Ever since I started working from home, I’ve had a hard time getting myself to eat a proper breakfast. I’m always so eager to start work in the morning (I’m a morning person) that I need something quick and easy. That’s why these banana overnight oats are so perfect!

They can be made in about 5 minutes and last in the fridge for up to 4 days! I usually make a batch of 4 at the beginning of the week, so each morning I have one ready to go.

It sounds silly but having a healthy breakfast ready each morning helps me start my day on the right foot.

I joke around that oatmeal and Greek yogurt are my favorite foods because I eat them almost every day, but after you try this recipe, you’ll understand why!!

Getting the Ratio in These Banana Overnight Oats Just Right

Oatmeal can be a divisive topic. Most people prefer their oatmeal one of two ways. Either thick like paste, or thinner and a bit wetter. I’m going to be honest with all of you, I like my oatmeal a bit “wetter.”

However, that’s not how this recipe is formulated. I created this recipe to make a thicker oatmeal once it comes out of the fridge. This way everyone is happy in the end!

People who like a thick oatmeal can eat it straight out of the fridge and anyone who wants it a bit thinner can add a splash of milk or water.

I find that the proper ratio of liquid to oats varies based on a lot of factors. For instance, I love adding chia seeds to my oats because they’re a great source of fiber, omega-3s, and protein. But they absorb a ton of water!

Usually I stick to a 1:1 ratio of oats to water or milk, but I use 2/3 of a cup of water in this recipe because of the chia seeds.

How Far in Advance Do You Need to Make Overnight Oats?

Despite their name, overnight oats don’t actually have to sit in the fridge overnight.

However, they do need a bit of time to soak up the water or milk and soften.

If I forget to make my overnight oats ahead of time, I find they only need about 3 hours to soak before they’re ready to go. They’re definitely a bit thinner when they soak for less time though.

Letting them sit overnight not only helps them fully soften, it also gives the flavors a chance to develop.

Long story short, an overnight soak is ideal but not necessary if you are short on time.

Can Overnight Oats Be Eaten Warm?

Not everyone can get behind the idea of eating uncooked, cold oats. And I get it, if you haven’t tried overnight oats before it does seem like an odd concept.

But trust me on this one, cold overnight oats are absolutely delicious and have an amazing texture. They’re also an incredibly refreshing breakfast on a warm day.

With that be said, you can eat overnight oats warm. They can be heated just like any other bowl of oatmeal. Pop them into the microwave and heat in 30 second intervals until they’re warm.

Substitutions and Swaps

While I love this recipe for banana overnight oats just the way it is, I know some of you might not have all these ingredients on hand!

Below are some swaps and substitutions that can be made in this recipe:

• Mashed Bananas – Ripe bananas totally make this recipe. If you don’t have any on hand you can also use 1/2 cup of crushed berries like raspberries or strawberries.
• Rolled Oats – This recipe turns out best with rolled or old-fashioned oats. You can use quick oats if that’s all you have, but you should reduce the amount of water or milk to 1/2 a cup.
• Chia Seeds – If you don’t have chia seeds, you can omit them from this recipe. They absorb a lot of liquid though, so you will need to reduce the amount of water or milk to 1/2 cup to get the right consistency.
• Cinnamon – A bit of ground cinnamon adds a nice touch of flavor, but if you don’t have any on hand or you don’t like cinnamon you can skip it.
• Greek Yogurt – Greek yogurt adds a wonderful creaminess to these oats along with a lot of protein. However, you can use any yogurt you have or like, or dairy free yogurt! You can also use additional mashed banana in place of the yogurt.
• Water – I prefer making these oats with water but you can also use milk or any dairy free milk.
• Brown Sugar – This recipe uses brown sugar, which gives it great flavor! You can also use honey or any other sweetener you prefer.
• Peanut Butter – I love topping these oats with a spoonful of peanut butter, but any nut butter or spread (like Nutella) would taste great!
• Chopped Nuts – Another optional topping, but they add a lovely bit of texture! I love using chopped walnuts or chopped honey roasted peanuts.

Tips for Making the Best Banana Overnight Oats

• Make your oats in a sealable container like a mason jar!
• Feel free to double this recipe or make multiple jars to last the entire week.
• These banana overnight oats stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Use rolled or old-fashioned oats to give your oatmeal the best texture and consistency.
• If you like your oatmeal a bit thinner, I suggest mixing in a splash of water or your favorite milk before eating.
• Top your overnight oats with peanut butter, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts to take them to the next level.

Let Me Know What You Think!

If you try this banana overnight oats recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment and rating below.

And don’t forget to tag me @chelsweets and use #chelsweets so that I can see your delicious creations!

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