Overnight Oats with Banana & Flax
Creamy, no-cook oatmeal that does all the work while you sleep. Rolled oats soften overnight in milk, then get topped with sweet banana slices and nutty flaxseed for a grab-and-go breakfast that feels like dessert but fuels you all morning.
For 2 servings
- mix
Combine the base ingredients.
1.In a mixing bowl, add rolled oats, milk, yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.2.Whisk or stir with a spoon until everything is evenly combined and no dry oats remain at the bottom. - mix
Fold in flaxseed.
Add ground flaxseed to the oat mixture and stir well. The flaxseed will absorb liquid and help thicken the oats overnight.
TIPGrind whole flaxseeds in a spice grinder just before using — pre-ground flax loses its nutrients faster. - assemble
Layer banana into jars.
1.Slice the banana into thin rounds.2.Place a few banana slices at the bottom of each mason jar, reserving some for topping.3.Divide the oat mixture evenly between the two jars, pouring over the banana layer. - rest
Refrigerate overnight.
Seal jars tightly with lids and place in the refrigerator. Let them rest for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight, so the oats fully soften and absorb the liquid.
TIPMake a batch on Sunday night and breakfast is sorted through Wednesday — they keep well for up to 4 days. - garnish
Top with remaining banana slices and serve.
When ready to eat, remove jar from the fridge, give it a stir, and top with the reserved banana slices. Enjoy cold straight from the jar.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and creaminess.
- 2Grind whole flaxseeds fresh in a spice grinder to preserve omega-3s and prevent rancidity.
- 3Let the oats rest at least 6 hours, but overnight is best for the creamiest texture.
- 4Layer banana slices at the bottom to keep them from browning too quickly on top.
- 5Stir in a splash of extra milk before serving if the oats seem too thick after chilling.
- 6Make a double batch on Sunday for grab-and-go breakfasts all week — keeps up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Swap dairy milk for almond or oat milk, use a plant-based yogurt, and replace honey with maple syrup to keep the recipe fully plant-based.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder and use extra-thick Greek yogurt to boost the protein content for a more satiating breakfast.
low sugarLow-sugar
Omit the honey entirely and rely on the ripe banana's natural sweetness, or swap in a zero-calorie sweetener like stevia.
nutty crunchNutty crunch
Top with toasted chopped walnuts or almonds and a drizzle of almond butter just before serving for extra texture and healthy fats.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Soluble Fiber
Rolled oats provide beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that supports heart health by helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Ground flaxseed is a excellent plant-based source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fat that supports brain and heart function.
Digestive Health Support
The combination of oats and flaxseed provides both soluble and insoluble fiber to promote regular digestion and feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Natural Energy Boost
Bananas supply potassium and natural sugars for quick energy, while the complex carbs in oats provide sustained fuel for the morning.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but the texture will be much softer and mushier. For the best creamy-but-chewy result, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.
