You don’t need protein powder to make a satisfying breakfast! These banana bread overnight oats are sweet, creamy, and full of cozy banana bread flavor, with over 20 grams of protein per serving.
My husband and I have been extra busy lately, and these have been saving our mornings. I love that I can spend five minutes prepping a nutritious breakfast the night before and wake up to something delicious and filling.
Want more tasty oatmeal recipes? I’ve got lots! My double chocolate cottage cheese muffins, peanut butter cup overnight oats, and salted honey nut granola are some of my favorites.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Overnight Oats
- They taste like banana bread. Sweet banana, warming cinnamon, and creamy oats make breakfast feel like a treat.
- 20+ grams of protein without powder. A surprisingly filling breakfast without a drop of protein powder.
- Five minutes of prep. Mix everything together before bed and wake up to breakfast that’s ready to eat.
- Easy to customize. Add your favorite toppings or adjust the sweetness to make them your own.
PS. I’ve got other overnight oats without protein powder! Try my cinnamon roll overnight oats, nutella overnight oats, or blueberry cheesecake overnight oats.
Key Ingredient Notes
Ripe banana: Use a brown, spotty banana for the best flavor and natural sweetness. The riper your banana, the less additional sweetener you’ll need.
Milk: I prefer higher-protein milk like Fairlife to boost the protein without adding powder. Some ultra-filtered milks have up to 20 grams of protein per cup! Regular milk and plant-based alternatives work too, but the total protein will vary.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and protein. I typically use 2%, but any fat percentage works.
Large flake oats: I prefer these over quick oats because they hold their texture better after soaking.
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe.
How to Make Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Step 1: Add ingredients to a jar and stir. Cover and refrigerate for 4+ hours.
Step 2: Right before eating, stir and add toppings. Enjoy!
Miranda’s Tips
Tips From My Test Kitchen
- Choose your milk strategically. Higher-protein milk is an easy way to boost the protein content without protein powder.
- Use a very ripe banana. It makes a big difference in sweetness and flavor.
If you love banana, try my protein-packed oatmeal banana pancakes, viral blender banana muffins, or high-protein banana pudding.
Storage and Meal Prep
Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Add fresh banana and crunchy toppings right before eating for the best texture.
Common Questions
Yes! Quick oats work, but they’ll create a softer texture. I prefer large flake oats because they hold up better overnight. Steel cut oats will not work.
You can, but you’ll lose some protein and creaminess.
Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder before refrigerating. This will thicken your oats, so add an extra splash of milk if needed.
More Delicious Overnight Oats
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats
Peanut Butter Cup Overnight Oats
Peach Cobbler Overnight Oats
Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Equipment
- jar with lid (or food container of choice)
Ingredients
Overnight oats
- ½ ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup large flake oats
- ½ cup milk, I prefer higher protein milk like Fairlife
- ¼ cup plain greek yogurt
- ½ Tbsp maple syrup or honey
- ½ Tbsp chia seeds
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- splash of vanilla extract
Toppings
- sliced banana
- chopped walnuts or pecans
- more maple syrup, if desired
Instructions
- Add all ingredients for overnight oats except toppings to your jar or food container. Stir, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
- When you’re ready to eat, stir your overnight oats and add toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add ½-1 scoop of your favorite protein powder if desired.
- Make sure your banana is brown and spotty for the best flavor.
- Nutrition facts are calculated without toppings.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
