Banana cinnamon overnight oats (or any overnight oat recipe) is a great way to make sure a tasty, balanced breakfast is ready for you when you need it. Meal prepping breakfast can take the guesswork out of the morning and help make sure the meal happens even when life is chaotic.
What is Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats is a way to make an easy, creamy oatmeal happen even if there is no time to make it fresh. By combining oats with a milk of choice and letting it soften overnight, it is ready to eat, no heating required. I make overnight oats by adding Greek yogurt to boost the protein content, and I like the texture better.
Why Make Overnight Oats?
You can certainly purchase products like Mush or Trader Joe’s overnight oats, or a new product on the market is Oats Overnight. All of these can be great options. However, making it at home gives you the opportunity to use flavors that you prefer and save some money!
Nutrition of Overnight Oats
I love using overnight oats as a breakfast option because it can be an easy way to get a fiber-rich breakfast, using ingredients like oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, and nuts. It also incorporates protein. You can use a high protein milk like Fairlife or a protein shake as the liquid component. Greek yogurt also boosts the protein. Another option would be to add some protein powder. Then I add heart healthy fats through nut/seed butter and chia or flax.
If you have a condition like diabetes that requires eating for stable blood sugars, it is important to maximize the protein and fiber of your overnight oats to prevent too much of a blood sugar spike.
Variations of Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats
My overnight oats recipes always start the same way: equal parts oats, milk, and Greek yogurt. Then I add spices, fruits, flavorings, etc. Banana Cinnamon is simple: mashed banana and cinnamon. Another common one for me is adding a little pudding mix. I also enjoy cocoa powder, peanut butter, and a little stevia for sweetness.
You can also be creative with the toppings. For this recipe, I personally like adding a drizzle of tahini (though almond butter would also be delicious), a sprinkle of cinnamon, and sliced banana. I might also add a sprinkle of chia seeds and a nutty granola for some crunch. Here are some topping options to pick from:
- Banana slices
- Freeze dried fruit
- Chia seeds
- Granola
- Any nut or seed butter (almond, pecan, pumpkin seed, tahini)
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate or butterscotch chips
- Coconut flakes
Making Ahead/Storage
This recipe should be made at least 4 hours before consuming to allow the oats to soften. It can remain in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store the base (oats + milk + yogurt + mashed banana + cinnamon) for up to 3 days, then add the toppings right before eating.
Other Overnight Oat Recipes To Try
Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oats certified GF if gluten free is needed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain
- 2 bananas small, divided
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- desired toppings granola, chia seeds, nut or seed butter, etc
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, milk, and yogurt and stir well to combine. Mash 1 of the bananas and add to the bowl, along with the cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer oat mixture to an airtight container and let sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours to allow oats to soften.
- Top with banana slices and any other desired toppings.
Private Notes
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An award winning recipe developer, Dietitian Kaitlin’s mission is to empower others to reach their health goals by encouraging them to get back into the kitchen. Co-author of Nourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating and Cooking with Diabetes.
