Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats
Dessert for breakfast? I say YES, please! These Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats is packed with fiber, healthy fats, and slow-release energy to keep you going all morning. Five minutes to prep, zero cooking, and it waits patiently in the fridge while you sleep. Honestly, it might be the best thing I’ve ever done for my mornings.
Why I Make Overnight Oats Every Single Week
I have three kids. One of them is a baby is a 6 year old now. “Quick” is not a preference for me – it’s a survival strategy.
I’ve been making overnight oats for years because they are the ultimate make-ahead breakfast. I can prep a few jars on Sunday and have breakfast sorted for most of the week. And when that breakfast also tastes like chocolate and banana? My mornings get a whole lot better.
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count and I can tell you exactly what works and why. This is the version I keep coming back to, and I think you’ll love it too.
What Kind of Oats Should You Use?
Good question – and it actually matters!
Old fashioned rolled oats are the gold standard for overnight oats. They hold their shape beautifully after soaking and give you that satisfying, slightly chewy texture. I use the sprouted rolled oats from Costco.
Quick cooking rolled oats break down more during the soak, giving you a softer, more pudding-like result. I used to use this before but I’ve witched to sprouted oats since that’s easier on my digestion. If you love the melt-in-your-mouth texture this is your oats.
So the choice really comes down to texture preference. Chewy? Go with old fashioned. Soft and creamy? Quick cooking is your friend.
What You’ll Need
- Rolled oats – see my notes on oats above.
- Almond milk – or any milk you like, dairy or plant-based.
- Cocoa powder – unsweetened; this is where all the chocolate flavour comes from
- Ripe banana – the riper the better for natural sweetness; also mash it well .
- Chia seeds – tiny but mighty; they thicken the oats and add omega-3s.
- Almond butter – adds creaminess and healthy fats; swap for peanut butter or any nut butter you have.
- Maple syrup or honey – optional, depending on how sweet your banana is.
- Vanilla extract – just a splash rounds everything out.
How to Make Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats
- Step 1: Mash your banana In your jar or bowl, mash the banana well with a fork. A few small lumps are fine but the smoother it is, the better it mixes through.
- Step 2: Add everything else Add the oats, almond milk, cocoa powder, chia seeds, almond butter, vanilla, and sweetener (if using). Stir really well until the cocoa is fully incorporated — no dry pockets hiding at the bottom.
- Step 3: Taste and adjust Give it a quick taste. Want it sweeter? Add a little more maple syrup. More chocolatey? Add another half teaspoon of cocoa.
- Step 4: Refrigerate overnight Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight. The oats will absorb the liquid and the whole thing transforms into a thick, creamy jar of goodness.
- Step 5: Top and enjoy In the morning, give it a stir. Add your favourite toppings – sliced banana, a drizzle of nut butter, chocolate chips, granola, or whatever makes you happy. Eat cold or warm it up for 60-90 seconds in the microwave.
Recipe Tips
- Riper banana = sweeter oats. Black-spotted bananas are perfect here. They’re sweeter and mash more easily.
- Too thick in the morning? Stir in a splash of milk until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Make it vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and any plant-based milk.
- Boost the protein by stirring in a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder – just increase the milk slightly to compensate.
Love Oat-Based breakfasts?
Check out these too:
- Banana Oat Muffins
- Blueberry Oatmeal Cups
- 5 Savory Oatmeal Recipes From Around the World
- Air Fryer Granola
- Cinnamon Coconut Granola
DID YOU MAKE IT? Please leave a comment and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe!
Recipe
Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 banana mashed
- 1 ¼ cup almond milk based on your preference
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- pinch of salt
Garnishes
- almond butter, sliced banana, chocolate shavings
Instructions
The night before
- Mix rolled oats, chia seeds, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, maple syrup and milk until well combined. Add the almond butter in and mix until no lumps.
If you're eating the next day
- If you're consuming it the next day, mix in the mashed banana and spoon into a jar and refrigerate.
If you plan to keep it for a couple of days
- If you plan to keep the overnight oats for few days refrigerated, add the mashed banana before consuming or the night before.
- Garnish with more almond butter, sliced banana and chocolate shavings just before eating.
Notes
- Use old fashioned oats for a chewier texture; quick cooking oats for soft and creamy.
- Add a splash of milk in the morning if the oats are too thick.
- Protein boost: stir in a scoop of chocolate protein powder and add extra milk.
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter and oat milk.
- Storage: Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
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