OVERNIGHT OATS BANANA the easy breakfast that tastes like Banana Bread
Who doesn’t dream of waking up in the morning to find a breakfast already ready, healthy, and delicious?
If you identify with this desire, Overnight Oats are the perfect solution.
This is not just a simple recipe, but magic that transforms basic ingredients into a creamy and filling dish while you sleep.
The beauty of this preparation is that it eliminates morning stress, giving you precious minutes and a burst of energy to start the day on the right foot.
In this version, I wanted to create an irresistible combination that will remind you of the enveloping aroma of freshly baked banana bread.
The natural sweetness of ripe bananas, combined with the warmth of cinnamon and the aromatic touch of vanilla, perfectly matches the crunchiness of walnuts.
The result is a cold porridge that has all the flavors of a dessert, but with the benefits of a balanced breakfast, rich in fiber and nutrients.
The use of ripe bananas is not accidental: they give the right sweetness, allowing us to minimize the maple syrup.
It’s a versatile breakfast that you can enjoy cold for a burst of freshness or warm if you prefer a more comforting treat. All you need is a jar and a few minutes the night before to guarantee a dream awakening.
Get ready to say goodbye to boxed cereals and welcome your new favorite breakfast!
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Rest time: 6 Hours
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 1
- Cooking methods: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 573.77 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 80.68 (g) of which sugars 35.69 (g)
- Proteins 15.89 (g)
- Fat 24.01 (g) of which saturated 3.06 (g)of which unsaturated 2.81 (g)
- Fibers 11.34 (g)
- Sodium 255.94 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 220 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Overnight Oats Banana and Walnut Ingredients
- 1 banana (ripe about 100 g sliced)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (plant-based or semi-skimmed milk)
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (extract or essence)
- 2 tablespoons 0% fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- banana (sliced)
- walnuts
- honey
Tools
- Kitchen scale
- Bowl
- Fork
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Jar
Overnight Oats Banana and Walnut Procedure
Peel the banana and mash it with a fork in a bowl. Coarsely chop the walnuts, but set aside a few pieces for the final garnish.
In a glass jar (or a container with a lid), combine the mashed banana, rolled oats, plant-based milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix well with a spoon until all the ingredients are combined. Also add the chopped walnuts and mix one last time.
Close the jar with the lid and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 4-6 hours. This time is necessary for the rolled oats to soften, absorbing the liquids.
In the morning, remove the jar from the refrigerator. You can enjoy the overnight oats cold, or heat them for about 1-2 minutes in the microwave for a warm version. Garnish with a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt, more slices of fresh banana, chopped walnuts, and, if desired, a drizzle of maple syrup.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Banana: For natural sweetness and a softer texture, use a well-ripened banana. If the banana is not ripe enough, you may need to add more maple syrup.
Plant-based milk: Feel free to use your favorite milk! Almond milk and oat milk are great, but cow’s milk works just as well.
Walnuts: You can replace walnuts with almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans to vary the flavor and texture. For an extra touch, try using nut or almond butter.
Storage
The overnight oats can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight jar for 2-3 days. They are perfect for weekly meal prep, allowing you to have breakfast ready for several consecutive days.
Alternatives and Variations
High-Protein Overnight Oats: For a protein-rich version, add 15 g of vanilla or chocolate protein powder before placing the jar in the refrigerator.
Chocolate Version: Add a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture and garnish with dark chocolate chips in the morning.
With Chia Seeds: Add 1 teaspoon of chia seeds for an even denser consistency and an extra boost of fiber and Omega-3.
How to Choose the Right Banana
Choosing the right banana is the secret to this recipe! A ripe banana, with a skin starting to have some brown spots, is not only sweeter but also has a softer texture that blends perfectly with the oats. This allows you to avoid adding too much maple syrup.
FAQ
1. Can I use instant oats?
No, it is not recommended. Instant oats would become too soft and risk turning into mush. Use old-fashioned or whole-grain oats for perfect consistency.
2. Does the banana need to be very ripe?
A ripe banana is ideal for this recipe. It not only provides a sweeter and more intense flavor but also has a creamier consistency that mixes easily into the mixture, avoiding lumps.
3. Can I prepare the overnight oats the evening before and heat them in the morning?
Yes, of course. You can easily heat them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. This way, you’ll have a warm and comforting, yet still healthy, breakfast.
