Short Description

Creamy and comforting, these overnight oats combine rolled oats, chia seeds, mashed banana, and a touch of brown sugar—all soaked overnight for a sweet, ready-to-eat breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a rich and flavorful morning meal with minimal effort. The mashed banana and brown sugar provide natural sweetness, while chia seeds add texture and nutrition. Prep in minutes and enjoy throughout the week—no cooking required!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups rolled oats
4 tablespoons chia seeds
3–4 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup mashed banana (about 2 ripe bananas)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or more to taste)
2 cups milk of choice

Directions

Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together rolled oats, chia seeds, brown sugar, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and milk until evenly combined.
Refrigerate
Cover the bowl (or transfer to individual jars) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
Serve
Stir before serving, then top with your favorite toppings—such as sliced banana, nuts, seeds, berries, or a drizzle of nut butter.

Servings And Timing

Serves: About 4 servings (adjustable)
Prep Time: ~5 minutes
Chill Time: ≥ 4 hours (best overnight)
Total Time: ~4 hours 5 minutes

Variations

Fruit Add-In: Stir in fresh berries, apple slices, or mango chunks before chilling.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top or mixed in.
Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of protein powder or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Flavor Swap: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.
Spice It Up: Add ground cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger along with the cinnamon.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Serve cold for a refreshing breakfast. For a warm version, microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds, stirring and adding a splash of milk if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Steel-cut oats aren’t recommended—they need more liquid and a longer soaking time for best texture.

2. How sweet will it be?

Sweetness can be adjusted by using 3 tablespoons of brown sugar or removing it entirely if preferred.

3. Can I make this vegan?

Yes—use plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat) to keep it vegan-friendly.

4. Can I prepare individual servings?

Absolutely—divide the mixture into jars or containers before refrigerating for grab-and-go meals.

5. Will the oats get soggy?

A small amount of chia seeds helps thicken the mixture, preventing a soggy texture. Rolled oats hold up well overnight.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—simply double each ingredient and store in a large container or multiple jars.

7. Do I need to stir before eating?

Yes—give it a good stir to distribute any settled ingredients and improve texture.

8. Can I substitute honey or maple syrup?

Yes—maple syrup or honey works well if you prefer a natural sweetener.

9. Can I add cocoa for chocolate flavor?

Absolutely—stir in 1–2 teaspoons of cocoa powder before refrigerating for chocolate banana overnight oats.

10. Does the milk matter?

Thicker milks like oat or soy produce creamier oats; feel free to experiment with what you have.

Conclusion

Brown Sugar Overnight Oats offer a warm and satisfying start to your day—rich, sweet, and ready when you are. With simple ingredients and endless topping options, they’re the perfect wholesome breakfast for busy mornings or a healthy snack anytime. Enjoy!