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    Home » Breakfast

    Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats (Vegan)

    Published: Apr 28, 2022 · Modified: Dec 8, 2022 by Samantha Ensinger · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    banana cinnamon overnight oats in jars.

    These banana cinnamon overnight oats are dairy-free, vegan, and easy to make gluten-free. They have a delicious banana bread flavor without being too sweet! They are made with almond milk, chia seeds, and cinnamon to create a healthy breakfast that is packed with fiber to keep you full throughout the day.

    two jars of banana cinnamon overnight oats on a wire tray, with fresh banana slices on top.

    Banana cinnamon is one of those flavor combinations that taste delicious no matter what time of year it is. You can enjoy these overnight oats for breakfast, lunch, a midday snack, or even an after-dinner dessert! They are so versatile, healthy, and so easy to prepare. Even your kids will love these oats!

    If you're a fan of easy oatmeal recipes, I have a lot more for you to try after this. This vegan birthday cake overnight oats recipe is one of the most popular on the blog!

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love These Oats
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Topping Ideas
    • Easy Flavor Variations
    • Expert Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Storing & Freezing
    • More Healthy Vegan Oatmeal Recipes
    • Recipe

    Why You'll Love These Oats

    • Banana Cinnamon Flavor - The perfect flavor pairing without being too sweet.
    • Super Easy - It only takes 5 minutes to mix the ingredients in one bowl.
    • Convenient - Busy mornings are no problem when you can grab oats and go.
    • No-Cook Oatmeal - Again, these are easy oats. No cooking required!
    • Dairy-Free & Vegan - The oats are completely vegan (dairy-free and egg-free). They are oil-free and refined sugar-free, too!
    • Easy to Make GF - Use gluten-free oats and this recipe becomes gluten-free.

    Ingredients

    You only need 6 healthy ingredients for this oatmeal recipe. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! This is a great way to use up spotty bananas you have laying around.

    all ingredients to make the recipe prepared in small dishes and measuring cups, laid out on a marble surface.
    • Bananas - Use ripe, spotty bananas for the best flavor. Spotty, brown bananas are sweeter than green-yellow bananas that are not as ripe.
    • Oats - Use old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats, not steel-cut oats. Use certified gluten-free oats if you want to make the recipe gluten-free.
    • Cinnamon - Any ground cinnamon works well. In a pinch, you can use nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice instead, but the flavor will be a bit different.
    • Chia Seeds - Chia seeds add fiber and protein to the oats and absorb some of the liquid, helping them become thicker overnight. You can also use ground flaxseed.
    • Plant Milk - Any unsweetened plant milk works well. I use almond milk, but oat milk, coconut milk, and soy milk are great options. Use sweetened plant milk if you like sweeter oatmeal.
    • Vanilla Extract - A splash of vanilla brings out the delicious flavors in the recipe.

    Remember to see the recipe card at the end of the post for ingredient quantities.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    You only need one large mixing bowl to make the oats. No mixer is required; just a fork for mashing the bananas and a spoon to stir the rest. Here are step-by-step instructions for making the recipe:

    STEP 1: Add the bananas to a large bowl and use a fork to mash them into a creamy mixture. Some banana chunks are expected and okay to have, but the bananas should change from firm chunks to a soft mixture, like the picture shows.

    STEP 2: Add the rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the banana.

    a collage of four images demonstrating how to mash the banana, mix the oats, and chill the oats.

    STEP 3: Use a spoon to mix all the ingredients together until evenly combined. The oatmeal will be creamy and thin before chilling.

    STEP 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours to thicken. Overnight is best.

    STEP 5: Once chilled, give the oats another stir and add a splash of milk if the oats are too thick for your preference. Then, transfer the oats into individual serving jars.

    STEP 6: Add toppings as desired, like fresh banana slices, peanut butter, nuts, raisins, or simply enjoy the oatmeal plain. It is delicious either way!

    TIP: If you are not planning on eating all of the oatmeal at once, it's best to not add the toppings until right before serving to keep things fresh.

    two jars of banana oats with fresh banana slices on top and a dash of cinnamon.

    Topping Ideas

    There are so many yummy toppings you can add to your oats. Here are a few ideas!

    • Banana Slices - My favorite topping to add to enhance that rich banana flavor!
    • Peanut Butter - This makes for a delicious peanut butter banana taste. You can use almond butter too. Natural, creamy varieties are best.
    • Chopped Nuts - If you like a little crunch, add some walnuts or pecans on top.
    • Dairy-Free Whipped Cream - A dollop of coconut whipped cream makes these quite the treat, but still dairy-free!
    • Ground Cinnamon - A sprinkle of cinnamon over the oatmeal is the perfect touch.

    Easy Flavor Variations

    • Sweeter Oats - If you like your oatmeal a little bit sweeter, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup before chilling the oatmeal. You may also add 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar instead of maple syrup.
    • Overnight Oats With Yogurt - Mix in ⅓ cup dairy-free yogurt for super creamy banana oats. Vanilla or banana-flavored yogurt is a great choice.
    • Banana Nut Overnight Oats - Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts and 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed to the oatmeal.
    • Maple Cinnamon Overnight Oats - You can give these oats a maple cinnamon flavor by adding 1 teaspoon maple extract and 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup to the mixture.
    • Banana Raisin Overnight Oats - Add ½ cup raisins to the oatmeal and sprinkle some extra raisins on top!
    • Banana Almond Overnight Oats - Use almond milk and mix in 1 teaspoon pure almond extract. Stir in ⅓ cup sliced almonds if desired.

    These protein overnight oats are another great vegan breakfast option to try!

    Expert Tips for Success

    • Don't shorten the chill time - It's important to allow the oats to thicken for at least 4 hours in the fridge. Not chilling them (or chilling them for a shorter time) means the oats will be quite thin and runny instead of thick and creamy.
    • Customize to your liking - These banana cinnamon overnight oats are very versatile, so don't be afraid to get creative and add your favorite toppings and mix-ins!
    • Add toppings right before serving - The oats will stay fresh and last the longest if you add the toppings right before you eat them.
    • Store in jars with lids - I recommend keeping the oatmeal in single-serving jars with airtight lids. This makes it super convenient to grab and go on busy mornings!
    a spoonful of oatmeal with a fresh banana slice on the spoon, and a dash of cinnamon. The spoon is held above a jar of oats.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does banana go brown in overnight oats?

    Not really. The mashed banana mixed into the oatmeal does not noticeably turn brown since it is combined with other ingredients. If you top the oats with fresh banana slices, they may turn slightly brown over time. This is why it's best to add toppings right before serving.

    Are these banana overnight oats low calorie?

    There are approximately 358 calories in one serving of oats if you separate the mixture into two serving jars. If you use smaller jars and make 4 servings, there are approximately 180 calories in each serving.

    Is this a no-cook banana oatmeal recipe?

    Yes! No cooking or baking is required to make this recipe. After you combine the ingredients, the oatmeal chills in the fridge to set up overnight. Very easy!

    Is oatmeal with cinnamon good for you?

    Yes! Cinnamon has lots of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Oatmeal has lots of fiber and healthy carbohydrates to give you energy throughout the day. When mixed together, oatmeal with cinnamon is a delicious, healthy meal!

    How long do overnight oats last in the fridge?

    You can keep overnight oats in the fridge for 2-3 days. They are best enjoyed immediately, but taste good as leftovers, too.

    Storing & Freezing

    It's best to store oatmeal without any toppings to keep it fresh as long as possible. Store leftover oats in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Glass jars with lids are perfect for this! Stir the oatmeal upon reserving. If the oats become too thick, add an extra splash of almond milk or water to "freshen it up."

    Can you freeze overnight oats?

    Yes, you can freeze overnight oats, but the flavor is best when enjoyed immediately. You can freeze the oats in an airtight container (individual servings are easiest to thaw), but be mindful that the banana may become soft and lose some flavor during the freezing process. Freeze oats without any toppings for the best results.

    More Healthy Vegan Oatmeal Recipes

    • Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
    • Chocolate Baked Oats
    • Protein Overnight Oats
    • Vegan Carrot Cake Oatmeal

    Did you make these vegan banana cinnamon overnight oats? Please leave a star rating and review below! This really supports my blog and helps other readers who want to make the recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram and tag me, I would love to share what you made. To stay updated with the newest recipes, follow me on Pinterest and join my email list!

    Recipe

    two jars of banana cinnamon overnight oats with fresh banana slices on top.

    Banana Cinnamon Overnight Oats (Vegan)

    Samantha Ensinger
    These vegan banana cinnamon overnight oats are made with almond milk and chia seeds for a healthy start to your day. No cooking required! They are such a delicious, convenient breakfast with the perfect amount of sweetness. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Chill Time 4 hrs
    Total Time 4 hrs 5 mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 jars
    Calories 358 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
    • 2 Small Jars for serving

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 medium bananas ripe and spotty
    • 1 cup rolled oats gluten-free if desired
    • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or other plant milk
    • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the bananas until a creamy mixture forms. Some banana lumps are okay.
      2 medium bananas
    • Add the oats, almond milk, chia seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the bowl with the mashed banana.
      1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 2 tablespoons chia seeds, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are completely combined.
    • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the fridge to chill for 4 hours, or overnight.
    • Once chilled, stir the oats again and transfer the mixture to small, individual serving jars.
    • Add desired toppings such as banana slices, cinnamon, peanut butter, nuts, or raisins. Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    Storing: Store overnight oats without toppings in an airtight container in the fridge to keep for 2-3 days. Jars with airtight lids are perfect for this! Add toppings immediately before serving to keep the oatmeal fresh. Oats are best enjoyed within 3 days.
    Gluten-Free Version: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats or quick oats.
    Plant Milk: Any unsweetened plant milk works in the recipe, including almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, cashew milk, and coconut milk. You can use dairy milk if you are not vegan.
    Sweeter Oats: Add 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the oat mixture before chilling.
    Tip: Stir in an extra splash of milk or water to the oatmeal after chilling if it has become too thick for your liking.
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    Comments

    1. Autumn says

      April 29, 2022 at 3:58 am

      5 stars
      I'm always looking for good overnight oat recipes. This one is delicious! I had some for lunch at work and sent a jar with my son to school. He loved it! The banana cinnamon flavors are great together but it's not too sweet. It doesn't leave me feeling slumped like a lot of the other sugary oatmeal recipes. I'll be making this again! Thanks for the vegan and gluten-free options!

      Reply

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    Samantha, owner of savor the spoonful

    Hi, I'm Samantha! I created Savor The Spoonful during my sophomore year of college with the goal of sharing dietary-friendly recipes that are truly delicious. I'm passionate about inspiring others to live a life without food rules and dieting. That means enjoying desserts like these, and having fun while doing so. Learn more about me.

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