Banana Overnight Oats [Dairy Free]

Simple, delicious and filling banana overnight oats are the perfect way to start your day. Toss everything together and pop it in the fridge and breakfast is ready in the morning.

Just like my overnight chia pudding, this recipe is so simple, just throw everything together the night before and you’ve got breakfast waiting for you the next day.

Why you’ll love this oatmeal

Healthy! Oatmeal makes such a nutritious breakfast, with whole grains and fruit, you really can’t go wrong.

Versatile. So many different ways to make overnight oats, this banana version is just one of countless varieties.

Filling. With a wholesome bowl of this banana overnight oats, you can definitely make it through a busy morning without hunger striking again.

Delicious! Banana, together with peanut butter and cinnamon, is truly a winning combo! You really have to try this!

Is oatmeal gluten free?

Oats are naturally gluten free, but often come into contact with other products containing gluten.

So, if you’re in need of gluten free, be sure to look for the certified gluten free label on your bag of rolled oats.

How long do they need to soak?

Although the name may say it all, they don’t HAVE to soak overnight. But they do taste best when soaked for a minimum of four hours.

How to make it

(This is a summary with step-by-step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

To make this simple breakfast, gather your ingredients. All you NEED is oats, milk and banana, but the peanut butter, cinnamon and maple syrup do add extra flavour.

Use a bowl that has a lid (or a jar) and mash your banana inside. (photo 1)

Then add all remaining ingredients, including any optional ones you’ve chosen, and mix well. (photos 2-4)

Refrigerate your banana overnight oats for AT LEAST 4 hours, but overnight is best.

Then top with fresh fruit, seeds, nuts or anything else you’d like and enjoy.

Can I warm up the oatmeal?

Yes, you may eat these warm, although that does add another step, which you may or may not have time for on a busy morning.

If you’ve never tried cold oatmeal before, I highly recommend you try it this way first.

If preferred, you may heat your banana overnight oats in the microwave or on stove top, and make sure to add your toppings, only after warming up your oats.

What toppings should I use?

The options are endless! But some of my favourite toppings include:

• Sliced banana.
• Chopped walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds.
• Fresh berries, like blueberry, raspberry, blackberry or sliced strawberries.
• Chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp hearts.
• Drizzle of peanut or almond butter, or some extra maple syrup.

Substitutions

If you need a peanut free version, sub the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, pecan butter or any of your favourite nut or seed butters.

For nut free, you may use soy butter or just omit the peanut butter, and make sure to sub the almond or cashew milk for a nut free option, like soy, oat or coconut.

You may sub the maple syrup for date syrup, or omit to keep the sugar content lower.

Expert Tips

• Make sure to use rolled oats or quick oats, NOT instant oats.
• Double the recipe to have breakfast ready for the next two days, or for sharing.
• Make it in advance, overnight is best, but a minimum of 4 hours works too.
• Use a very ripe banana with plenty of brown spots on the peel. Since most of the sweetness is coming from the banana, you want to be sure to choose a super ripe one, especially if omitting the maple syrup.
• Make sure to use certified gluten free oats, if needed, since oats often come into contact with other gluten containing products.

More delicious breakfast recipes

• Vegan Coconut Waffles
• Vegan Hash Brown Casserole
• Healthy Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
• The Easiest Fluffiest Vegan Pancakes
• Air Fryer Hash Browns From Scratch
• Healthy Banana Walnut Smoothie

📖 Recipe