Healthy meets indulgent in this easy Banana Overnight Oats recipe! Made with Chia Seeds and finished with a Bananas Foster topping, this no-cook oatmeal is perfect for breakfasts and snacks on the go!
*Updated*
This post was originally published in February 2016. I’ve updated the post below to include more information about overnight oats. Plus, I took new photos and added a recipe video to show you how easy Banana Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds are to make!
Hello, friends! How was your weekend? As always mine was pretty good, but not long enough. But really, are they ever?
Exhaustion and not enough R&R are just a few of the reasons it is so important to eat a hearty breakfast. Especially on a Monday, right?!
And, since breakfast happens to be my favorite meal, it’s only appropriate I share one of my favorite ways to start the day – with creamy, dreamy overnight oats!
Banana Overnight Oats Recipe with Chia Seeds
This isn’t just any ‘ole breakfast though, this is healthy meets indulgent serious breakfast business, people.
Have you hopped aboard the overnight oats bandwagon yet? If you have, awesome!! Then you already know how delicious they are. If you haven’t, trust and believe, this creamy banana topped treat is a fantastic place to start!
Rolled oats are incredibly nutritious! They are a great source of fiber, loaded with important vitamins and contain more protein than most grains. Plus these banana overnight oats have the added health benefit of chia seeds, which are loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, protein and omega-3 fatty acids! Basically, these oats are winning in the health benefits department!
This no-cook oatmeal is sweet and savory with notes of warm cinnamon, cozy maple and delicious pops of jelly-like chia seeds.
But, that creamy dreamy bowl of oatmeal heaven becomes epic with the addition of bananas foster on top. The banana topping is sticky, crunchy, nutty and takes these overnight oats from delicious to EPIC!
What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats are a healthy and delicious no-cook oatmeal made of rolled oats soaked in a liquid, most commonly milk or a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk. Sweetened and then mixed or shaken well, overnight oats should be allowed to soften in the refrigerator overnight until creamy and thick.
With less than 10 minutes of hands on prep time and minimum ingredients, overnight oats are perfect for breakfast on busy mornings and they make a wonderful, easy snack on the go!
Rich in fiber and highly customizable with various add-ins or toppings, these oats are a healthy and tasty meal option.
Are overnight oats considered raw? Are overnight oats cooked?
Unlike oatmeal, which is cooked, overnight oats contain uncooked, but softened, raw oats. The milk soaked oats are incredibly tender and creamy in texture and retain their fresh flavor since they are uncooked.
What milk for overnight oats?
You can use any type of milk or alternative milks, such as almond or coconut milk, to make this banana overnight oats recipe. If you are looking for a milk substitute, you can also use thinned out yogurt or keifer to make overnight oats!
Are overnight oats eaten cold?
Since overnight oats are made from rolled oats soaked in milk in the refrigerator overnight, they are typically eaten cold.
Can overnight oats be heated up or warmed up?
If cold overnight oats aren’t for you, they can be warmed up, or heated in the microwave.
Quickly heating the oats in the microwave will yield softer textured overnight oats.
How to store overnight oats?
Overnight oats should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long do overnight oats last?
Overnight oats properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator will last for up to 5 days. It is important to note the oats will continue to soften the longer they sit in the refrigerator. If incredibly tender, creamy banana overnight oats are your jam, simply prepare them a few days in advance! If not, I recommend eating the oats within 2 days.
Can overnight oats be frozen?
Overnight oats can be frozen. Make sure you let the oats sit in the refrigerator to soften and absorb the liquid before freezing.
What is Bananas Foster topping? Why is it called Bananas Foster?
Bananas Foster is a delicious dessert consisting of bananas, vanilla ice cream and a sauce made up of brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, banana liqueur and dark rum. Typically the alcohol in the sauce is added last and ignited.
Bananas Foster was created in the New Orleans’ restaurant, Brennan’s, by Paul Blange and Ella Brennan in 1951.
In the early 50’s, New Orleans was a major port of entry for bananas being shipped from Central and South America. In order to promote bananas, the owner of Brennan’s challenged his chef, Blange, to include bananas in a dessert. Meanwhile, Holiday Magazine had asked Owen to provide a new recipe to include in an article spotlighting the restaurant. Thus, Bananas Foster was born, which is named after Owen’s friend, Richard Foster, who was a local business leader.
How to make banana overnight oats? (Tips & Tricks)
- While I used light brown sugar in the banana overnight oats recipe below, you can use dark brown sugar.
- You can use any type of milk or alternative milks, such as almond or coconut milk, to make these oats. If you are looking for a milk substitute, you can also use thinned out yogurt or keifer!
- Overnight oats will keep, covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 5 days.
- Bananas foster topping will keep, covered in the refrigerator for 2 days. (The banana topping is great on top of pancakes, waffles and ice cream!)
- For smooth, creamy oats add ½ cup frozen sliced banana and place in a blender (after refrigeration). Blend until smooth.
These sweet and savory banana overnight oats will have you getting up on the right side of the bed in the morning! Creamy and packed full of protein, these oats make a delicious breakfast or mid-day snack!
What are you waiting for? Get on these oats and double up on the bananas foster topping! Your tummy will thank you!!
Until next time, friends, cheers – to next level oatmeal!
-xoxo-
Cheyanne
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The best Banana Overnight Oats recipe with chia seeds plus step-by-step video👇
Banana Overnight Oats with chia seeds
Ingredients
For the Oats:
- 1 Cup Milk (or milk alternative, such as almond milk)
- 1 TBS Pure Maple Syrup
- 1 TBS Brown Sugar - packed*
- 1 TBS Creamy Peanut Butter (or any creamy nut butter)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Kosher Salt - to taste
- 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats
- 2 TBS + 1 tsp Chia Seeds - leveled
Bananas Foster Topping:
- 3 TBS Unsalted Butter
- 2/3 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
- ¼ Cup Brown Sugar - packed
- ½ tsp Cinnamon
- 3 tsp Real Rum Extract *
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract *
- 3 medium Firm Bananas – peeled and sliced into coins
- ½ Cup Walnuts - chopped
Instructions
- For the Oats: In a large sealable jar, add the milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, peanut butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Pour in the oats and chia seeds. Tightly seal the jar and shake or stir vigorously to combine the ingredients well.
- Refrigerate: Place jar in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Make the Bananas Foster Topping: In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat until slightly foamy. Add in the maple syrup, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the extracts (or real rum) and allow mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the bananas and stir to coat. Cook until slightly caramelized and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the walnuts and a pinch of salt. Cook until coated and shiny, about 1 additional minute. Remove from heat and set aside until ready to use.
- To Serve: Spoon overnight oats into individual jars or bowls and top with caramelized bananas. Sprinkle with cinnamon and eat right away.
Video
Notes
- I used light brown sugar, but you can use dark brown sugar.
- You can use any type of milk or alternative milks, such as almond or coconut milk, to make these oats. If you are looking for a milk substitute, you can also use thinned out yogurt or keifer!
- Overnight oats will keep, covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 5 days.
- Bananas foster topping will keep, covered in the refrigerator for 2 days. (Great as a topping on pancakes or waffles!)
- For a smooth, creamy oats add ½ cup frozen sliced banana and place in a blender (after refrigeration). Blend until smooth.
Nutrition
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Overnight oats are one of my go-tos when I’m going to have a busy morning. I usually just slice up a banana and throw it in the mix but I like this version a lot better. Any time I can incorporate some rum (even just the flavor) into my breakfast I’m happy :). Have a great week, Chey!
I remember these little beauties Chey! That bananas foster topping!! Soooooo good! Such a treat for breakfast or for snacking!