Banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe—just saying it takes me back.

Before I had my own kitchen, before the Michelin stars and the international flights, I had a small stool in my grandmother’s sunlit kitchen in rural Georgia. She didn’t call it anything fancy—just “those sleepy oats.” But it had everything: ripe bananas from the counter, cinnamon she kept in a tin marked “magic,” and oats soaked until soft and rich.
Now, decades later, I still start my mornings with a banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe that feels like home. Only now it’s infused with wisdom from years spent in professional kitchens and kitchens of love—both equally sacred. This recipe is more than easy; it’s soulful, healing, and meant to be shared.
And if you’re feeling indulgent, try pairing it with a swipe of this chocolate peanut butter spread—it turns breakfast into a ritual.
Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe Two Ways
The beauty of a good banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe is how customizable it is. Whether you’re dairy-free, high-protein, or just craving something warm and sweet without the morning rush—this dish is your new best friend.
Banana cinnamon overnight oats without yogurt
You don’t need yogurt to make your banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe creamy. In fact, skipping it can bring out more of the banana’s natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup almond or oat milk
- 1 small banana, mashed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- Pinch of salt
- Drizzle of maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- In a jar, mash the banana well.
- Stir in oats, milk, cinnamon, chia seeds, and salt.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Stir in the morning and top with sliced banana, chopped walnuts, or granola.
💬 Chef’s note: This version of the banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe is vegan-friendly and makes a soft, pudding-like consistency without any dairy.
Banana cinnamon overnight oats with yogurt
Want something thicker and a little tangy? This recipe adds a protein-rich punch with creamy yogurt.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup milk of choice
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon flaxseeds
- Honey to taste
Instructions:
- Combine banana, yogurt, milk, and cinnamon in a bowl or jar.
- Add oats and flaxseeds. Stir until blended.
- Seal and chill overnight.
- Serve with toasted pecans, coconut flakes, or a dusting of cinnamon.
Tiffany’s twist: For meal prep, double this banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe and store it in jars for up to 3 days. Each one tastes better than the last.
Still hungry? My blueberry coconut breakfast bowl is another nourishing start to your day, with a tropical spin.

Boost Your Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe
When I started training in fine dining, I used to skip breakfast. Long shifts. Tight schedules. But one day, I fainted during service—yep, right there in the walk-in cooler. My sous chef handed me a mason jar and said, “You need fuel, not just fire.”
Inside? A variation of this banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe—but loaded with protein. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to teach home cooks that food can be quick, comforting, and deeply nourishing.
Let’s talk about the feel-good additions that make this breakfast bowl a powerhouse.
Banana cinnamon overnight oats protein
If you’re chasing more energy, protein helps keep you full longer, stabilizes blood sugar, and supports muscle recovery. Adding it to your banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe doesn’t require anything fancy—just smart choices.
Protein-packed add-ins:
- 1 scoop vanilla or cinnamon protein powder (plant or whey)
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (if not already included)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon hemp seeds or chopped almonds
Quick tip: Mix the protein powder with milk first before adding oats—this prevents clumping and keeps the banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe creamy and smooth.
Here’s a combo I love on active mornings:
- ½ cup oats
- ¾ cup almond milk
- ½ mashed banana
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- Dash of sea salt
Refrigerate, then top with banana slices and a pinch of granola for crunch.
This isn’t just breakfast—it’s fuel with soul.
Banana overnight oats weight loss
Now let’s talk balance. If you’re using a banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe as part of your weight management plan, it can be a smart, satisfying choice. Bananas offer natural sweetness and potassium, while oats keep digestion steady.
To lighten things up:
- Use unsweetened almond or oat milk
- Stick to ½ banana per serving
- Add fiber-rich chia seeds
- Skip added sugars and use cinnamon to amplify flavor
I often make this version before a big writing day, when I need focus without a sugar crash:
- ½ cup oats
- ½ banana
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup water or almond milk
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- Tiny splash of vanilla extract
Top with a few fresh blueberries or just eat it straight from the jar. This banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe doesn’t just help with weight loss—it satisfies cravings in a deeply comforting way.
And if you ever want to mix things up, try swapping bananas for sautéed apples and a sprinkle of chocolate chips—just like my easy apple chocolate chip cookies, but in oat form.
base and save a little for dusting the top right before serving—it’s a little morning magic ritual.

Serving Up Your Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats Recipe Right
Once you find your groove with a banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe, it becomes more than just a meal—it’s a rhythm. A little prep the night before turns into a warm welcome the next morning. It’s perfect for busy weeks, back-to-school chaos, or those mornings when you just need something kind and familiar.
Here’s how I make the most of it:
- Make-Ahead: These oats keep beautifully for up to four days. Use individual jars for grab-and-go ease.
- Texture Preferences: Like it thick? Use less liquid. Creamy and spoonable? Add an extra splash of milk before serving.
- Serving Ideas: I love topping mine with crushed walnuts, coconut shreds, or a drizzle of almond butter. Want it warm? Just microwave for 30–45 seconds and stir.
Whether you’re prepping two jars or ten, a banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe scales like a dream. And it always brings you back to that feeling of being taken care of—even if you’re the one doing the caring.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mason jars with lids or any airtight containers
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A fork (to mash your banana)
- A spoon (for devouring joy)

FAQ: Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats Questions Answered
What not to add in overnight oats?
Avoid ingredients that go soggy or spoil quickly. Skip crunchy toppings like granola until serving. Also avoid watery fruits (like watermelon) and citrus (which can curdle dairy). Keep it simple—your banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe will shine without the fuss.
Can I add cinnamon to my overnight oats?
Yes, and you should! It’s the key flavor in your banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe, adding depth, spice, and a touch of comfort.
Is banana and cinnamon good before bed?
Yes. Bananas provide magnesium and potassium—muscle-relaxing minerals—while cinnamon can stabilize blood sugar. A small serving of this banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe in the evening can help calm your system, especially when paired with warm almond milk.
Should you put bananas in overnight oats?
Yes! They add sweetness, creaminess, and a touch of nostalgia to every bite. A banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe without banana? That’s just not the same.
Conclusion: A Spoonful of Home
The banana cinnamon overnight oats recipe isn’t just a make-ahead breakfast—it’s a soft place to land. A jar full of comfort that catches you before the day gets too loud.
For me, it holds the smell of Granny’s apron, the quiet of early morning light, and the way food can feel like a hug before the world wakes up. Over the years, I’ve shared this recipe with friends healing from heartbreak, new moms finding their rhythm, and even exhausted chefs looking for just one thing to be easy.
It never disappoints. It grounds you, nourishes you, and asks for so little in return.
And if you’re craving more soul-nourishing breakfasts, head over to my collection of wholesome bowls & spreads—they’re built with heart, just like this one.
I’d love to hear how your oats turned out—drop a comment or share your twist on this recipe. Because cooking should feel like home, and you’re always welcome in mine.
Want more behind-the-scenes bites and real-time recipes?
Come hang out with me on Facebook and Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations!
Table of Contents

Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting, make-ahead breakfast inspired by cozy mornings in Granny’s kitchen. Creamy, naturally sweetened, and customizable for any dietary preference.
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup almond or oat milk
- 1 small banana, mashed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- Pinch of salt
- Drizzle of maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- In a jar, mash the banana well.
- Stir in oats, milk, cinnamon, chia seeds, and salt.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Stir in the morning and top with sliced banana, chopped walnuts, or granola.
Notes
Double the batch for meal prep and store in jars for up to 3 days. For added protein, stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a spoonful of almond butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana cinnamon overnight oats, vegan breakfast, make-ahead oatmeal, healthy breakfast, protein oats