This banana bread overnight oats recipe is an ideal grab-and-go breakfast. Made with oats, ripe bananas, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nuts, it’s simple, flavorful, and keeps you satisfied until lunch.

Overnight oats are my go-to when mornings are hectic but I still want a hearty breakfast. They’re prepared ahead of time, easy to grab, and they stay satisfying until lunchtime. This banana bread version combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and maple syrup with warming cinnamon and crunchy nuts. Make a batch for a few days or several jars for the week—these keep well in the fridge and taste great cold or slightly warmed.
The recipe is straightforward: mash ripe bananas, stir in old-fashioned oats, milk of your choice, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and chopped nuts. Divide the mixture into jars, refrigerate overnight, and top with fresh banana slices and extra nuts when serving. Preparation takes only a few minutes, and the result is a creamy, flavorful breakfast ready whenever you are.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep in advance for busy mornings.
- Creamy, naturally sweet banana flavor with warm cinnamon notes.
- Filling enough to keep you full until lunch.
- Scales easily to make one jar or a full week’s supply.
- Easy to customize for dietary preferences or picky eaters.
Ingredients For Your Overnight Oats with Banana
- 1/2 cup ripe mashed bananas
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups milk (almond, oat, or 2%)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Sliced bananas for topping (optional)
How To Make Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, oats, milk, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and chopped walnuts or pecans. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Divide the mixture between three mason jars (or storage containers), seal, and refrigerate overnight (about 8 hours).
Step 3: When ready to eat, top each jar with sliced bananas and extra chopped nuts if desired. Serve chilled or warmed briefly in the microwave. Enjoy!

What to Serve/Pair with Your Banana Overnight Oats
These overnight oats are satisfying on their own. For extra protein, stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder the night before. Pair with fresh fruit or a side of Greek yogurt. If you want more texture, sprinkle crunchy granola on top just before eating.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
Add a handful of mini chocolate chips for a banana bread–meets-chocolate twist. Any milk works—almond, soy, dairy, or oat milk—each will slightly change the flavor. If you don’t have nuts, use granola for a crunchy topping, or swap in chopped almonds if preferred.
Storage & Leftovers
Store the jars sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to make several jars, add fresh sliced bananas just before serving to avoid browning.
Banana Bread Overnight Oats FAQs
Will the type of milk change the oats?
The milk choice won’t affect the texture much—rolled oats will soften overnight with any liquid—but it will alter the flavor. Choose a milk you enjoy drinking, as its taste will carry through the oats.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
No—use rolled (old-fashioned) oats for overnight oats. Steel-cut oats remain too firm after soaking overnight and need longer cooking or a different prep method.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes. Substitute honey, stevia, or another sweetener to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed depending on the sweetness of your bananas.
Can I use almonds instead of walnuts or pecans?
Absolutely. Use chopped almonds or any other preferred nut for the same crunchy contrast.

Other Quick Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love
- Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Banana Bread Cake
Come back and let me know how your banana bread overnight oats turned out!
Banana Bread Overnight Oats Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ripe mashed bananas
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups milk (almond, oat, or 2%)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Sliced bananas for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, oats, milk, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and chopped nuts. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the mixture between three mason jars, cover, and refrigerate overnight (about 8 hours).
- Top with sliced bananas and extra chopped nuts before serving, if desired. Enjoy!