Banana Chia Overnight Oats (Healthy Oatmeal Recipe)

They’re perfect for busy mornings as a grab and go breakfast, making it ideal for random weekdays and the back-to-school season. Sprinkled with crunchy shredded coconut and a pinch of cinnamon, it tastes just like dessert, who can resist that in the morning?

For more no-cook healthy breakfast ideas, try my Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats and Blueberry Strawberry Overnight Oats. They’re another quick and easy way to keep everyone fed with a tasty morning treat. Now, let’s jump on the overnight oats bandwagon and make this simple recipe!

Looking for an easy breakfast that’s both nutritious and delicious? This chilled banana overnight oats recipe is the perfect way to fuel your day!

Make-ahead convenience: Prep jars for the week for a grab-and-go breakfast.

No refined sugar: This recipe relies on bananas and maple syrup for sweetness, not refined sugars.

Versatile: Add layers of berries, use velvety pumpkin purée, or turn it into chocolatey banana oats.

Hearty and filling: Oats and chia seeds ensure you'll stay full throughout the morning!

This nutritious breakfast is packed with banana goodness and requires only a few simple ingredients. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact amounts.

• Rolled oats: These provide a hearty, high fiber base that soaks up flavors. Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture, or quick oats for a softer bite. Avoid steel-cut oats as they don't soften.
• Almond milk: It adds a nutty, creamy base. Swap with oat milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or soy milk for other dairy free options.
• Bananas (for the oats): Overripe bananas with brown spots bring lots of natural sweetness. Slightly green bananas work but are less sweet.
• Chia seeds: They help thicken the mixture. Flaxseeds can work as a substitute.
• Maple syrup: It sweetens the oats. Try coconut sugar for a fruitier, refined sugar-free alternative.
• Vanilla extract: It enhances the banana flavor with a warm, sweet note. Almond extract adds a fun twist.
• Ground cinnamon: It adds cozy warmth. Nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can also work.
• Banana slices (topping): These offer a sweet, creamy topping.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: It adds a subtle crunch and tropical flair. Coconut flakes are great too.

See recipe card for quantities.

Just mix, chill, and add your favorite toppings to this healthy oatmeal breakfast. Prep it the night before for an extra effortless meal that tastes like banana bread! Here’s the full recipe with step-by-step instructions (see recipe card at the bottom of the post):

1. Step 1: Mash the ripe banana until smooth.

2. Step 2: Add oats, chia seeds, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir well.

3. Step 3: Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours. In the morning, stir and add a little milk if too thick. Divide into two jars or bowls.

It's easy to get creative in the kitchen! Use the banana oat-chia mixture as the base for new flavor combinations. Here are my favorite toppings and ingredients to keep things interesting depending on what I'm craving:

Peanut butter-banana: Stir 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter into the mixture before refrigerating for a sweeter vibe. Top with a drizzle of peanut butter and crushed peanuts.

Banana-pumpkin pie: Use ½ ripe banana, add ¼ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) and ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for a spiced fall twist.

Chocolate-banana: Mix ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder into the oats before refrigerating for a chocolatey version kids love. Stir in 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs for extra flavor and texture.

Give it a protein boost: A scoop of protein-packed Greek yogurt or plant-based vanilla protein powder helps you power through the morning. If you use protein, add ½-1 tablespoon of extra milk before serving to adjust the consistency.

Mango-banana: Use ½ ripe banana and mix in 3 tablespoons fresh mango purée (blended mango) before refrigerating for tropical vibes.

Layer it: Add 1-2 tablespoons blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries at the bottom of the mason jar. Pour in half the oat mixture, add more fruit, then top with the remaining oats for a super pretty, fruity breakfast.

More fruit: Swap the sliced bananas for mango, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. Use whatever's in season.

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free oats to fit your dietary needs.

These banana chia overnight oats with hints of vanilla are a perfect breakfast for busy weekdays or lazy weekend mornings! Here are our favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Pair with my Banana and Pumpkin Muffins or Banana Split Yogurt for a double-banana treat.
• Serve with my 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins or Easy Pumpkin Bread with Cake Mix when we're also craving cozy fall spices.
• Enjoy with hot coffee or a chai latte for a relaxed, stress-free start to the day.
• Add to a brunch spread with Skillet Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash for a sweet-and-savory meal.

Leftovers or making several batches in advance for the week? Here’s how to keep it fresh and ready for the next morning!

Refrigeration

Refrigerate in an airtight container or mason jar for 3–4 days. Stir in ½ tablespoon milk at a time before serving until nice and creamy again. Add toppings as usual.

Reheating

No need to heat, but if you prefer warm oats, microwave for 20–30 seconds with a splash of almond milk. Stir well.

These banana overnight oats with crunchy chia seeds are a breeze, but these tricks ensure they're amazing every time!

Roast the bananas: If your bananas aren’t fully overripe, roast them at 350°F for 10 minutes until browned and softened to concentrate their natural sweetness.

Adjust the liquid: After refrigerating, stir the mixture and check the consistency. If too thick for your liking, stir in ½ tablespoon almond milk at a time to adjust the consistency.

Avoid chunks: If you don’t like bits of banana in your oats, blend the bananas with the almond milk and maple syrup until smooth. Stir into the oats and chia seeds, then continue with the remaining steps.

Hold the toppings: Prevent the shredded coconut from softening in the fridge by adding it (or any other crunchy toppings) until right before serving.

Here’s what other home cooks are asking about this banana overnight oats recipe!

Yes! Use your milk of choice. It can be plant-based or cow's milk.

This recipe is already vegan with non-dairy milk and maple syrup. Just stick to plant-based toppings too.

Yes, instant oats or quick oats work, but they’ll be softer. Old-fashioned oats give the best creamy texture.

Absolutely! Stir in Greek yogurt or protein powder for an extra protein boost.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Easy 5-Minute Apple Banana Smoothie Recipe

Banana Mini Muffins With Chocolate Chip (Quick & Easy Snack)

Easy 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins (With Spice Cake Mix)

Best Banana And Pumpkin Muffins (Moist & Fluffy)

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Banana Chia Overnight Oats:

Easy Pumpkin Bread With Cake Mix (Moist & Delicious)

High-Protein Banana Split Yogurt Recipe for Breakfast

Summer Berry Ricotta Parfait (Easy 4th of July Dessert)

Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites

This banana chia overnight oats recipe is a healthy recipe our family loves for busy mornings! Share your creations on social media with Hungry Whisk, and don’t forget to subscribe for more oatmeal recipes and breakfast ideas!