These Banana Overnight Oats are a creamy, high-protein, high-fiber breakfast you can make ahead in minutes, using simple pantry ingredients for calm, busy mornings.
For more healthy breakfast recipes, check out our apple cinnamon overnight oats, Greek yogurt chia pudding, apple chia pudding, or banana oatmeal muffins.
Simple ingredients that turn into a creamy, satisfying breakfast
These Banana Overnight Oats are the kind of breakfast Louise and I rely on when we want something easy, filling, and quietly nourishing without thinking too hard in the morning 🍌🥣
They’re creamy overnight oats with Greek yogurt, naturally sweet from ripe banana, and protein-rich enough to keep you satisfied until lunch. We love that they feel comforting, not heavy, and fit easily into a Mediterranean-style eating pattern with simple, everyday ingredients.
This is a true make-ahead breakfast. You mix it once, rest well, and wake up to a jar that’s ready when you are. It’s perfect for busy mornings, slow mornings, or anything in between ☀️
Best of all, it’s a budget-friendly breakfast that tastes good, feels balanced, and helps you start the day on calm, steady footing 🤍
Ingredients
Full ingredients and substitutions are in the recipe box below.
- Rolled oats: make the oats creamy but still hearty after soaking. Use quick oats for a softer texture, or certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Ripe banana: adds natural sweetness and helps create creamy overnight oats without extra sugar. Substitute mashed pear, applesauce, or a few spoonfuls of pumpkin purée.
- Greek yogurt: gives body and makes these high protein overnight oats feel filling. Use low-fat Greek yogurt or skyr for even more protein. For a vegan version, swap in thick soy or coconut yogurt.
- Milk: softens the oats and balances the texture. Any kind works, including almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free healthy banana breakfast.
- Honey or maple syrup: lightly sweetens without overpowering the banana. You can use date syrup, agave, or leave it out if your banana is very ripe.
- Cinnamon: adds warmth and a familiar breakfast flavor. Substitute nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or a pinch of vanilla for a gentler taste.
How to Make Banana Overnight Oats
Step 1: Mash the banana
Peel the banana and place it in a medium bowl.
Use a fork to mash it until mostly smooth.
A few small lumps are fine and add texture.
Step 2: Mix the creamy base
Add the Greek yogurt, milk, sweetener, and cinnamon to the bowl.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
This step helps the oats soften evenly later.
Step 3: Add the oats and chill
Stir in the rolled oats until fully coated.
Cover the bowl or spoon the mixture into jars.
Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Stir and serve
Give the oats a good stir before eating. Serve straight from the fridge, or warm gently in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute if you prefer them warm.
Top with banana slices, honey or nuts if you like.
Tips
- Use a very ripe banana with brown spots. It mashes easily and sweetens the oats naturally.
- Whisk the yogurt and milk well before adding the oats. This helps create overnight oats with Greek yogurt that stay smooth, not clumpy.
- Let the oats rest overnight if you can. Longer soaking gives you softer, more creamy overnight oats.
- Taste before serving. Bananas vary in sweetness, so add a little more honey only if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can replace the yogurt with extra milk for a lighter texture, though it will be less creamy. A plant-based yogurt also works well.
Absolutely. This is one of our favorite overnight oats for busy mornings because it’s ready to eat straight from the fridge.
You can. Quick oats make a softer, more pudding-like texture, which some people prefer in overnight oats with banana.
Store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and add a splash of milk if needed.
Yes. This recipe scales well and is a practical option when you want breakfast ready for several days.
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
- Banana Chocolate Muffins
- Healthy Banana Cookies (Oil-Free)
- Chocolate Chia Pudding
- High-Fiber Muffins
- Healthy Granola
- Oil-Free Carrot Cake Muffins
- Protein Apple Muffins
- Protein Banana Bread
If you try this Recipe please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments—we love hearing from you.
Banana Overnight Oats with Greek Yogurt (High-Protein)
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 large ripe banana mashed
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk any kind
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Mash the banana: Peel 1 large ripe banana and place it in a medium bowl.Mash it well with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Mix the wet ingredients: Add 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 cup milk, 2 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup), and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the bowl.Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the oats and chill: Add 1 cup rolled oats. Stir until all the oats are coated.Cover the bowl or divide the mixture into two jars. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
- Serve: Stir well before eating. Serve straight from the fridge, or warm gently in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute if you prefer them warm.Top with nuts, fresh fruit or an extra drizzle of honey if you like.
Notes
- Rolled oats –> Quick oats for a softer texture, or certified gluten-free oats if needed.
- Ripe banana –> Mashed pear, applesauce, or a few spoonfuls of pumpkin purée.
- Greek yogurt –> Low-fat Greek yogurt or skyr for more protein, or thick soy or coconut yogurt for vegan.
- Milk –> Almond, oat, or soy milk for dairy-free, or extra yogurt for a thicker result.
- Honey or maple syrup –> Date syrup, agave, or skip it if the banana is very ripe.
- Cinnamon –> Nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or a small splash of vanilla.
Nutrition
Hi! We are Nico & Louise
We’re here to share delicious, easy, and healthy plant-based recipes (vegetarian & vegan) 🌿✨.
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Perfect Food
This is a simple and tasty dish to enjoy as a start to the day.
OMG! Yummy! Breakfast sorted for the next 3 days. Will add nuts and seeds when necessary.
Lovely recipe I feel we can add some peanut butter as topping too
That’s a great idea, Divya!
Peanut butter works really well here and makes the oats even more filling. Nico often add a spoonful on mornings where he works out. Kindest,
Louise
This is a keeper recipe! I doubled the recipe and my husband, who “doesn’t like cold breakfast,” can’t stay away! I added crushed pecans for more fiber. Healthy way to start the day!
That makes me so happy to hear — especially about your husband, YAY!
Crushed pecans are a great addition and definitely add more fiber and crunch. Thanks for sharing what worked for you. All the best,
Louise
Saw this recipe and literally got up to head to the kitchen to make it.😋
Wonderful, Trish, I’m delighted it prompted you to go to the kitchen 🙂 Hope you loved it just as much once it was on the table.
Happy weekend, Louise
Can steel cut oats be used?
Hi RM,
So, steel-cut oats are a bit too firm for overnight oats, and won’t soften enough just by soaking. For the creamy texture you see here, rolled oats work best.
If you’d like to use steel-cut oats, I’d recommend cooking them first, letting them cool, and then mixing them with the yogurt and banana before chilling. That way you’ll still get a make-ahead breakfast with a good texture.
Hope that helps! Kindest,
Louise