• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Healthyish Appetite

Healthyish Appetite

Approachable plant-forward recipes.

Show Search
Hide Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Work with Me
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • twitter

Basic Banana Overnight Oats (+ 3 Flavor Variations)

Filed Under: no cook, oats, recipe Written By Leanne August 5, 2019

Jump to Recipe

Banana Overnight Oats are a classic make-ahead breakfast that really satisfies. Once you have this “base” recipe down, get creative with the flavor combinations to personalize it based on your mood.

banana overnight oats with bananas

It’s back-to-school season aka a time for make-ahead and meal prep recipes to really shine! No, I’m not personally going back to school but it still seems like everything starts to pick back up around this time. I know a lot of you probably have kids and things are about to get way busier. What better time to intro my all-time favorite overnight oats recipe?

What are Overnight Oats?

For those of you who aren’t familiar, overnight oats are typically made by soaking old-fashioned rolled oats (preferably the thick-cut variety) in some sort of liquid overnight, then adding flavorings and your favorite toppings the next morning before eating.

The benefit: breakfast is essentially ready when you wake up, and is also portable if you’re someone who likes to eat at your desk. It also happens to be delicious when made properly (key words = when made properly). It isn’t easy to mess these up, but it can happen. More on that below!

Heres’ what you’ll need for this recipe:

  • Old-fashioned rolled oats
  • Milk of choice (in this recipe I’m using oat milk but any will work!)
  • Overripe banana – for subtle sweetness
  • Chia seeds – to help thicken up the oats and make them “spoonable”
  • Cinnamon – because it makes everything better, am I right?
  • Kosher sea salt – to bring out the flavor
oats chia seeds and banana

Why You Should Add Bananas to Your Overnight Oats

This classic recipe involves adding mashed bananas to the overnight oats for a subtle sweetness but you can certainly omit them if you aren’t a fan. In this case I would recommend adding a bit more sweetener like brown sugar or maple syrup (especially if your milk is unsweetened too).

Bananas also prevent these from turning into paste, which can happen when there isn’t enough moisture to counteract the oats. The oats and chia seeds will soak up more liquid than you think, so the mashed banana helps with that.

How-to Meal Prep Overnight Oats

As I mentioned earlier, these are popular because it’s simple to scale the recipe and make multiple servings in almost the same amount of time. So whether you have a household of two or six, you can make enough for everyone as long as you have some storage containers.

jars of oats

When I make overnight oats, it’s typically in these wide-mouth jars because the lids screw on tight and they are easy to store in the fridge. Once finished, you can toss in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Note: I do recommend at least rinsing right after eating because once those oats harden, they get pretty tough to clean.

Once ingredients are out and ready to go, follow these simple steps:

  1. Divide the ingredients evenly among all of your jars/containers.
  2. Give each a good stir to incorporate the chia seeds. They tend to pool at the bottom if you don’t mix, and then the consistency might be off.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least several hours, up to two days.
  4. Add toppings when ready to eat!

Flavor Combinations

Now that you have the base recipe down, here are three ideas for customizing your basic banana overnight oats to take them over the top.

carrot cake overnight oats ingredients

Carrot Cake

  • 2 Tbsp finely shredded carrot
  • 1 Tbsp raisins
  • 1 Tbsp pecans, chopped
  • Drizzle maple syrup

Stir all ingredients into banana overnight oats in the morning before eating.

blueberries peanuts and peanut butter on a plate

Blueberry Peanut Butter (high in protein!)

  • 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 2 Tbsp roasted unsalted peanuts
  • 1 Tbsp peanut butter

If using frozen blueberries, add them to your oats prior to refrigerating. Note that this will create extra liquid so adjust your milk accordingly. If using fresh blueberries, add them in the morning before eating along with peanuts and peanut butter.

instant espresso powder and chocolate on a plate

Mocha Latte

  • 1 tsp instant espresso powder (affiliate)
  • 1 tsp cacoa powder (unsweetened)
  • 1 Tbsp dark chocolate chips
  • Splash of half & half

Stir in espresso powder and cocoa powder before refrigerating. Top with dark chocolate and drizzle of cream in the morning before eating.

And that’s it!

Whenever I get back from vacation and want to stock the house with great-tasting healthy food and meal prep for the week, overnight oats are always something I add to the list. What better way to start your day than with a healthy and satisfying breakfast that doesn’t require any brain power. The only question you have to answer now is… which flavor variation will you try first?

You might also like:

  • Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
  • Zucchini Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal
  • Loaded Oatmeal Cookie Energy Bites
Print

Basic Banana Overnight Oats

Print Recipe

★★★★

3.7 from 3 reviews

Banana Overnight Oats are a classic make-ahead breakfast that really satisfies. Once you have this “base” recipe down, get creative with the flavor combinations to personalize it based on your mood.

  • Author: Leanne Ray, MS, RDN
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 hours
  • Total Time: 12 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 4 cups oat milk (or other milk of choice)
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 2 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • kosher sea salt

Instructions

  1. Line up four wide-mouth mason jars or food storage containers and divide ingredients evenly. Into each jar: 1/2 cup oats, 1 cup milk, 1/4 banana, 1/2 Tbsp chia seeds, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt. Stir well until completely combined.
  2. Cover with lids and refrigerate overnight up to two days. Eat as is or add toppings of choice before serving!

Equipment

mason jars

Buy Now →

measuring spoons

Buy Now →

Notes

  • The equipment section above includes affiliate links to things I use often in my kitchen and recommend.
  • I used oat milk here because I love the creaminess and subtle sweetness. If you prefer the flavor or nutrition profile of another milk or milk alternative, feel free to use that instead!
  • Nutrition information was calculated for the base recipe only, and not the topping suggestions

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 jar
  • Calories: 337 calories
  • Fat: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 54 grams
  • Fiber: 9 grams
  • Protein: 10 grams

Keywords: banana overnight oats, overnight oats, make-ahead breakfast

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @healthyish_appetite on Instagram

Want More Plant-Forward Recipes?

Join my VIP list and I'll send you five reader favorites! Healthy, flavor-packed recipes. What's not to love about that?

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

I promise I won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beth says

    November 29, 2022 at 3:33 am

    I’m trying the Carrot Cake version, well probably all three. I love overnight oats! I’ve been trying to eat oatmeal and love the nutritional benefits of chia. Heated oatmeal is not my thing- reminds me of eating wall paper paste – consistency and flavor.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    August 16, 2022 at 7:05 pm

    I enjoy overnight oats during the warm weather months. I add a little protein powder to mine. I’m allergic to egg whites. So eggs are out of the question. It’s quick and easy. During the cold weather months, I enjoy a warm bowl of oats with cinnamon.

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      August 22, 2022 at 1:24 am

      Sounds great Jennifer!

      Reply
  3. Jewel Pickerill says

    March 25, 2022 at 10:45 pm

    I like mine cooked also but thank you Leeanne for the suggestion. I will be taking some of the ingredients and adding to my cooked oats. I have severe ulcerative colitis and looking for a few ways to make well balanced meals. I totally appreciate your time and suggestion.
    God Bless and Peace Out

    Reply
  4. Dale says

    December 6, 2021 at 8:01 pm

    Can you warm up the non cooked overnight recipe just before you eat it for a minute or two?

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 6, 2021 at 8:23 pm

      Hi Dale! If you would rather have hot oatmeal this isn’t the recipe for you. I would recommend following the directions on the canister to make it the traditional way. This version is meant to be served cold.

      Reply
  5. Jacob says

    November 5, 2021 at 1:41 am

    Easy to make the night before for a grab and go breakfast.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      November 10, 2021 at 2:55 pm

      Thank you! I do love waking up to breakfast already made. Glad you agree!

      Reply
    • Roberta says

      May 9, 2022 at 4:30 am

      I like my oatmeal cooked also.
      I will cook and then store in the
      refrigerator overnight.
      😉

      Reply
  6. Lou says

    November 3, 2021 at 8:46 am

    Sorry, I really like my Oatmeal cooked.
    Even that pkg. stuff, some people just add boiling water to it and stir. Yuck, Mine needs to be cooked.

    ★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      November 10, 2021 at 2:58 pm

      I like cooked oatmeal too, this is just another idea.

      Reply
  7. Suzanne says

    September 24, 2021 at 2:22 pm

    Hi
    I like to cook my oat which is only 10 minutes. Soaking all night does not have the same consistency and its’ not as soft.

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      September 24, 2021 at 7:12 pm

      I love both variations!

      Reply
    • Louise says

      November 3, 2021 at 8:40 am

      I was just thinking the same thing!
      I like my Steel Oats oatmeal cooked. I just make a pot of it at night, add some salt and cinnamon,grd.flax seed. I like dates for sweetness, so I add them in while its cooking, For 3 min. Then put in the fridge. Good for most of the week.
      In the morning I scoop some into a bowl, add some frozen blueberries, pop in the micro wave to warm up, add milk. Done!
      Each day I can choose different fruit.
      Thanks for being Real !!!

      Reply
      • Leanne says

        November 3, 2021 at 12:58 pm

        Thanks for the comment Louise! This is just another idea for how to prep oats when you want to mix things up at breakfast.

        Reply
      • Wendy says

        December 7, 2021 at 10:24 am

        Louise.. Thanks for the share! Your recipe sounds awesome. I want to give it a try, as well as the overnight version mentioned here.

        Wendy

        Reply
      • Kid Ord says

        March 8, 2022 at 8:42 am

        When mak’g a dish to last the week make single portions & freeze them to avoid bacteria build up. Especially bad for candida sufferers.

        Reply
      • Roberta says

        May 9, 2022 at 7:32 am

        Thanks 4sharing, I loved your variation.

        Reply
  8. Joy says

    January 13, 2021 at 6:24 pm

    It is superb and easy to make.

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      January 13, 2021 at 9:58 pm

      Thanks Joy! So great to hear. And I so appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Enjoy!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Kenali 4 Macam Jam Makan Terbaik Ketika Sedang Diet says:
    November 19, 2021 at 3:37 pm

    […] Leanner (2019, August 5). BASIC BANANA OVERNIGHT OATS (+ 3 FLAVOR VARIATIONS) | Healthy(ish) Appetite. Retrieved November 19, 2021, from https://healthyishappetite.com/basic-banana-overnight-oats/ […]

    Reply
  2. Please Eat Something! Breakfast Ideas for Your Teen – Melissa's Food Blog says:
    August 21, 2019 at 6:43 pm

    […] Overnight Oat Parfaits – They can be made the night before by combining all ingredients in a jar, refrigerating, and enjoying in the morning! ⁠Rebecca Bitzer RD likes using non-fat Greek yogurt, a 1/4 cup of granola and frozen berries that thaw overnight to add extra juice which naturally sweetens the yogurt. Leanne Ray MS, RDN provides a basic recipe and some delicious flavor ideas including mocha latte in her blog post. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Welcome!

I’m Leanne and I created this space to share beautiful, wholesome, plant-forward recipes that are equal parts approachable and delicious.

Read More

Never miss a recipe.

Get new recipes straight to your inbox, every week.

Most Popular Recipes

  • Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites
  • 4 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
  • Basic Banana Overnight Oats (+ 3 Flavor Variations)

Quick & Easy

Salads & Bowls

Sweet Treats

Footer

Never miss a post

Get new recipes straight to your inbox, every week.

  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

© healthyish appetite · PRIVACY POLICY · design by lr creative

Copyright © 2023 · Leanne Ray ·

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT