These Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats are a tasty and healthy breakfast option! Just mix oats, milk, bananas, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and let them sit overnight.
In the morning, you wake up to a delicious meal that’s ready to go. It’s like magic! Plus, you can add nuts or berries for extra fun. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: They are the base of this recipe. I like rolled oats as they provide a great texture and are quick to soak up the flavors. If you have quick oats, they work too, but the texture will be softer.
Chia Seeds: These give added nutrition and help thicken the oats. If you’re avoiding chia seeds, try flax seeds or simply skip them. Just remember, you may need to adjust the liquid if you omit them.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm sweetness. I love using ground cinnamon, but you could switch to pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor. This can brighten the taste even more!
Milk: Any milk works! Almond, oat, or soy are my favorites, but regular dairy milk is great too. If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, plant-based milk is a perfect swap.
Banana: The banana sweetens the oats naturally. If bananas are not your thing, you could use applesauce or another mashed fruit, like ripe avocado for creaminess.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Texture?
Achieving the right texture for your overnight oats is key! Here are some tips:
- Use full-cream milk or a creamier alternative for richer oats.
- Ensure the oats and chia seeds are mixed well with the liquid to avoid clumps.
- Don’t rush the soaking time; letting them sit overnight is essential for creaminess.
- If the mix is too thick in the morning, just add a little more milk to reach your preference.
By following these tips, your Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats will be smooth, creamy, and delightful every time!
How to Make Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 ripe banana (plus extra slices for topping)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe requires about 10 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need to refrigerate it for at least 6 hours or overnight. So, while it’s quick to make, plan a bit ahead for the soaking time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl or a jar, start by mixing the rolled oats, chia seeds, and ground cinnamon. This blend will provide a warm, spiced flavor to your oats.
2. Mash the Banana:
Next, take a ripe banana and mash it up with a fork until it’s smooth. This will give a natural sweetness to the oats. Add the mashed banana to your oat mixture. Don’t worry; it’ll blend well!
3. Mix in the Wet Ingredients:
Now, pour in the milk, along with the vanilla extract and honey or maple syrup if you want a bit of extra sweetness. Stir everything together nicely until it’s well combined. You want those oats fully coated!
4. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover your bowl or seal the jar with a lid. Place it in the fridge overnight, or at least for 6 hours. This step is super important as it allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften up.
5. Time to Enjoy!
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. If it looks too thick, feel free to add a splash more milk to get your preferred consistency. Serve your oats in a bowl or enjoy them straight from the jar.
6. Top with Extra Goodies:
Finish off your Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats by adding some fresh banana slices and a sprinkling of cinnamon on top. You can also mix in nuts, seeds, or berries for extra texture and flavor. The more, the merrier!
Now, sit back and enjoy your creamy, naturally sweetened Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats for this recipe, but keep in mind that the texture will be softer, and they may soak up liquid faster. It’s best to adjust the liquid amount if needed since they don’t require as much soaking time.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make your Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats vegan, simply use plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) and skip the honey in favor of maple syrup or agave nectar. All other ingredients are already plant-based!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas?
Absolutely! If you have frozen bananas, just thaw them before mashing. This can save you time and reduce waste. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still add a lovely sweetness to the oats.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
The oats can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just give them a stir before eating and add a splash of milk if they seem too thick.