Roasted nuts or seeds
Variations
Vegan oats: Use a vegan milk and yogurt alternative. There are many great options available, like oat milk, soy yogurt, coconut yogurt and almond milk.
Gluten free: Use certified gluten free oats, which you can find in the allergy friendly section in most supermarkets, and make sure to use a gluten free milk alternative such as soy milk or cow's milk.
With add-ins: Add any add-ins that you like. Peanut butter, chocolate chips, diced nuts and diced fruit all pair perfectly with creamy banana oats.
Equipment
You will need a sealable container to make these oats. Any storage container will do! You can use mason jars or other glass jars with lids, meal prep containers or lunchboxes.
Storage
Leftover banana overnight oats can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 4 days. This is a great recipe for meal prep, as you can prepare breakfast for several days in a row.
I like to make a double or triple batch to prepare a quick breakfast for the whole family for a busy week ahead. Place overnight oats in individual portion sized containers, and allow everyone to top their oat with their favorite fruits, nuts or spreads.
Frequently asked questions
Overnight oats are great because they are so simple to make, and a fantastic way to prepare healthy breakfasts in advance.
Bananas tend to go brown if they are added on top of the oats, but when they are mashed and mixed in with the oats, they definitely last a lot longer.
Overnight oats are best made with rolled oats, also known as whole oats, or jumbo oats. You can also use quick cook oats or instant oats.
You might also like these recipes
- Mango Overnight Oats
- Protein Porridge
- Protein Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Overnight Oats
- Blueberry Overnight Oats
- Kefir Overnight Oats
- Lemon Curd Overnight Oats
- Cinnamon Raisin Overnight Oats
If you make any of these recipes, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy! Follow Hint of Healthy on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest for more healthy recipes.
Recipe
Banana Overnight Oats
Equipment
- Storage Container
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup oat milk (or other types of milk)
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Mash a banana into a container or bowl.
- Add the other ingredients, and stir to combine.
- Place the chilled oats in a sealed container, and place it in a refrigerator. Leave it for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight.
- Serve the oats cold, or warm them up in a microwave for a few seconds.
Video
Notes
- The oats can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 4 days, depending on how ripe your bananas are.
- Use any milk that you like. Skim milk, oat milk, soy milk and almond milk are great options.
- Serve your overnight oats with your favorite toppings, like peanut butter, sliced bananas, fresh or frozen berries and fruit or jam.
Nutrition
Food safety tips
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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