Healthy Banana Bread Overnight Oats Recipe

This recipe for banana bread overnight oats is healthy, sweet, creamy, and simply the best. Ripe bananas, old-fashioned oats, sweet maple syrup, milk, and cinnamon are combined to create an overnight oats recipe that is delicious, easy, and irresistible. You will love this recipe for breakfast and meal prep!

four jars of overnight oats with bananas and pecans

Healthy banana bread overnight oats are so easy to make and filled with a ton of flavor simultaneously. This overnight oats recipe is perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack when you need a little boost of protein and fiber. The best part about this recipe is that you can use any kind of fruit–not just banana!

We love the flavor of banana bread, so we decided to create these overnight oats with bananas to replicate the sweet flavors of the sweet baked bread. Overnight oats are filling and great for meal prep, too, if you don’t have enough time to prepare breakfast each morning.

Sprinkle your favorite nuts such as pecans or walnuts over this banana bread overnight oats recipe for additional healthy fats and protein. The added crunch mixed throughout the creamy oats is definitely worth it.

Why This Overnight Oats Recipe is the Best

Quick and easy: This banana bread-inspired recipe is the best because it comes together within minutes! After everything has been mixed, move it to the refrigerator to allow the ingredients to set overnight.
Delicious: The flavors of fresh banana and maple syrup with cinnamon and a little bit of citrus zest create the best flavor combinations. The flavors of these creamy sweet oats are bright, fresh, and satisfying.
Healthy: Old-fashioned oats are high in fiber and protein meaning they will keep you full during your morning routine. You can enjoy this banana overnight oats recipe for morning or pre-workout.
Great for all occasions: Serve these oats for breakfast, brunch, or even as dessert! You will want to eat these oats all day long.
Perfect for meal prep: On meal prep day, just make your oats, and you’ll have breakfast covered for a few days.

overnight oats with banana and pecans in four jars

Ingredients for Healthy Banana Bread Overnight Oats

You may already have these ingredients in your pantry! If not, you should be able to find these ingredients at most markets or online stores.

Oats: Old-fashioned oats create a subtle creamy base mixed with the milk. If you are gluten-free, then be sure to use gluten-free oats. You can read the label to see if the oats are gluten-free.
Milk: Any kind of milk will work for this recipe. Simply use dairy or plant-based milk.
Bananas: Mashed ripe bananas create a naturally sweet base and make the oats extra flavorful and smooth. Be sure the bananas are ripe enough so you can mash them.
Cinnamon: A little bit of ground cinnamon is used to spice things up and give these oats extra richness.
Orange zest: A tiny amount of orange zest gives these oats a hint of brightness making the cinnamon stand out. You can also try lemon or lime.
Maple syrup: Sweet maple syrup or honey can be used for these oats. If you are vegan, then be sure to use maple syrup or vegan honey.
Vanilla extract: Aromatic vanilla extract is a must for this recipe. Without the extract, this recipe will not be the same.
Pecans: Freshly chopped pecans are naturally crunchy and add just enough texture to these oats. Plus the pecans make the oats look extra tasty!

two bananas, milk, oats, vanilla, maple syrup, cinnamon, orange, and pecans

How to Make Banana Nut Bread Overnight Oats

First, measure all of the ingredients to save yourself some time. Separate everything and have everything ready to be combined.

mixing oats with pecans, orange zest, maple syrup, milk, in bowl

Next, place the oats, milk, mashed bananas, cinnamon, zest, maple syrup, vanilla, and pecans in a bowl, then stir with a spoon or rubber spatula until well mixed.

Separate the oats into four separate jars with lids, then place the jars in the refrigerator overnight or until set.

pouring overnight oats into four jars with pecans and mashed bananas

Garnish the prepared oats with freshly sliced banana and extra pecans if desired. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Tips

Follow these tips to make sure you create the best overnight oats!

For vegan banana overnight oats, be sure to use dairy-free milk and maple syrup.
Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
For extra protein, put a scoop of protein powder into the oats. It can be plant-based protein.
We do not recommend quick oats for this recipe.
Use walnuts or pecans. Both work for this amazing recipe!

overnight oats with banana in four jars topped with pecans

Frequently Asked Questions

Are overnight oats good for weight loss?

Overnight oats are packed with fiber and protein and will curb your appetite. If you’re looking for a filling breakfast that will keep you full, then you will love this recipe.

Why didn’t my overnight oats work?

More often than not, if your overnight oats did not work it is due to not adding enough liquid. Be sure to follow this recipe and add enough liquid to the oats.

Is it healthy to eat overnight oats every day?

Sure! Overnight oats are great for adding additional fruit and nuts so you can feel good about getting the fiber you need.

Do you eat overnight oats warm or cold?

We like to enjoy overnight oats cold, but the oats can be warmed, too. It is all up to you and how you like to enjoy them.

side shot of 3 jars of overnight oats topped with sliced bananas and walnuts

What to Serve With Overnight Oats for Breakfast

Avocado Toast With Eggs

Baked Avocado Egg

Baked Oatmeal Protein Muffins

Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Blueberry Muffins

More Healthy Overnight Oats Recipes

If you love these banana bread overnight oats, then you will love the oat recipes below!

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