Overnight Oats with Banana & Flax
This easy, make-ahead overnight oats recipe combines the goodness of rolled oats, ripe banana, and ground flaxseed with creamy Greek yogurt and your milk of choice for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast.
For 1 serving
In a medium-sized jar (like a Mason jar) or an airtight container, combine the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
Add the mashed ripe banana, plain Greek yogurt, milk of choice, and maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener) to the jar.
Stir all the ingredients very well, ensuring the oats are fully submerged in the liquid and the banana is evenly distributed. Scrape down the sides of the jar to incorporate everything.
Seal the jar tightly with a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (8-12 hours), to allow the oats to soften and absorb the liquid.
In the morning, open the jar and give the oats a good stir. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Serve chilled. Top with additional banana slices, fresh berries, nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Consistency Control: If your oats are too thick in the morning, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of milk until you reach your desired consistency. If too thin, add a tablespoon of chia seeds and let sit for 15-30 minutes.
- 2Ripe Banana is Key: Use a very ripe banana (with brown spots) for natural sweetness and a creamier texture. Under-ripe bananas can be starchy and less flavorful.
- 3Meal Prep Hack: Prepare several jars at once for a week of quick breakfasts. They typically last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- 4Don't Forget the Salt: A tiny pinch of salt, even in sweet dishes, helps to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or unflavored work best) along with the other wet ingredients for an extra protein kick. You might need a splash more milk.
Nut Butter SwirlNut Butter Swirl
Add a tablespoon of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter to the mixture, or swirl it in just before serving for added richness and healthy fats.
Berry BlastBerry Blast
Fold in 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries) with the wet ingredients, or use them as a fresh topping in the morning.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Digestive Health
Rolled oats, flaxseeds, and bananas are excellent sources of dietary fiber (soluble and insoluble), which aids digestion, promotes regularity, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates in oats provide a slow and steady release of energy, helping to keep you full and energized throughout the morning without a sugar crash.
Heart Health
Oats contain beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber known to help lower cholesterol levels. Flaxseeds contribute omega-3 fatty acids, further supporting cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
While possible, steel-cut oats require a much longer soaking time and will have a chewyer texture. For best results and the classic overnight oats consistency, rolled oats are recommended.
