Prep your breakfast in 5 minutes or less with these Banana Nut Overnight Oats. Pop them in the fridge overnight for an easy, healthy and nutritious breakfast waiting for you in the morning.
I feel like people are in two camps when it comes to oatmeal – they either love it or despise it. I’m willing to bet if you’re not in love with oatmeal, you likely aren’t adding enough fun flavors in!
Over the years my morning oats have made quite the transformation. They started off pretty basic with just some bananas and nuts before I dove into some crazier flavors like this mocha version or this pumpkin spice latte version. Likewise, my overnight oats photo styling has seemed to have gotten a little fancier…Can you blame me?
But sometimes you gotta go back to the basics! I created these Banana Nut Overnight Oats and they were too good not to share.
Why Overnight Oats?
I love overnight oats for a few reasons:
- Number one has got to be how easy they are! Just mix and set it in your refrigerator! Will close to no effort, you get to wake up to a delicious breakfast.
- The second reason is the temperature! I know that sounds weird but I love that it’s cold oatmeal! I don’t crave a hot bowl of oatmeal in the summer usually so this is my fix.
- Lastly, I love that the flavor combinations are truly endless. Once you feel comfortable making this recipe, try some fun additions like nut butter or fresh berries!
Banana Nut Overnight Oat Ingredients
- rolled oats – grab gluten-free oats if necessary.
- chia seeds – adds fiber, protein and healthy fats! It also helps thicken the overnight oats.
- banana – adds sweetness and obviously the banana flavor!
- chopped walnuts – I toasted these for extra flavor. Walnuts are also packed with healthy fats.
- unsweetened almond milk – you can use any dairy-free milk.
- optional – add extra maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
How to Toast Walnuts
If you haven’t toasted walnuts before, it’s super simple! Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy clean up. Spread raw walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 350ºF for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them and toss as needed! They’re done when they are golden brown and fragrant.
How to Make Overnight Oats
STEP 1: Add your mashed banana, rolled oats, chia seeds and toasted walnuts to an airtight container. I like using a mason jar!
STEP 2: Top the mixture with almond milk, maple syrup and extra sweetener if using. Stir to combine.
STEP 3: Put the lid securely on the container and give it a good shake to make sure everything is well combined. Place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours.
STEP 4: When you’re ready to enjoy, you can add a little almond milk to thin it out (if desired), top with sliced bananas and walnuts and enjoy!
PrintBanana Nut Overnight Oats
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Bake
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 1 large, ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted*
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (+ more for adding in morning)
- optional: added maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness**
Instructions
- To an airtight container or mason jar add your mashed banana, rolled oats, chia seeds and toasted walnuts.
- Top with almond milk, maple syrup + added sweetener (if using) and stir.
- Close top and give it a good shake to ensure everything is well-mixed.
- Place in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- In the morning add additional almond milk to thin out (if desired) and top with additional sliced banana and chopped walnuts.
*I highly recommend toasting your walnuts for added flavor. I toast mine in the oven at 350 for around 8 minutes
**whether or not you add this will depend on your tastebuds and how ripe your banana is.
Like this post? Here are more overnight oat recipes to try:
- Peaches and Cream Overnight Oats
- Mocha Overnight Oats
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Overnight Oats
- Chocolate Almond Butter Overnight Oats
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52 Comments
Rachel Tan
January 9, 2018 at 11:39 amHi! I made this but the mashed banana turned brownish… Is that suppose to happen? ?
Thanks!
Laura
April 5, 2017 at 2:33 pmThis was the first overnight oats recipe I’ve ever made – and now I am obsessed! So filling. Thank you!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
April 10, 2017 at 10:53 amSo happy to hear that!
Carlyfrog6
April 25, 2016 at 10:06 pmSo is the oat meal cold? I am trying to figure that out. It looks super yummy!!!!?????
Annb
April 2, 2016 at 12:01 amafter it sets in the fridge overnite can you warm it in the mason jar in the microwave if you wanted? Never really ate oatmeal cold
Davida Kugelmass
April 2, 2016 at 3:56 pmyes absolutely! Just add a bit more milk in the morning, stir it in and heat it up!
Virginia
April 1, 2016 at 3:45 pmCan I use a frozen banana?
Davida Kugelmass
April 2, 2016 at 3:56 pmfor sure!
Alla
March 27, 2016 at 10:51 pmI think this recipe is missing something in step 2. Are you not supposed to add milk in this step? Because nowhere in Step 1 or 3 does it say to add milk except in the morning for thinning the oatmeal if you desire to do so in Step 5. Can someone clarify this please.
Davida Kugelmass
March 28, 2016 at 8:25 amYes- you are correct! Add almond milk in Step 2. I’ve fixed in the instructions. Enjoy!
Emily
February 17, 2016 at 11:57 amThese look delish!! Can overnight oats sit for longer than overnight? i.e. could I make a batch for the week on Sunday? Thanks for my new breakfast inspiration!
Davida Kugelmass
February 18, 2016 at 8:36 amFor sure! I wouldn’t use a super ripe banana though since it may get a little yucky tasting after five days in the fridge but if your oats would be totally fine. Just stick to a just-ripe banana for the best results. Enjoy!
Emily
February 18, 2016 at 11:30 amThanks!
Gwen @ Delightful Adventures
February 13, 2016 at 4:28 pmThis recipe is definitely not basic. It’s exactly what breakfast should be. Easy, simple, healthy. Love it.
And no! You are not crazy for wanting to go back in time! I am what I guess you’d call a newbie blogger and even though I can be impatient with some of the aspects of this blogging business at times, I do love things being so new, hitting new milestones, and learning/trying new things all the time. I will totally miss these early days, so I get what you are saying. Nostalgia always sucks me in, so I can see myself feeling like you when I get to where you are. Happy birthday THM! 🙂
Davida Kugelmass
February 15, 2016 at 1:20 pmAw thanks Gwen! I’m glad you understand! There’s something so special about everything being new. I love where I’m at but I definitely do miss being a newbie 🙂
Cassie
February 12, 2016 at 12:32 pmRaw oats kiiiiiiiiiiiinda scare me, but I will cook them before making this recipe!
Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen
February 10, 2016 at 9:15 pmBlogging while working 9-5 is tough! That’s when it turns into blogging once per month like it’s been for me lately haha. Oh well, at least overnight oats like this recipe makes the working life a little bit easier! 🙂
Stella @ Stellicious Life
February 11, 2016 at 9:26 amSo true Chelsea! *sighs* But I guess it’s the sentimentality/nostalgia of things 🙂
I’d love to be able to shoot midday (especially in these dreary gray winter months), but I’m left with either weekends or week day mornings, when the light is still so flat and gray.
Anyway this BananaNut Overnight Oats looks sunny and yummy! (please excuse my sleep-deprived brain’s thoughts of funny…) I love toasted nuts! I usually toast them in a skillet for a few minutes, otherwise I might burn them in the oven.
Davida Kugelmass
February 12, 2016 at 9:19 amGrass is always greener 😉
Davida Kugelmass
February 12, 2016 at 9:20 amI miss you!!! But it’s quality over quantity and every single one of your posts is amazing so it’s no biggie when you can’t pop in more often!
Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen
February 15, 2016 at 12:10 pmYou too! I need to get my butt over to Toronto sometime for a catch up sesh!
Davida Kugelmass
February 15, 2016 at 1:12 pmyes please! That would be wonderful!
Patricia @Sweet and Strong
February 10, 2016 at 7:38 pmSo inspiring since I’m somewhat of a new blogger trying to also balance a full time job. And I always have a fear of posting a recipe because it’s so ‘basic’ I think no one will like it. But this recipe is perfect! I love the idea of toasting the walnuts, I’m sure it definitely makes a huge difference. I haven’t made overnight oats in awhile but you have me craving them now!
Davida Kugelmass
February 12, 2016 at 9:20 amAw thank you Patricia! Keep up the amazing work. Hope you enjoy the recipe 🙂
Sarah @ BucketListTummy
February 10, 2016 at 11:08 amWell just found my overnight oat recipe for tomorrow! Toasting the nuts is a great idea – seems like it would bring SO much more flavor. I’ll probably have to add peanut butter too, since that’s a given!
Davida Kugelmass
February 10, 2016 at 12:32 pmAlways a given 😉