Creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with satisfying nutrition, these High-Protein Banana Overnight Oats are the breakfast you’ll look forward to waking up for. With real banana, plant-based protein, and wholesome oats, it’s an easy make-ahead meal that feels indulgent but fuels your body like a champ.
A Better-for-You Banana Breakfast
There’s something comforting and nostalgic about bananas for breakfast. Whether it’s sliced over cereal or mashed into pancakes, bananas are a morning staple—and in these High-Protein Banana Overnight Oats, they shine.
This recipe blends ripe banana with rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, and your choice of high-protein add-ins like Greek yogurt or plant-based protein powder. The result is a thick, creamy, naturally sweet oat base that tastes like banana bread in a jar.
It’s not just delicious—it’s functional. With protein, fiber, and slow-digesting carbs, this breakfast will keep you full and energized all morning long.
It’s also a great post-workout meal or afternoon snack, especially when topped with a dollop of nut butter or a handful of nuts.
Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or just want something quick and nourishing, this recipe is a keeper. It’s kid-approved, endlessly customizable, and made from ingredients you probably already have.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free protein yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1/2 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced banana
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Crushed walnuts or pecans
- Hemp seeds
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
Pro Tips
- Use a ripe banana – The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the oats will be.
- Mash well – For a smoother texture, mash the banana thoroughly before mixing.
- Customize the texture – Adjust the milk amount to your preference for thick or more pudding-like oats.
- Stir after 10–15 minutes – This helps distribute the chia seeds evenly so they don’t clump.
- Add toppings just before eating – This keeps textures crisp and fresh.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jar or airtight container
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Fork (for mashing banana)
- Mixing spoon
- Refrigerator for chilling
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free? Use a plant-based yogurt and milk.
- Nut-free? Skip nut butters and nuts; use seed butter or hemp hearts instead.
- No protein powder? Add more Greek yogurt or stir in 1 tablespoon of hemp or flaxseed for a natural protein boost.
- Low-sugar? Use just the banana for sweetness and skip the syrup.
- Flavor twist: Add a dash of nutmeg or vanilla extract for a banana bread flavor vibe.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a few jars ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can even portion toppings into little containers or add them the morning of.
For grab-and-go, layer oats in portable jars and store toppings like nut butter or banana slices in separate bags to keep them fresh.
How to Make High-Protein Banana Overnight Oats
1. Mash the Banana
In a small bowl, mash half of a ripe banana with a fork until smooth.
2. Combine Base Ingredients
To the mashed banana, add oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, cinnamon, protein powder (if using), maple syrup, and salt. Stir until well combined.
3. Transfer to Jar and Chill
Spoon the mixture into a mason jar or container with a lid. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, give the oats a good stir. Top with sliced banana, a drizzle of peanut butter, crushed walnuts, or your favorite add-ins.
Leftovers and Storage
Store overnight oats in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Add a splash of almond milk if they thicken too much. Keep bananas and crunchy toppings separate until just before eating for the best texture.
You can also freeze the base (without toppings) in individual portions and thaw overnight in the fridge when needed.
A Spoonful of Comfort with Every Bite
These High-Protein Banana Overnight Oats are everything you want in a breakfast: quick, creamy, nutritious, and naturally sweet. They’re ideal for busy mornings, make-ahead meal prep, or whenever you need something comforting yet energizing.
Whip up a few jars and try them throughout the week. Did you add almond butter? A scoop of cocoa for banana-chocolate vibes? I’d love to hear how you made it your own—drop a comment and let’s share some oat-spiration!
