Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats Recipe

If you’re a fan of banana cream pie but don’t want to start your day with an actual slice of dessert, these banana cream pie overnight oats are a perfect compromise! They’ve got all the flavors of the classic dessert—creamy banana, a hint of vanilla, and even a graham cracker “crust” layer at the bottom—all packed into a nutritious, easy-to-make breakfast. Plus, they’re made in a single jar, making them an ideal grab-and-go option for busy mornings. Let’s be honest, anything that tastes like dessert and gives you energy to start your day is a win, right?

I first started making overnight oats as a way to keep my mornings stress-free but still delicious. One day, while I was dreaming of summer treats, the idea of banana cream pie hit me, and I couldn’t resist turning it into an oat recipe. Now, this has become one of my favorite weekday breakfasts! I can wake up, grab my jar, and enjoy a rich, creamy meal without needing to fuss with cooking or cleanup. It’s also been a huge hit with friends and family, who are surprised that something this tasty can be so healthy!

this RECIPE

A little backstory: the charm of banana cream pie

Banana cream pie is a classic American dessert that dates back to the late 19th century. It’s typically made with a graham cracker crust, a creamy vanilla custard filling, and slices of fresh banana, topped with whipped cream. Over time, it’s become a nostalgic treat for many, associated with summer picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. Transforming it into a breakfast feels like the perfect way to start your day on a sweet, comforting note. While traditional banana cream pie can be quite indulgent, this overnight oats version captures all the flavor with a fraction of the calories and effort.

Let’s talk ingredients: what you need and substitutions

Each ingredient here plays an important role in recreating the magic of banana cream pie while keeping things healthy and filling.

• Graham cracker crumbs: This forms the “crust” at the bottom of the jar. If you’re out of graham crackers, try using crushed digestive biscuits or even granola for some extra crunch. The crumbs soak up a little milk, making a delicious base layer.
• Banana: The star of the show! A ripe banana gives natural sweetness and that authentic banana cream pie flavor. If bananas aren’t your thing, you could try mashed peaches for a similar texture, though it’ll change the flavor.
• Milk: I used regular milk, but almond, oat, or soy milk all work beautifully if you’re dairy-free. Milk adds creaminess to the oats, helping them soften as they chill overnight.
• Maple syrup: Just a touch of maple syrup brings sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor. If you prefer honey or agave, go ahead and use those instead.
• Vanilla Greek yogurt: This adds richness and a slight tang, similar to the custard layer in banana cream pie. It also packs in some protein. Plain yogurt works too, but you might want to add a bit more maple syrup.
• Vanilla extract: Essential for that warm, comforting vanilla aroma. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Oats: Any kind of oats—quick, rolled, or minute oats—will work here. Just avoid steel-cut oats, as they’re too tough for the overnight soak.
• Chia seeds: These little seeds help thicken the oats and add a boost of fiber and omega-3s. They’re not essential, but they do give the oats a great texture. If you don’t have chia seeds, you can leave them out or add a little extra yogurt to thicken things up.
• Vanilla protein powder: This adds protein and makes the oats even creamier. If you don’t have protein powder, you can skip it or add an extra spoonful of Greek yogurt.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

For this recipe, you really only need a couple of basic items:

• 10 oz mason jar or glass container: This will hold your oats and allow room for toppings. Mason jars are great because they’re airtight and portable.
• Small bowl: You’ll need this to mix up the banana, yogurt, and other ingredients before layering them in the jar.
• Spoon: Nothing fancy here—just something to stir and press the crust layer.

If you don’t have a mason jar, any container with a lid will do. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients with a little room at the top for the yogurt and banana slices.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method for banana cream pie overnight oats

1. Start with the crust: In your mason jar, mix the graham cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons of milk. You want a slightly damp, sandy texture. Once combined, press this mixture down to form a crust at the bottom of the jar. (Tip: Don’t make it too wet, or it’ll just dissolve overnight.)
2. Mix the oat base: In a medium bowl, mash half a ripe banana until smooth. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of milk, maple syrup, vanilla Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined. Then, add the oats, chia seeds, and protein powder, and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Layer it up: Carefully pour the oat mixture over the graham cracker crust in your mason jar. This gives you a beautiful layered effect that looks as good as it tastes.
4. Chill overnight: Cover your jar and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best to let the oats soften and flavors meld.
5. Finish with toppings: In the morning, top with 2 tablespoons of vanilla Greek yogurt and add extra banana slices or crushed graham crackers if you like. This final touch really makes it feel like a dessert!

Fun variations to try

• Peanut butter banana: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the oat mixture for a nutty twist.
• Chocolate banana cream pie: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the oats and sprinkle chocolate chips on top for a chocolaty version.
• Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan Greek-style yogurt, and skip the protein powder (or use a plant-based protein powder).
• Low-sugar: Use plain yogurt instead of vanilla and reduce the maple syrup. Ripe bananas add a lot of natural sweetness!
• High-protein: Double up on the protein powder and yogurt for an extra protein boost.

Each variation brings a slightly different twist to the classic banana cream pie flavor, so feel free to experiment based on what you’re craving.

Serving and presentation tips

Serve your banana cream pie overnight oats straight from the jar for that casual, layered look. Add a few banana slices on top and a sprinkle of crushed graham cracker crumbs for a little extra flair. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a tiny bit of maple syrup or honey over the top. This makes for an eye-catching breakfast that looks as good as it tastes!

Drink pairings

For a cozy breakfast vibe, pair these oats with a warm latte or cappuccino. The creamy coffee complements the sweetness of the banana and the richness of the Greek yogurt. If you’re not a coffee person, try a chai latte or spiced herbal tea to add a warm, comforting touch. For a lighter option, an iced vanilla almond milk latte is refreshing and works well with the vanilla flavors in the oats.

Storing and reheating tips

Overnight oats are meant to be eaten cold, but if you prefer them warm, you can pop the jar in the microwave (remove any metal lid first!) for 30-45 seconds. They’ll be slightly less thick but still delicious. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the banana slices on top may brown slightly. If you’re making these in advance, wait to add the final toppings until you’re ready to eat.

Adjusting the recipe for different servings

This recipe makes a single serving, but you can easily double or triple it to make more jars. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want and prepare each jar the same way. If you’re making a big batch, it’s helpful to mash all the bananas and mix the oat base in one big bowl, then divide evenly among the jars.

Potential issues and friendly tips

• Too thick? If the oats seem too thick in the morning, just stir in a splash more milk to loosen them up.
• Banana browning: If you’re concerned about the banana slices on top browning, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the slices before adding them to the jar. This helps slow down oxidation.
• Forgot the chia seeds? No worries! They just add a bit of thickness, so the oats will still be delicious without them.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can I use steel-cut oats?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it—they don’t soften enough overnight. Stick with rolled, quick, or minute oats.

Q: Can I make this without protein powder?
A: Absolutely! You can skip it or add an extra spoonful of Greek yogurt for more protein.

Q: How long can I store these in the fridge?
A: These oats stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just wait to add the toppings until you’re ready to eat.

Q: Can I use flavored Greek yogurt?
A: Yes! Vanilla or banana-flavored yogurt works well here. Just adjust the sweetness if needed.

Q: What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free oats and swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free cookie crumb.

Give these banana cream pie overnight oats a try for a fun, satisfying breakfast that feels like dessert! Once you’ve got the base down, it’s easy to adapt to your personal taste. Happy breakfasting! 🍌

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