Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats

These deliciously creamy chocolate banana overnight oats have that rich chocolatey goodness we all love. They’re easy to prep and are a healthy, wholesome, make-ahead treat. Enjoy as a decadent breakfast, a filling snack, or on the go.

Don’t you just crave something chocolatey sometimes? Well, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: chocolate banana overnight oats. It’s the ultimate indulgence that’s actually good for you!

Plus, it’s sweetened with just ripe banana and made with common ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. And the best part? It’s ready in a flash. Trust me, you won’t regret giving this recipe a try!

These chocolate banana overnight oats are a delicious and healthy treat option that is easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for busy mornings or as a healthy snack.

Jump to:

• What is chocolate banana overnight oats
• Ingredients you’ll need
• How to make chocolate banana overnight oats
• Recipe video
• Tips & recipe notes
• Variations, additions & swaps
• Serving suggestions
• Storage tips
• FAQs
• Recipe

What is chocolate banana overnight oats

If you’re not familiar with overnight oats, they’re uncooked oats left to soften in a liquid (milk, usually) overnight. They’re customizable, super easy to make, and will help keep you full and energized.

There are countless flavor options for overnight oats, making it easy to switch things up and enjoy a different taste sensation every day. From fruity variations like apple cinnamon and mango coconut to indulgent flavors like chunky monkey and almond joy, the possibilities are endless.

The chocolate banana overnight oats combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the heartiness of oats. It’s so good!

Ingredients you’ll need

For these chocolate banana overnight oats, you’re going to need a few easy-to-find ingredients.

• Banana: Mashed banana naturally sweetens the oats, as well as contributes to their creamy consistency. You need one small ripe banana, which should be spotted with brown as an indicator of ripeness.
• Cacao Powder: It provides chocolate flavor to our overnight oats and also boosts it with antioxidants. You can use cocoa powder as well.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Rolled oats the best oats for overnight oats because they have a flat, oval shape that helps them soak up liquid easily. When you soak or cook rolled oats, they become pleasantly chewy. Quick-cooking oats are also an option, but they tend to become too mushy and lose their texture when soaked overnight. Use gluten-free rolled oats if needed.
• Almond Milk: I like using unsweetened almond milk for recipes like this because of its neutral flavor, but feel free to use any type of milk that suits your taste preferences. Use a dairy-free option (oat, cashew, coconut) to keep this vegan if needed. Soy milk is great for added protein.
• Chia Seeds: I always make overnight oats with chia seeds as they add a nutritional boost (omega-3 fatty acids and protein). They also help absorb some of the liquid, which gives the oats a thicker consistency.
• Salt: A tiny pinch of salt is a good flavor enhancer.

Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are located in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. This section covers notes on ingredients and possible substitutions.

How to make chocolate banana overnight oats

Making overnight oats is as simple as stirring together the ingredients. I prefer to do it in three steps to avoid clumps:

1. Start by peeling a ripe banana and placing it in a bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the banana until it is smooth and pureed thoroughly.
2. Next, add cacao powder and a pinch of salt to the mashed banana and mix until well combined.
3. Finally, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, and almond milk to the mixture. Stir everything well until all ingredients are combined.

After that, cover and refrigerate oats overnight (or for at least 4 hours). The oatmeal softens and thickens into a pudding-like consistency.

When ready to consume, uncover the container, stir the mixture again before serving, add toppings if you like, and enjoy!

Recipe video

Watch how to make this recipe:

Tips & recipe notes

• I find it easier to mix the ingredients in a big container or bowl. However, you can also make this recipe directly in an individual jar, such as mason jars or weck jars. For the amount of ingredients listed for this recipe, you might need 3 to 4 jars.
• You can adjust the ratio of liquid to oats according to your preference. If you prefer a thicker and creamier texture, use less liquid. If you prefer a thinner consistency, use more liquid. It’s always best to start with a smaller amount of liquid and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency. This way, you can even adjust the consistency after oats are soaked.
• Avoid using steel-cut oats for this recipe. They have a longer cooking time compared to rolled or quick oats, and they require more liquid to cook. Soaking steel cut oats overnight may not be enough to soften them to the desired texture, which can result in a chewy and unpleasant texture.

Variations, additions & swaps

By experimenting with different swaps and variations, you can create your own unique version of chocolate banana overnight oats that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.

• While I personally enjoy the natural sweetness of banana, you can certainly add extra sweetness to the mixture if you prefer. Some options for additional sweeteners include maple syrup or honey.
• For an extra boost of healthy fats and flavor, try adding a spoonful of nut butter like peanut butter, almond butter, or hazelnut butter to the mixture. This is an easy way to take this recipe to the next level.
• Easily add more protein to overnight oats by adding 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder. Chocolate protein powder works great here. A high protein yogurt, such as greek yogurt and dairy-free soy yogurt, is also a good option for extra protein boost.
• You can make these chocolate banana overnight oats with yogurt for added creaminess.
• You can add different spices or flavorings, such as cinnamon or vanilla extract, to add extra depth to the recipe and complement the overall natural sweet taste.

Note: The amount of liquid needed for your overnight oats may vary depending on the other ingredients you use. My advice is to let the oats soak overnight, then adjust the liquid when you’re ready to eat them. That way, you can get the perfect consistency every time.

Serving suggestions

I absolute love topping my chocolate banana overnight oats with a spoonful of peanut butter and a sprinkle of cacao nibs to add some texture. It’s a yummy and effortless way to serve it up!

You can also:

• Top with fresh sliced bananas and a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Add a dollop of greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Mix in some chopped dark chocolate for extra richness.
• Sprinkle with chopped nuts, such as cashews, almonds, or pecans.
• Add a spoonful of almond butter or cashew butter and some sliced strawberries or raspberries.
• Top with a sprinkle of shredded coconut and some sliced mango. (And don’t forget to check our chocolate mango smoothie recipe!)
• Add some granola on top for extra crunch. We love our easy vegan granola and peanut butter granola!

Storage tips

After preparing your chocolate banana overnight oats, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re the perfect make-ahead breakfast!

If you have leftover overnight oats that you don’t plan on eating within 3 days, you can freeze them. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating. Note that freezing and thawing may affect the texture of your oats. Freeze only if necessary.

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