Banana Chia Overnight Oats with Warm Syrup. This make-ahead breakfast is creamy, healthy, sweet, and ridiculously easy to prepare. Oh, and did I mention it tastes like banana bread in a bowl? With a prep time of just 5 minutes (yes, really!), this oatmeal parfait is an easy way to start your day.
Breakfast or dessert 👆🏼 you decide 🤷♀️.
Jump to:
- 🍌 BANANA CHIA OVERNIGHT OAT AND YOGURT PARFAITS
- ❤️ WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
- 💪 BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS
- DO YOU EAT OVERNIGHT OATS HOT OR COLD?
- 🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- 👩🏼🍳 HOW TO MAKE OVERNIGHT BANANA CHIA OATS
- 🫐 ADD-IN IDEAS
- 📝 TIPS AND TRICKS
- ❓ FAQS
- 🥣 MAKE-AHEAD AND STORAGE
- MAKE-AHEAD
- STORAGE
- BREAKFAST RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME
🍌 BANANA CHIA OVERNIGHT OAT AND YOGURT PARFAITS
If your mornings are anything like mine—chaotic, rushed, and caffeine-dependent—then you know the struggle of finding a breakfast that’s both comforting and convenient.
I love overnight oats, and my favorite is Biscoff Overnight Oats because it is a real indulgence and a bit like a dessert for breakfast. Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats taste like the beloved pastry, and the humble banana chia overnight oats are much healthier and a family favorite!
Using bananas in overnight oats doesn’t just add sweetness—it also creates a creamy texture and boosts nutrition with potassium and fiber. Paired with the chia seeds and yogurt, this quick breakfast is the ultimate balance of taste and health.
❤️ WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
Quick Breakfast Fix: Prep it the night before, and wake up to a ready-to-eat meal.
Banana Adds Sweetness Without Using Refined Sugar: Mashed bananas bring natural sweetness, so there’s no need for extra sugar.
Banana in Overnight Oats: It adds a creamy texture and boosts the flavor to make your breakfast irresistible.
Make Oatmeal Parfaits: Layer it up with yogurt and sliced banana for a stunning, Instagram-worthy breakfast that tastes as good as it looks.
💪 BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse packed with omega-3s, fiber, and protein, making them ideal for heart health, digestion, and sustained energy. They’re rich in antioxidants and bone-strengthening minerals like calcium and magnesium. Plus, they help regulate blood sugar, keep you hydrated, and support weight management by promoting fullness. Easy to use in recipes, they’re a simple way to supercharge your meals!
DO YOU EAT OVERNIGHT OATS HOT OR COLD?
You can enjoy overnight oats hot or cold, depending on your mood and the season!
Traditionally, overnight oats are enjoyed cold. Since they soak in the fridge overnight, they develop a creamy, pudding-like texture that’s refreshing and ready to eat straight from the jar or bowl.
However, if you prefer a warm breakfast, you can absolutely heat them up! Just pop them in the microwave or warm them on the stovetop with a splash of milk until they’re heated through. This option is especially comforting in cooler weather.
🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS
BANANAS, MASHED:
Adds natural sweetness, creamy texture, and a boost of potassium.
Substitution: Use unsweetened applesauce for a similar texture.
OLD-FASHIONED ROLLED OATS:
The base of the recipe offers a chewy texture and heart-healthy fiber.
Substitution: Quick oats (softer texture).
MILK:
Keep the oats creamy.
Substitution: Use oat, coconut, soy, or dairy milk depending on your preference.
GREEK YOGURT:
Adds creaminess and a protein boost.
Substitution: Use coconut or almond yogurt for a dairy-free option.
MAPLE SYRUP:
A natural sweetener that adds a rich, warm flavor.
Substitution: Swap with honey, agave syrup, or a sprinkle of brown sugar.
VANILLA EXTRACT:
Enhances the sweetness with a fragrant, rich flavor.
ALMOND EXTRACT:
Substitution: Skip it or replace it with extra vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
CINNAMON:
Adds warmth and spice, perfect for a cozy breakfast.
Substitution: Swap with nutmeg or a pumpkin spice blend.
CHIA SEEDS:
Helps thicken the oats while adding fiber, omega-3s, and a satisfying texture.
Substitution: Use ground flaxseeds for a similar thickening effect.
👩🏼🍳 HOW TO MAKE OVERNIGHT BANANA CHIA OATS
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.
1. Mix It All Together
In a medium-sized bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the oats, chia seeds, almond milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, sea salt, and cinnamon (if using). Mix well.
2. Refrigerate
Cover the bowl or divide the mixture into individual jars. Pop it in the fridge and let it chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
3. Warm the Syrup
In the morning, gently warm the maple syrup in a small saucepan or microwave.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Give your oats a quick stir and spoon into bowls or glasses. Drizzle the warm maple syrup over the top and enjoy your ready-to-eat oatmeal.
💫 If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!
🫐 ADD-IN IDEAS
Almond butter,
Blueberry,
Peanut butter,
Chocolate chips.
📝 TIPS AND TRICKS
Mash Bananas Thoroughly: For the smoothest texture, make sure your bananas are mashed completely. Overripe bananas work best because they’re naturally sweeter and softer.
Choose the Right Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best consistency. Quick oats can turn mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough overnight.
Don’t Skip the Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are the secret to thickening your oats and adding a boost of omega-3s and fiber. Make sure to mix them evenly to avoid clumps.
Warm the Syrup Just Right: Slightly warmed maple syrup adds a cozy, luxurious touch. Don’t overheat it—lukewarm is perfect for drizzling.
Experiment with Milk Options: While almond milk keeps it light, you can try coconut milk for a creamier texture or oat milk for extra flavor.
Re-stir Before Serving: Chia seeds can cause the mixture to settle overnight, so give your oats a quick stir in the morning to redistribute everything.
Keep It Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
❓ FAQS
Yes! Make a big batch and portion it into individual jars for a grab-and-go breakfast all week. Just remember to add toppings fresh before serving.
It can be! Ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Absolutely! Use coconut or almond yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, and stick with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
You can, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal for the best consistency in overnight oats.
🥣 MAKE-AHEAD AND STORAGE
MAKE-AHEAD
Prep in Advance: Banana Chia Overnight Oats are the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. Simply mix all the ingredients the night before, and let the magic happen while you sleep.
Portion into Jars: Divide the mixture into individual jars or containers for a grab-and-go breakfast. This also makes it easy to layer in fresh toppings before serving.
Toppings Last Minute: Add toppings like banana slices or granola just before eating to keep them fresh and crunchy.
STORAGE
Refrigeration: Store the prepared oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as chia seeds may settle.
BREAKFAST RECIPES TO TRY NEXT TIME
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
Print
BANANA CHIA OVERNIGHT OATS WITH WARM SYRUP
- Total Time: 3 min Prep Time + 8 hours Fridge Time
- Yield: 2 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Chia Overnight Oats with Warm Syrup. This make-ahead breakfast is creamy, healthy, sweet, and ridiculously easy to prepare. Oh, and did I mention it tastes like banana bread in a bowl? With a prep time of just 5 minutes (yes, really!), this oatmeal parfait is an easy way to start your day.
Ingredients
2 bananas, mashed
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oatmeal
2-3 teaspoons chia seeds
1 cup milk of choice (for a vegan option I would recommend unsweetened almond milk)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
1 teaspoon maple syrup (plus 2 teaspoons for garnish)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
pinch of salt
pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the oats, chia seeds, almond milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, sea salt, and cinnamon (if using). Mix well.
Cover the bowl or divide the mixture into individual jars. Pop it in the fridge and let it chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
In the morning, gently warm the maple syrup in a small saucepan or microwave.
Give your oats a quick stir and spoon into bowls or glasses. Drizzle the warm maple syrup over the top and enjoy your ready-to-eat oatmeal.
💫 If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!
Notes
Mash Bananas Thoroughly: For the smoothest texture, make sure your bananas are mashed completely. Overripe bananas work best because they’re naturally sweeter and softer.
Choose the Right Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best consistency. Quick oats can turn mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough overnight.
Don’t Skip the Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are the secret to thickening your oats and adding a boost of omega-3s and fiber. Make sure to mix them evenly to avoid clumps.
Warm the Syrup Just Right: Slightly warmed maple syrup adds a cozy, luxurious touch. Don’t overheat it—lukewarm is perfect for drizzling.
Experiment with Milk Options: While almond milk keeps it light, you can try coconut milk for a creamier texture or oat milk for extra flavor.
Re-stir Before Serving: Chia seeds can cause the mixture to settle overnight, so give your oats a quick stir in the morning to redistribute everything.
Keep It Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
Refrigeration: Store the prepared oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as chia seeds may settle.
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nikki says
Let me know if you have any questions! Nikki X