
There are a lot of overnight oats recipes out there that say they taste like banana bread—but let’s be honest, most of them are just cold oatmeal with a banana thrown in. This isn’t that. This jar is the real deal—creamy, cinnamon-spiced, nutty, sweet, and warm-flavored like a fresh slice of banana bread straight from the oven.
This was one of the first jars I made when I started testing overnight oats seriously, and from the very first bite, I knew I had something special. The mashed banana melts right into the oats overnight, soaking into every bite and carrying that nostalgic, cozy banana bread flavor. A little brown sugar brings that baked richness, the cinnamon does what cinnamon always does, and the walnuts? Oh, they’re the crunchy crown on top.
Why Banana Bread Overnight Oats Are My Weekday Superpower
If you’re new here, let me tell you—overnight oats have officially become one of my favorite time-saving, mom-life-friendly, delicious breakfast solutions. They’re:
- Quick to prep (5 minutes max)
- Made in advance (hello, restful mornings)
- Customizable AF (we’re talking bakery-level flavors)
- Kid-friendly (My toddler loves the fruitier jars)
- Naturally nutrient-rich with fiber, healthy fats, and whole grains
And when they taste like banana bread? Girl. It’s over. You’re gonna actually look forward to getting out of bed.
What You’ll Need (Just the Essentials)

This recipe keeps things simple and pantry-friendly:
- Old-fashioned oats (I use Quaker)
- Milk of your choice (dairy, oat, almond—all work)
- A ripe banana
- Cinnamon + brown sugar or maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped walnuts
- Optional: a swirl of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for that frosting-like finish
You can build this in a mason jar, a little bowl, or whatever container you’ve got. I’ve used everything from mini jam jars to ceramic ramekins, and they all work beautifully.
How to Make Banana Bread Overnight Oats
Here’s the exact method I use (you can also copy this straight into your meal prep routine):
- Mash half a banana right in the bottom of the jar.
- Add oats, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and sweetener. Stir it all together.
- Mix in your walnuts and optional swirl of cream cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.
- Seal the jar and pop it in the fridge overnight.
- Top in the morning with banana slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and more chopped walnuts if you’re fancy.
Make it your own:
- Want it thicker? Add a spoon of Greek yogurt.
- Need more protein? Toss in a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
- Want it creamier? Use coconut milk or oat milk.
- Want it sweeter? Drizzle with maple syrup when serving.
Why This Recipe for Banana Nut Bread Overnight Oats Works
I’ve tested and tasted—this one just hits. The banana base soaks perfectly into the oats, and when you add walnuts and cinnamon, it starts to mimic that baked banana bread flavor in the best way. And if you really want to push it into dessert territory, a swirl of cream cheese or even mascarpone takes it to the next level.
You can also serve it warm! Just microwave it for about 30–45 seconds and give it a stir for the most comforting banana breakfast ever.
My Favorite Tools (This post contains affiliate links)
To make these oats even easier, I use:
- These mason jars with lids for prepping
As always, when you shop through these links, it helps support my blog at no extra cost to you—thank you!

More Delicious Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love:
- Bacon Spinach and Gouda Quiche
- Sourcream Pancakes (so much better and easier than buttermilk)
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Pancake Tray Bake
- Customizeable Army Style Omelets that everyone will love
And don’t forget—I’ll be sharing more overnight oats recipes like “Dessert-Inspired Overnight Oats”, “Fruit-Filled Flavors”, and more. Subscribe here so you don’t miss a single jar. And, if you like this recipe and would like to buy me a coffee, click here. Thank you for your support.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wished your breakfast tasted like banana bread but didn’t have the time to bake it from scratch on a Wednesday morning, this is your fix. Easy. Delicious. No oven needed. And yes—it really does taste like banana bread.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out, and tag me on Instagram @camillescomfortingcuisine if you make it! I’ll be back with more flavors soon.
Until then, eat well & love hard—
Camille