Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats Recipe

Banana cream pie for breakfast? Yes, please! This banana cream pie overnight oats recipe is one of those magical creations that feels like an indulgent dessert but is actually packed with nutrition to kickstart your day. Imagine all the creamy, dreamy flavors of a classic banana cream pie layered into a convenient mason jar, ready for you in the morning. It’s rich, satisfying, and just a little decadent – but all made with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about. Plus, the preparation takes just a few minutes, and the fridge does the rest of the work overnight.

I first whipped up these banana cream pie oats when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want the heaviness of an actual pie. One bite, and I was hooked – the graham cracker “crust” at the bottom adds the perfect nostalgic touch. Now, I make these oats regularly, especially when I know I’ll have a busy morning ahead. They’re easy, filling, and taste like a treat, even if they’re actually good for you!

this RECIPE

The story behind banana cream pie (and why it’s perfect for oats) 🍌

Banana cream pie is a classic American dessert that dates back to the 19th century, evolving from custard pies popular in the United Kingdom. By the early 20th century, bananas had become more accessible and affordable in the United States, leading to a boom in banana recipes, including the now-famous banana cream pie. Traditionally, this pie has a buttery crust, a creamy banana-flavored filling, and a whipped topping, sometimes garnished with extra banana slices or even chocolate shavings.

Translating this pie into an overnight oats recipe keeps all the best parts – the banana, creamy filling, and even a bit of a graham cracker crust – without the need to bake. It’s a quick, healthy twist on a beloved dessert that’s perfect for breakfast!

Let’s talk ingredients: what you need and some handy swaps

• Graham cracker crumbs: These form the “crust” layer at the bottom of the jar. It’s a small amount, but it makes a big difference in taste. If you’re gluten-free, you can easily swap for gluten-free graham crackers or use crushed oats instead.
• Banana: Half a ripe banana gives this recipe its natural sweetness and creamy texture. The riper the banana, the sweeter your oats will be! You could also try substituting mashed mango or applesauce if you want to mix it up.
• Milk: Use any milk you prefer! Regular, almond, oat, or soy milk all work well. The milk softens the oats and brings everything together overnight.
• Maple syrup: This adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the yogurt’s tanginess. You could use honey, agave, or even skip it if your banana is very ripe.
• Vanilla Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein. If you want a dairy-free option, go for coconut yogurt or almond yogurt.
• Oats: You can use quick, minute, or rolled oats, but avoid steel-cut oats as they won’t soften enough overnight. Rolled oats give a nice chewy texture, while quick oats make for a softer consistency.
• Chia seeds: These add fiber, healthy fats, and a thick, pudding-like texture. If you’re not a fan of chia, flax seeds are a good substitute.
• Vanilla protein powder: This boosts the protein content and enhances the vanilla flavor. If you don’t have protein powder, you can skip it, but the oats will be less filling without it.

Kitchen gear: What you need for this recipe

The beauty of overnight oats is that they don’t require fancy kitchen gadgets. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 10 oz mason jar or glass container: This is perfect for layering the oats and graham cracker crust. Plus, it’s easy to cover and store in the fridge. If you don’t have a mason jar, any container with a lid works.
• Mixing bowl: You’ll need a medium bowl to combine the oat mixture. I find it easier to mix the ingredients in a bowl before pouring them into the jar.
• Spoon: To press the graham cracker crumbs into the jar and layer the creamy oat mixture on top.

If you want to make multiple jars at once, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just line up a few mason jars, prep everything in a mixing bowl, and distribute the layers evenly.

Step-by-step: How to make banana cream pie overnight oats

1. Start with the crust: In the bottom of a 10 oz mason jar or glass container, combine the graham cracker crumbs with a bit of milk. You want it moist enough to hold together but not too wet. Press it gently with a spoon to form a crust layer. This is the part that gives your oats that “pie” feel, so don’t skip it!
2. Make the creamy banana mixture: In a medium bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the milk, maple syrup, vanilla Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract, and whisk until everything is well combined. This mixture will smell amazing, like a cross between banana bread and vanilla pudding.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the oats, chia seeds, and vanilla protein powder. Mix well so the oats and chia seeds are evenly distributed. The chia seeds will absorb liquid overnight and thicken the mixture.
4. Assemble and refrigerate: Pour the banana oat mixture over the graham cracker crust in your jar. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap, then place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 3 hours, but it’s best to leave it overnight so the flavors meld and the oats fully soften.
5. Add the toppings: In the morning, add a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess. Garnish with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a little crunch if you like.

Fun variations to try

• Chocolate banana cream pie oats: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the oat mixture for a chocolatey twist. You can also sprinkle chocolate chips on top in the morning for an extra treat.
• Peanut butter banana oats: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter with the milk and yogurt mixture. Peanut butter adds a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with banana.
• Vegan version: Use a non-dairy milk (like almond or coconut) and swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based version. Skip the protein powder or use a vegan option.
• Lower sugar: Use plain Greek yogurt instead of vanilla and add a few drops of vanilla extract instead. Skip the maple syrup if your banana is very ripe.
• Extra fruity: Try layering some fresh berries between the graham cracker crust and the oat mixture. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries all work well.

Serving suggestions: Make it look (and taste) amazing

To make these oats feel a little fancier, serve them in a pretty glass jar or bowl. For garnishing, I like to add a few fresh banana slices on top along with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even add a drizzle of honey or a dusting of cinnamon. These little touches make the oats feel special – almost like you’re having breakfast at a cute café!

Beverage pairings

These banana cream pie overnight oats go beautifully with a range of beverages. Here are a few favorites:

• Iced coffee or cold brew: The bold flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the banana and maple syrup.
• Chai latte: The warming spices of a chai latte pair nicely with the vanilla and banana flavors in the oats.
• Banana smoothie: If you’re a banana lover, go all in with a banana smoothie on the side! Blend a banana with some milk and ice for an extra creamy, refreshing drink.
• Matcha latte: A matcha latte adds a subtle, earthy contrast to the oats’ sweetness and gives you a nice boost of energy.

Storing and reheating tips

These oats are best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, but they’ll last for up to 3 days if kept covered. If you’re making a batch for multiple days, hold off on adding the banana slices and crushed graham crackers on top until you’re ready to eat – they’ll stay fresher that way.

Scaling the recipe for more servings

Want to make these for the whole family? This recipe is easy to double, triple, or even quadruple. Just use a larger mixing bowl and prep multiple mason jars at once. The only adjustment you might need to make is to add a bit more milk if you’re making a big batch, as oats can absorb moisture quickly.

Troubleshooting tips

• Too thick: If the oats are too thick in the morning, add a splash of milk and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Too runny: If you find the mixture didn’t thicken enough, try adding a bit more chia seed or protein powder next time to absorb extra liquid.
• Banana browning: To keep banana slices from browning, add them right before eating or toss them in a bit of lemon juice.

Give these banana cream pie overnight oats a try!

There’s something wonderfully indulgent yet wholesome about these banana cream pie overnight oats. They’re perfect for busy mornings or a cozy, make-ahead treat. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do – and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and toppings to make them your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats don’t soften as much overnight, so I’d recommend sticking with rolled or quick oats for the best texture.

2. How long can I store overnight oats?
These overnight oats will last for up to 3 days in the fridge, but they’re best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

3. Can I make this recipe without protein powder?
Yes, you can skip the protein powder! The oats will still taste great, but they’ll be a bit lower in protein.

4. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free graham crackers, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

5. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
Any creamy yogurt will work, including coconut or almond yogurt for a dairy-free version.

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