Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
- ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based such as almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 medium ripe banana (speckled for best sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (Greek or nondairy)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh banana slices
- Chopped nuts or seeds
- Fresh berries
- Nut butter drizzle
- Granola
Instructions
- Mash the Banana
In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana until mostly smooth. Some small lumps are fine—they add texture.
Tip: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more aromatic your oats. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl with the mashed banana. Stir in the chia seeds and rolled oats. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the oats are fully coated. - Transfer to a Jar
Spoon the mixture into a mason jar, meal-prep container, or bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Seal tightly.
Pro tip: Portable prep means you can grab and go—perfect for busy commutes! - Chill Overnight
Refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften.
*Quick hack: In a rush? Let sit just 2–3 hours for a softer, more porridge-like bowl.* - Enjoy and Add Toppings
In the morning, stir the oats and add a splash of milk if a thinner consistency is desired. Top with fresh banana slices, nuts, berries, or a drizzle of nut butter. Serve cold or at room temperature
Notes
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and yogurt (almond, coconut, or soy).
- High-Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder, cottage cheese, or extra Greek yogurt.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- Nut-Free: Swap almond milk for oat or soy milk, and top with roasted seeds (pumpkin or sunflower).
- Storage: Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After 48 hours, texture may soften but flavor remains.
- Meal Prep: Batch-prep several jars for hassle-free grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
- Topping Storage: For optimum crunch, add fruits, nuts, or granola right before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook / Refrigerator
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
