These banana overnight oats are a perfect make ahead breakfast or snack option for babies, kids, and adults alike! Make a batch and enjoy throughout the week with all kinds of toppings.
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What are overnight oats?
Overnight oats are basically no-cook method of making oatmeal. Instead of cooking the oats, simply soak them with milk of choice (and/or yogurt) and let them sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight - hence the name.
Texturally, it is denser and creamier than the stove-top oats with a porridge or pudding like consistency.
If you are new to making overnight oatmeal, be sure to check out my super in-depth Overnight Oats or Quinoa Post!
Ingredients
- Oats - rolled oats will work best but if you want a smooth creamy texture then you can use quick oats.
- Ripe Banana
- Yogurt - will make the overnight oats even creamier and adds a boost of protein and fat.
- Chia seeds - You can leave them out if you wish, but I highly recommend that you give them a try first. They will give the oats a pudding-like texture while boosting nutrition. They’re a great source of iron and fat, which are essential nutrients for babies and toddlers.
- Milk - use full-fat cow milk or any dairy-free alternatives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mash the banana in a container. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir.
- Store in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Tips for Success
- You can half the recipe if you want just one serving or double the recipe to enjoy for several days.
- After stirring in a container, you can portion into smaller containers or just store the entire mixture.
- Give it a good stir once you take it out of the fridge.
- Add the toppings right before eating - Otherwise, they will become soft and mushy. This may be good, however, if serving to your baby (see below).
Topping Suggestions
This recipe is very basic and that's on purpose! Make a large batch and you can easily incorporate more variety and nutrition throughout the week simply by switching up the toppings.
- Finely chopped or ground nuts and seeds
- Peanut or nut butter
- Grated carrots
- Mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash
- Fruits
Serving Suggestions
For babies
If you have been doing purees, overnight oats are a great way to introduce your baby to texture. If you are feeling really anxious, you can first try it with quick oats instead of rolled oats, which will give you a smoother texture.
You can also add any hard to eat toppings, like crispy fruits and raw vegetables (e.g. grated carrots), along with the rest of the ingredients so they soften.
This spoon is perfect for tiny hands. Preload and place on the bowl or hand to your baby. And if your baby would rather eat with their hands (which is most likely), let them!
Messy eating is an important part of learning to self feed.
For toddlers
They love to have a sense of control and independence! So provide options and allow them to choose what toppings they want in their overnight oats.
Is your toddler becoming picky?
Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
Frequently Asked Questions
I personally like to portion them out before refrigerating so I can easily grab for breakfast or snack.
I suggest storing in small containers or mason jars (with these reusable lids) for toddlers. And for babies, I recommend these. They’re so versatile and because you can stack them they don't take up too much space in the fridge.
For babies, I recommend these jars.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
While these are meant to be enjoyed straight from the fridge, if you're craving something warm, then either:
Microwave for 45-60 seconds or transfer to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through.
More EASY breakfast ideas
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Banana Overnight Oats
Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup (60g) rolled oats
- ⅔ cup milk of choice
- ¼ cup Yogurt
- 1 banana, mashed
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- Optional: cinnamon
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a container and stir well. You can portion into smaller containers or just store the entire mixture.Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Remove from the fridge and give it a good stir. You can add a bit more milk if it's too thick for your liking. Top with whatever toppings you wish!
Kisayne says
These have become a staple in my fridge/freezer. It's a great way to use up extra breastmilk, old Bananas and still load on the nutrition. My 7 month old son loves them
Min says
Truly is such an easy and nutritious option! So glad he loves it so much!
A says
Thoughts on adding fresh or frozen fruit? Should I do it overnight or in the morning? Thank you!
Min says
Hi! I would add it right before serving as it will get soft, which may not be a bad thing if you are serving crunchy or not fully ripe and soft fruits, like apples, to your baby
Winnie says
Can I use baby oatmeal or instant oats instead?
Thank you.
Min says
Sure! Will be softer which may not necessarily be a bad thing
Anne Christopher says
Huge hit with my 1yo!! He ate the whole portion by himself and didn’t even care about his strawberries which are otherwise his favourite! Definitely making it again soon!
Min says
Aww makes me so incredibly happy to hear! Don't you love how easy it is to whip up too? 😉
Evelyn says
I use the base overnight oats recipe weekly with our kids. It is a favourite for everyone, even the parents.
Min says
So glad to hear! Thanks for sharing! This really is a super versatile recipe, isn't it?