Basic Banana Overnight Oats (with 3 Flavor Variations)

This basic banana overnight oats recipes is a nutritious and delicious make-ahead breakfast option that requires just a handful of ingredients and is easily customizable. I’m giving you the base recipe plus a variety of flavor combinations, including banana bread overnight oats and a high protein overnight oats!

It’s the start of a new year, and we all know what that means. New Year New You – am I right?! As a dietitian, I recommend avoiding the typical diet overhaul-style resolution for the simple reason that it usually doesn’t work. If health and weight loss are on your agenda for 2021, try setting smaller, step-by-step goals instead. A great example is to start by tackling one meal at time – an easy one being breakfast!

One of my all-time favorite nutritious and easy breakfasts is overnight oats – ever heard of it?   

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats have been all the rage over the past several years, and for good reason. Overnight oats are  an easy, no-cook method for making oats. Yes, you read that correctly – no cooking necessary! Simply mix the ingredients in a large bowl, container, or mason jar, refrigerate overnight, and voila! You have a delicious breakfast waiting for you in the morning.

Soaking the raw oats in a liquid for several hours allows them to absorb the liquid and soften, resulting in a texture that’s similar to warm, cooked oats, only creamier.  

Are banana overnight oats healthy?

A resounding YES! Oats are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re loaded with good-for-you nutrients like fiber and protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, like phosphorous, magnesium, and zinc.

But oats aren’t the star of this show. After all, we need some liquid to soak them in! I love using Almond Breeze Almondmilk Blended with Real Bananas because it gives these overnight oats a delicious banana flavor from, as the name implies, REAL bananas! This almondmilk contains half a banana in every serving and no added sugar. Plus, it’s fortified with calcium (containing 50% more than dairy milk) and vitamins D, A, and E, making it a nutritious dairy-free milk alternative.

Are banana overnight oats good for weight loss?

Overnight oats can go from healthy to not-so-healthy very quickly, but by using the correct  mix-ins and toppings, you can ensure you are eating a healthy breakfast Since the base recipe for these banana overnight oats is sweetened by the Almond Breeze Almondmilk Blended with Real Bananas, there is no need to add any sweetener. The toppings for each of the flavor variations of these banana overnight oats are mostly fresh fruit and nut butter – adding even more fiber and protein to help fill you up without filling you out.

Overnight oats are great for weight loss and can help you stay on track with your health and wellness related New Year’s Resolutions!

What you’ll need to make these banana overnight oats:

Here are the base ingredients you’ll need to make this creamy and nutritious breakfast:

• Rolled oats: These are also called “old-fashioned” oats. You can also use quick-cooking oats. Be sure to look for oats labeled ‘gluten-free’ if necessary (more on this below).
• Almond Breeze Almondmilk with Real Bananas: This gives the overnight oats base a nice banana flavor.
• Greek yogurt or unsweetened dairy-free yogurt: Adding a little yogurt adds some protein and makes the final texture a little creamier. If dairy-free or vegan, you can easily substitute a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just be sure to look for an unsweetened version. Almond Breeze makes an Original flavored Almondmilk Yogurt , that I recommend.
• Ground flaxseed: The ground flaxseed adds an extra boost of nutrients to this breakfast in the form of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fats.

You can then add whatever mix-ins/toppings your heart desires! If you’re keeping nutrition and weight loss in mind, I recommend adding things like fresh fruit, nut butter, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, protein powder etc. Here’s what you’ll need for the three flavor variations included in this recipe:

Almond Butter & Strawberry Banana Overnight Oats: banana + strawberries + almond butter

Banana Bread Overnight Oats: banana + almonds+ cinnamon

Chocolate High Protein Overnight Oats (Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats): banana + chocolate protein powder + chocolate chips (optional)

Are overnight oats gluten-free?

Fun fact: oats are normally gluten-free. So, how come some oats aren’t labeled gluten-free? Oats can be ‘contaminated’ (with gluten) in the growing and processing stages. 

So, if you want this banana overnight oats recipe to be completely gluten-free, be sure to look for the words ‘gluten-free’ on the packaging.

Are overnight oats vegan?

To make this banana overnight oats recipe vegan, simply use a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt instead of regular yogurt ((I recommend Almond Breeze Almondmilk Yogurt) The remaining ingredients and toppings are all vegan!

How long do these banana overnight oats last?

Overnight oats can last up to five days in the fridge when stored in an air-tight container. This means you can make a large batch all at once and have breakfast covered for most of the week!

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Basic Banana Overnight Oats (+ 3 Flavor Variations)

Yield: 2 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This basic banana overnight oats recipe is a nutritious and delicious make-ahead breakfast option that requires just a handful of ingredients and is easily customizable. I’m giving you the base recipe plus a variety of flavor combinations, including banana bread overnight oats and a high protein overnight oats!

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup rolled or old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup Almond Breeze Almondmilk Blended with Real Bananas
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened dairy-free yogurt (I recommend Almond Breeze Almondmilk Yogurt Alternative)
• 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch sea salt

For the almond butter, strawberry banana overnight oats

• 1 small ripe banana (sliced)
• 1 cup (~8) strawberries (diced or sliced)
• 2 Tbsp almond butter 

For the banana bread overnight oats

• 1 small ripe banana (sliced)
• 1 Tbsp chunky almond butter
• ¼ cup chopped almonds
• ½ tsp cinnamon

For the high protein overnight oats (chocolate banana overnight oats)

• 1 small ripe banana (sliced)
• 1 scoop (~3 Tbsp) chocolate protein powder
• 2 Tbsp almond butter
• 1 - 2 Tbsp dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Place all the base ingredients in a large mason jar (or food storage container) and stir until well combined. At this point, you can choose whether to mix in some or all your toppings or save them for toppings. Here’s what I recommend:
2. For the almond butter, strawberry banana overnight oats: Mix in half of the diced strawberries and half of the almond butter. Top with the sliced banana and remaining strawberries and almond butter the next morning before eating.
3. For the banana bread overnight oats: Mix in the cinnamon and half of the almond butter. Top with the sliced banana, remaining almond butter, and sliced/chopped almonds the next morning before eating.  
4. For the chocolate banana high protein overnight oats: Mix in the protein powder and half of the almond butter. Top with the sliced banana, remaining almond butter, and chocolate chips the next morning before eating.
5. Once you’ve added any mix-ins, seal with a lid and place in the fridge overnight (or at least a few hours).
6. When ready to eat, remove from the fridge and stir. If the consistency isn’t creamy enough to your liking (which can happen), add another splash of almondmilk and stir again. Top with any remaining toppings before enjoying!
   
   These banana overnight oats can last up to five days in the fridge when stored in an air-tight container.

Did you make this recipe?

I love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag @shapedbycharlotte!