Banana and Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Tammy Overhoff

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This Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats recipe is rich, chocolaty, and delicious. It’s easy to make, uses simple, wholesome pantry ingredients, and the perfect portable healthy breakfast recipe. Make a few jars on Sunday to enjoy all week.

Banana and Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe (1)

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Overnight oats are a great way to enjoy dessert-like flavors without all the processed sugar and junk. So, if you have a morning sweet tooth, then a jar of creamy oats will be your new favorite breakfast.

Some of my favorite chocolate overnight oat recipes include this chocolate peanut butter overnight oats (hello Reese fans!), chocolate cherry overnight oats, Salted turtle overnight oats, chocolate overnight oats with yogurt, almond joy overnight oats, and this chocolate banana overnight oats.

There is just something about bananas and chocolate together. We feel good because it’s a fruit, but then a part of us feels guilty because there’s chocolate too.

Well, you don’t need to feel guilty when enjoying both of these foods in overnight oats. Nope.

Instead, we can eat a jar guilt-free because we get the decadent flavors of chocolate and bananas but with all the nutrition from wholesome oats, chia seeds, and coconut milk.

Reasons you’ll love this recipe

  • Curbs a chocolate craving – Let’s start with the most important! If you’re trying to break the morning donut habit, a jar of chocolate banana overnight oats will help!
  • No refined sugar – Nope, only sweetened with the goodness of bananas and a touch of pure maple syrup.
  • Gluten-free – all of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free
  • Quick and easy – All you have to do is put the ingredients in a jar and stick it in the fridge. No cooking and no fuss.
  • Uses pantry ingredients – You likely have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now.
  • Meal prep – In less than 5 minutes, you can have breakfast ready for the week.

Ingredients

Rolled oats – this is the star of overnight oats. Rolled oats are also called old-fashioned oats, and you can find them in the grocery store’s cereal aisle.

Don’t use instant oats because you’’ end up with a jar of mush. Also, skip steel-cut oats because those will result in crunchy oats. Rolled oats are perfect.

Rolled oats are naturally gluten-free, but there can be cross-contamination in processing. So, if you are gluten-intolerant, read the package before purchasing a bag to make sure they are certified gluten-free.

Cacao powder – gives the oats a rich chocolate flavor but with all the benefits of a superfood. Cacao powder has been know to help with digestive health, heart health, and improved cognitive function. You can also use unsweetened cocoa powder.

Cinnamon – this adds a warm, delicious layer of flavor to the oatmeal.

Chia seeds – I add chia seeds to all of my overnight oats recipes. It provides fiber, protein, and omega 3’s

Pure vanilla extract – this adds extra flavor.

Unsweetened coconut milk – To keep this a vegan overnight oats recipe, I prefer to use coconut or almond milk. I recommend choosing an unsweetened one, so you don’t add extra sugar. Of course, any milk will work in this recipe.

Banana – For extra banana flavor and sweetness, use a ripe banana.

Pure maple syrup – if you need more sweetness, stir in one or two teaspoons of pure maple syrup.

Cacao nibs – serves the same function as chocolate chips but has the same benefits as cacao powder. I like to sprinkle some on top in the morning.

Banana and Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe (2)

FAQS

Is it bad to eat overnight oats every morning?

Nope, not this recipe! It’s portion-controlled, skips the refined sugar, and includes wholesome ingredients that’ll give you energy and keep you full all morning.

Are you suppose to eat overnight oats cold?

Yes, that’s the plan. The theory behind overnight oats is that you assemble a jar and then refrigerate overnight, so breakfast is ready in the morning. The oats process in the liquid and turn into a creamy pudding-like treat that’s meant to be enjoyed cold.

With that said, if you don’t enjoy cold oatmeal, then you can warm up the oats on the stove or in the microwave. Either way, it’s delicious, and you’ll still get the benefits of eating a bowl of oatmeal every morning.

Cooking Tips

  • You can freeze leftover bananas. This recipe calls for half of a banana, so if you’re not making more than one jar, then you’ll have extras. Instead of watching it brown in the refrigerator, or tossing it, freeze leftover bananas to use in a recipe later on.
  • Loosen up the oats with a splash of milk. After the oats have soaked up the milk, they will likely be on the thick side in the morning. If this is the case, simply stir in one to two teaspoons of milk (or more) until you get the consistency you want.
  • Stir in your favorite superfoods. One of the great things about overnight oats is you can hide in different superfoods. Flaxseeds, hemp hearts, coconut oil, collagen, and protein powder are just a few you can use in this recipe.
  • You can use other containers. I prefer to use mason jars when I make overnight oats. They are perfect for portion control and are portable. But, you can use any jar or container. Also, you can make a big batch of overnight oats and store them in a large container. In the morning, just scoop out the portion you want.

Supplies

  • 16-ounce mason jars (wide or regular mouth)
  • Plastic mason jar lids

How to Make Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats

Banana and Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe (3)
  • In a 16-ounce mason jar, combine rolled oats, cacao powder, cinnamon, and chia seeds.
  • Stir together until you evenly distribute all of the ingredients. You don’t want to pour in the wet ingredients without stirring the dry first because you’ll end up with clumps of cacao powder and cinnamon.
  • Then stir in the coconut milk, vanilla, and banana.
  • Put the lid on and place the jar in the refrigerator overnight.
  • In the morning, stir the oats. Add in pure maple syrup, if needed, for additional sweetness.
  • If the oats seem thick, add a splash of coconut milk to loosen it up to get the consistency you want.
Banana and Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe (4)

Storage Tips

To meal prep

You can make up to 5 jars of this banana chocolate overnight oats recipes on Sunday to enjoy for a healthy breakfast during the week.

Please note that the longer the oats sit in the liquid, the thicker the consistency will be when you go to eat them. As I said, stir in a couple of splashes of milk, and that will get it back to a creamy consistency.

To freeze

You can freeze together in a quart-size freezer bag or mason jar the dry ingredients and banana. When you plan to make the recipe, add the ingredients to a jar (if not already) and add the liquid. Continue with the recipe.See more freezer meal prep overnight oats tips.

Banana and Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe (5)

Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats

This Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats recipe is rich, chocolaty, and delicious. It’s easy to make, uses simple, wholesome pantry ingredients, and the perfect portable healthy breakfast recipe. Make a few jars on Sunday to enjoy all week.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast, breakfast recipe

Cuisine: American

Keyword: banana chocolate overnight oats, chocolate banana overnight oats

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours hours

Total Time: 8 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 person

Calories: 309kcal

Author: Organize Yourself Skinny

Equipment

  • 16-ounce mason jars

  • mason jar lids

Ingredients

  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon cacao powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1/2 banana peeled and chopped
  • 1-2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup if needed

Instructions

  • In a 16-ounce size mason jar stir together the rolled oats, cacao powder, cinnamon, and chia seeds.

  • Stir in the coconut milk, pure vanilla extract, and banana.

  • Put the lid on and place in the refrigerator overnight.

  • In the morning, give stir the oats. Stir n pure maple syrup, if needed, for additional sweetness. Add a little more coconut milk, if needed, to loosen it up until you get the consistency you want.

Video

Notes

How to Store the Recipe

To meal prep

You can make up to 5 jars of this banana chocolate overnight oats recipes on Sunday to enjoy for a healthy breakfast during the week. Please note that the longer the oats sit in the liquid, the thicker the consistency will be when you go to eat them. As I said, stir in a couple of splashes of milk, and that will get it back to a creamy consistency.

To freeze

You can freeze together in a quart-size freezer bag or mason jar the dry ingredients and banana. When you plan to make the recipe, add the ingredients to a jar (if not already) and add the liquid. Continue with the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 26mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 14g

Other Overnight Oats Recipes

  • Vanilla Overnight Oats
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
  • Pumpkin Overnight Oats
  • Cherry Overnight Oats
  • Blueberry Overnight Oats

See more of my healthy oatmeal recipes.

Did you make this recipe?

Have you tried this Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats recipe yet? If so, I’d love for you to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. We all learn from each other’s experiences. Also, it would be awesome if you could share a picture on Instagram and tag it #organizeyourselfskinny. I can’t wait to see it.

Banana and Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe (6)

About Tammy Overhoff

Hi, I’m Tammy Overhoff, a busy mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I am the owner, author, and recipe developer here at Organize Yourself Skinny. Since 2011 Organize Yourself Skinny has become a trusted resource for clean eating recipes to meal prep, reviews, and lifestyle hacks to help you fit healthy habits and routines into your busy schedule. Check out my online shop Reset & Flourish for all of my eBooks, Guides, and Bundles!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sam Grimwood says

    Does the nutritional information on this recipe included the 1-2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup if needed?

    • Tammy Overhoff says

      Yes it does, it includes 2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup in the calculation. Hope that helps.

      Reply

  2. Suzanne says

    This was delicious!! As a working mom of three, I love the convenience!
    I did substitute almond milk instead of coconut milk, because that is what we have on hand. Excited to make this part of my meals to eat at work.

    Reply

  3. Fran says

    Can these be made hot? I prefer hot oatmeal.

    Reply

  4. Emma Pacey says

    Hello there, how many points is this on Weightwatchers today? I know it says 7 is that still the same now?

    Thank you so much

    Emma

    Reply

    • BrendaH says

      From the nutritional information given, I calculated it to be 8 Freestyle Points.

      Reply

  5. Ashley says

    Can I make this with 1% or whole milk? And honey instead of maple syrup?

    Reply

    • Tammy Kresge says

      Yes to both!

      Reply

  6. Jewel says

    Banana and Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe (7)
    Can I heat it up? I prefer something hot for breakfast

    Reply

  7. Michelle says

    Do you think it would taste weird if i made it with water instead of coconut milk..?

    Reply

    • Tammy Kresge says

      Not sure I never made with water. I am thinking it would be a lot less creamy.

      Reply

  8. Robin says

    Banana and Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe (8)
    Great alternative to the commercially sold chocolate.
    I like the sweet touch of maple syrup.

    Reply

  9. Sophia says

    When you write “cocoa powder” is that nesquick (w/ sugar) or do you use the unsweetened kind?

    Reply

    • Tammy Kresge says

      It is Hersey’s unsweetened cocoa powder

      Reply

  10. Nancy Orloski says

    Is there a reason that you say these over night oats only last 3 days? Should I not be making 5 for a whole week of breakfasts at once?
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Tammy Kresge says

      You can probably make them for 5 days. I just find they taste best when only making 3 at a time.

      Reply

    • Tammy Kresge says

      In my experience, I feel that overnight oats taste best when only made 3 days ahead of time.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

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Banana and Chocolate Overnight Oats Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

Here's what not to do when making overnight oats.
  1. Using water instead of milk. ...
  2. Forgetting to add salt. ...
  3. Using instant or steel cut oats. ...
  4. Adding berries to your oats at night. ...
  5. Not stirring your overnight oats. ...
  6. Forgetting to add spices and seasonings. ...
  7. Omitting nuts and seeds. ...
  8. Assuming you have to eat it cold.
Oct 21, 2023

Are overnight oats still healthy? ›

While overnight oats are a nutritious, convenient, and substantial breakfast alternative, they can also aid in weight loss. When you eat oats, you won't overeat because they have beta-glucan, which makes you feel full.

What makes overnight oats taste better? ›

You only need two ingredients to make overnight oats, which are, of course, milk and oats. But it probably won't taste very good, and by adding in Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and a drizzle of your favorite sweetener, you're really creating a well-rounded breakfast.

How long should I let overnight oats sit? ›

Or do I have to wait overnight? Waiting overnight allows the oats and chia seeds to fully hydrate and soften the oatmeal. We recommend waiting four to five hours for the best experience, but some customers do enjoy eating it immediately for a more textured, chewy oatmeal.

Why should we not eat oats at night? ›

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

Can I eat overnight oats every night? ›

Is it ok to eat overnight oats every day? Overnight oats are perfectly safe to be eaten every day. You may even eat them every morning if you like. However, some say that they feel oats give them digestive issues; overnight oats are not unsafe for those without medical conditions that affect digestion.

Do overnight oats spike blood sugar? ›

Specific research on overnight oats from 2019 reveals that oats maintain their lower blood sugar impact and insulin response when soaked in skim milk overnight. Now that you know some of the benefits of oats, you may be looking for some tasty recipes for overnight oats.

Are overnight oats good for your gut? ›

Oats improve gut health

The Beta-Glucan in oats promotes bile-acid excretion which transports toxins out of your gut. The resistant starches found in oats also provide a rich food source for the friendly bacteria that live in your gut, which helps keep your microbiome in good balance.

Why do overnight oats go bad? ›

Overnight oats will begin to deteriorate after the 2nd or 3rd day in the fridge, mostly due to the other ingredients added to the batch; and, they usually lose their texture and go bad after the fourth day. Make sure that you're storing them in an airtight container in the fridge.

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

Whatever you do, steer clear of the worst offenders: dried fruit with added sugars, like Craisins or dried pineapple. "These are almost always made with added sugar, if not also an artificial sweetener, says Pennsylvania-based RD Gina Consalvo. "Always choose a fresh fruit instead." Need hard proof?

What is the best container for overnight oats? ›

Ball Mason Jars are a classic choice for preparing overnight oats, and as an added bonus, they're generally inexpensive to buy. These 8-ounce versions come in a pack of two for just $10, but you can also buy sets of 12 jars if you want to stock up.

Do you eat overnight oats cold? ›

Overnight oats are, by definition, served cold in the morning. Overnight oats are oats that are soaked in a liquid overnight so that the oats can absorb the liquid - no heating up necessary. The liquid can really be anything. It can be milk, a milk-alternative like almond or soy, or water.

What liquid to use for overnight oats? ›

The only ratio you need to remember when making overnight oats is 1:1. You'll soak one part rolled oats with one part liquid overnight. Use less liquid if you want thicker oatmeal, more if you like it runny. You can use water or any type of milk (like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc.)

Do you have to put a lid on overnight oats? ›

I recommend using a glass jar that has a lid that can be tightly sealed to make and store overnight oats. This ensures that the oats will stay fresh as they soak and not pick up any other odors that might be in the refrigerator.

Can Oats Overnight be used as a meal replacement? ›

It's a perfect option if you're looking for a great-tasting and healthy substitute for your daily smoothie, snack, breakfast, or meal replacement shake.

What can you not mix with oats? ›

Some unhealthy toppings for oatmeal include:
  • Sugary syrups like maple syrup or honey.
  • Candied or dried fruit with added sugar.
  • Chocolate chips or other candy.
  • Sweetened whipped cream or heavy cream.
  • Granola or other high-sugar cereals.
  • Sweetened coconut flakes.
  • Artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes.
Feb 13, 2023

Can you make overnight oats wrong? ›

Using the wrong oat-to-milk ratio: If you don't add enough milk, some of the oats will soak up all of the liquid before the rest of the oats can absorb any, creating an uneven texture. Some oats will be very soft while others might still be chewy.

Why do my overnight oats taste so bad? ›

While overnight oats are a healthy breakfast option, they can taste bland if you don't add any sweetener. Some people skip the sweetener altogether, thinking that the fruit they add will be enough. However, a little bit of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar can go a long way in making your oats more enjoyable.

Why did my overnight oats not work? ›

Since overnight oats are really just oats that have been left to soften for hours in liquid — usually milk of some sort — to break down and become porridge-like, if you use too little liquid, the oats won't be able to soften enough and get that creamy consistency. Instead you'll have something more like cement.

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