Banana Bread Overnight Oats

Featured in: All-American Desserts

This dish blends old-fashioned rolled oats with mashed ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, and warming cinnamon, soaked overnight for a creamy texture. Topped with sliced banana and crunchy walnuts, it offers a wholesome, make-ahead breakfast that’s both hearty and flavorful. Perfect chilled or at room temperature, it’s a convenient option enriched with natural sweetness from maple syrup and balanced spices. Variations include plant-based alternatives and seed substitutions for dietary preferences.

Updated on Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:03:15 GMT
Banana bread overnight oats with walnuts in a glass jar, topped with banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon, ready for a cozy breakfast.  Save
Banana bread overnight oats with walnuts in a glass jar, topped with banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon, ready for a cozy breakfast. | dashofstates.com

Enjoy the comforting flavors of classic home-baked bread in a refreshing, chilled form with these Banana Bread Overnight Oats with Walnuts. This creamy, wholesome breakfast combines hearty old-fashioned oats with ripe mashed bananas and warm spices, creating a nourishing start to your day that is ready when you wake up. It is the perfect solution for busy mornings when you want a healthy, delicious meal without the cooking time.

Banana bread overnight oats with walnuts in a glass jar, topped with banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon, ready for a cozy breakfast.  Save
Banana bread overnight oats with walnuts in a glass jar, topped with banana slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon, ready for a cozy breakfast. | dashofstates.com

By letting the ingredients soak overnight in the refrigerator, the oats absorb the milk and yogurt, softening into a pudding-like texture that highlights the sweet banana and cinnamon flavors. This American-style breakfast is both vegetarian and highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs while keeping the classic banana bread profile.

Ingredients

  • Oats Mixture
  • 1 cup (100 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) plain Greek yogurt (or non-dairy alternative)
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Toppings
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped walnuts
  • 1 small banana, sliced
  • Additional maple syrup or honey, for drizzling (optional)
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
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Instructions

Step 1
In a medium bowl or jar, combine oats, milk, yogurt, mashed banana, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Step 2
Divide the mixture evenly between two jars or containers.
Step 3
Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours), allowing the oats to soften and absorb the flavors.
Step 4
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Step 5
Top each serving with chopped walnuts, banana slices, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon as desired.
Step 6
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an extra boost of fiber, add a tablespoon of chia seeds into the oats mixture before refrigerating. Ensure you have the required tools on hand, including a mixing bowl or jars, a spoon, and measuring cups, and make sure your refrigerator is set to a cold temperature for the 6-hour chilling process.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make a vegan version, simply use plant-based milk and yogurt and choose maple syrup as your sweetener. For those with nut allergies, replace the walnuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds. If you are sensitive to gluten, use certified gluten-free oats to avoid potential cross-contamination.

Serviervorschläge

These oats are delicious when served chilled straight from the fridge. They pair exceptionally well with a hot cup of coffee or a spicy chai tea for a complete breakfast experience.

Creamy banana bread overnight oats with crunchy walnuts and fresh banana slices, served chilled in a rustic mason jar for a healthy morning treat.  Save
Creamy banana bread overnight oats with crunchy walnuts and fresh banana slices, served chilled in a rustic mason jar for a healthy morning treat. | dashofstates.com

Each serving contains approximately 340 calories, 10g of protein, and 13g of fat, providing a balanced nutritional profile to fuel your day. These Banana Bread Overnight Oats are a testament to how simple ingredients like oats and walnuts can be transformed into a gourmet-style breakfast with minimal effort. Enjoy your healthy morning treat!

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Recipe FAQ

Can I use plant-based milk and yogurt?

Yes, plant-based milks and yogurts work well to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.

How long should the oats soak?

Allow them to refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully absorb the flavors and soften properly.

What can I use instead of walnuts?

Substitute walnuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free alternative with similar crunch.

Is it possible to adjust sweetness?

Yes, you can vary the amount of maple syrup or honey to suit your taste preferences.

Can chia seeds be added?

Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds with the oats boosts fiber and adds a slight gel-like texture.

Banana Bread Overnight Oats

Creamy oats with banana, warm spices, and walnuts for a hearty make-ahead breakfast.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
360 min
Complete duration
370 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 2 Portions

Nutritional considerations Meat-free

Components

Oats Mixture

01 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 1 cup milk, dairy or unsweetened plant-based
03 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or non-dairy alternative
04 1 ripe banana, mashed
05 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
06 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 Pinch of salt

Toppings

01 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
02 1 small banana, sliced
03 Additional maple syrup or honey for drizzling, optional
04 Pinch of ground cinnamon, optional

Method

Phase 01

Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl or jar, combine oats, milk, yogurt, mashed banana, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all components are evenly incorporated.

Phase 02

Portion Mixture: Divide the combined mixture evenly between two jars or containers for individual servings.

Phase 03

Refrigerate Overnight: Cover containers and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight, allowing oats to soften and absorb all flavors completely.

Phase 04

Adjust Consistency: In the morning, stir the oats thoroughly. Add additional milk if a thinner consistency is preferred.

Phase 05

Add Toppings: Top each serving with chopped walnuts, banana slices, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon according to preference.

Phase 06

Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature as desired.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowl or glass jars
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Refrigerator

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains tree nuts: walnuts
  • Contains dairy: milk and yogurt; use non-dairy alternatives for lactose-free or vegan options
  • Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten; use certified gluten-free oats if required

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 340
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 10 g