Banana Split Overnight Oats are a yummy way to start your day! With creamy oats, sliced bananas, and a hint of chocolate, it’s like dessert for breakfast.
Easy and ready to eat in the morning, these oats are perfect for busy folks. Just mix them up the night before and enjoy a tasty treat without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: These are perfect for overnight oats since they soak up the liquid and soften nicely. If you’re gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Milk: Dairy milk gives a rich flavor, but you can use almond, oat, or coconut milk to suit your dietary preferences. Each type will slightly change the taste, so choose your favorite!
Greek Yogurt: It’s great for added creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt is a good substitute. You can skip it if you want a lighter texture.
Chia Seeds: These are key for thickening the oats and adding a nice texture. If you don’t have them, you could use ground flaxseeds though everything won’t be as thick.
Fruits: Bananas and strawberries give a fresh, sweet flavor. Feel free to swap for other fruits like blueberries or chopped peaches based on what you have on hand.
Nut Butter: I love peanut butter, but almond butter or sunflower seed butter works too—just pick what you like best!
How Do I Make Sure My Oats Are Perfectly Creamy?
Getting a good texture with overnight oats is all about the soaking process. Here’s how to achieve that creamy goodness:
- Combine your dry ingredients (oats and chia seeds) first. This helps the chia seeds distribute evenly.
- Use a good ratio of liquid to oats. For 1/2 cup of oats, 1/2 cup of milk should be just right.
- Mix thoroughly! This helps all the oats to soak up the liquid. Gently fold in the fresh fruits to avoid mushing them.
- Let it sit overnight. This is the key step—this gives the oats time to soak and soften, while the chia seeds help thicken the mixture.
- If it feels thick in the morning, just stir in a bit of extra milk to reach your desired consistency. It’s all about your personal taste!
Banana Split Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 small ripe banana, sliced (plus extra for topping)
- 3-4 fresh strawberries, diced (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter (for drizzle)
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time and a minimum of 6 hours in the fridge to soak overnight. So, just mix it all up and let the fridge do the work while you sleep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl or a jar, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Give it a little stir to mix them up for an even texture.
2. Mix in the Liquid Ingredients:
Add the milk, Greek yogurt (if you’re using it), vanilla extract, and maple syrup or honey. Stir well to combine everything perfectly.
3. Add the Fruits:
Gently fold in the sliced banana and diced strawberries. Be careful not to mush the fruit too much—just enough to distribute it throughout the mixture.
4. Refrigerate:
Cover the bowl or seal the jar and place it in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 6 hours. The oats and chia seeds will soak up the liquid and become nice and creamy!
5. Stir and Adjust Consistency:
The next morning, give the oats a good stir. If you find it’s too thick for your liking, add a splash of milk to help loosen it.
6. Serve and Top it Off:
Transfer the oats to a serving glass or bowl if you want to present it nicely. Top with additional banana slices, diced strawberries, and drizzle with peanut or almond butter. Finish with a sprinkle of dark chocolate or chocolate chips for that extra touch!
7. Enjoy Your Breakfast!
Dig in and enjoy this fruity, creamy breakfast that tastes just like a banana split but is packed with nutrition!
This recipe is not only delicious but also a fun and healthy way to kickstart your day. Enjoy!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with rolled oats for this recipe, as instant oats can get too mushy when soaked. Rolled oats provide a better texture and hold up well overnight!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Without Chia Seeds?
Absolutely! If you don’t have chia seeds on hand, you can omit them, but the oats may not be as thick. You can also substitute with ground flaxseeds for a similar texture and added fiber.
How Long Do Leftovers Stay Fresh?
Your overnight oats can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. If needed, you can stir in a little extra milk before enjoying!
Can I Use Different Fruits for Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or diced mangoes. Just keep in mind that some fruits may alter the flavor slightly, but they’ll all be delicious!
