Decadent Banoffee Overnight Oats Recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like dessert but is secretly healthy, these Banoffee Overnight Oats are your new best friend. They’ve got all the creamy, indulgent flavors of banoffee pie – ripe bananas, caramel-like sweetness, and a hint of cinnamon – but in a high-protein, fiber-packed form that will keep you energized all morning. Plus, the best part? You prep it all the night before, so when you wake up, breakfast is just waiting for you in the fridge.

For me, these oats bring back memories of indulging in sticky toffee pudding and other caramel treats, only this time, without the guilt. Each spoonful has that perfect balance of creamy oats, Greek yogurt, and a homemade almond butter caramel sauce that’s just sweet enough. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat, but gives you all the fuel you need to power through a busy morning.

this RECIPE

Banoffee flavor: A sweet history 🍌

Banoffee, a combination of “banana” and “toffee,” originated in England in the 1970s as a pie made with bananas, cream, and a thick caramel layer. The dessert quickly became famous for its simple but addictively delicious flavor profile. Over the years, it’s been adapted into countless forms, from cakes to ice creams – and now, into these easy overnight oats! This recipe captures the essence of banoffee pie but in a much lighter, healthier version that’s perfect for breakfast.

The key ingredients for banoffee oats

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a unique role, creating that banoffee flavor you’ll love.

• Banana: Half is mashed into the oat base, adding natural sweetness and creaminess, while the other half is saved for topping. Use a ripe banana for the best flavor! If you’re out of bananas, you can try substituting with applesauce or mashed pumpkin, though it won’t have quite the same banoffee taste.
• Rolled oats: The base of any good overnight oats recipe. Rolled oats give a nice chewy texture. If you prefer a softer texture, use quick oats; they’ll absorb the milk more thoroughly overnight.
• Soy milk: I love using unsweetened soy milk for a creamy, dairy-free option. But feel free to swap with almond, oat, or even regular dairy milk, depending on your preference.
• Chia seeds: These tiny seeds thicken the oat mixture and add a nice dose of fiber and omega-3s. If you don’t have chia seeds on hand, ground flaxseed can work as an alternative.
• Greek yogurt: Adds a rich, tangy layer that balances out the sweetness of the bananas and caramel sauce. For a dairy-free option, try a coconut or almond yogurt.
• Almond butter: The base of our quick caramel sauce. Almond butter gives a creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor. Peanut butter works too, though it will alter the taste a bit.
• Maple syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness to the caramel sauce without overpowering it. Honey can work as a substitute, but it will make the caramel a bit thicker.

Essential kitchen tools

To make these banoffee overnight oats, you won’t need much more than your basic kitchen essentials:

• A small mixing bowl: This is for mashing the banana and mixing the caramel sauce. If you have a tiny whisk, it’ll help blend the caramel ingredients smoothly.
• A mason jar or airtight container: Overnight oats need to sit in the fridge, so choose a container with a good seal. Mason jars are perfect because they’re just the right size, and you can take them on the go.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring out the chia seeds and spices. These ingredients might seem minor, but a little goes a long way!

Step-by-step: Making your banoffee overnight oats

Let’s walk through the steps so you know exactly what to expect. It’s easy – I promise!

1. Mash the banana: Start by mashing half of your ripe banana in a small bowl. This will go into the oat base, adding natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Save the other half for topping.
2. Mix the oat base: In a jar or bowl, add the mashed banana, rolled oats, soy milk, chia seeds, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is well combined. The chia seeds will help thicken the mixture overnight, so give them a good stir to distribute.
3. Make the caramel sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until you get a smooth, caramel-like consistency. The olive oil helps loosen it up, making it easier to drizzle.
4. Layer it up: Now, layer the ingredients. Pour the oat mixture into your container, then add a layer of Greek yogurt on top. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the yogurt layer. Slice the reserved banana half and place it on top for that classic banoffee look.
5. Refrigerate: Cover your jar or container, and place it in the fridge overnight. The oats will soften, the chia seeds will expand, and all the flavors will come together beautifully.
6. Enjoy! In the morning, just grab your jar and a spoon. Feel free to add any extra toppings you like, such as nuts, cacao nibs, or even a sprinkle of granola for crunch.

Fun variations and substitutions

One of the great things about overnight oats is how easy it is to switch things up. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan version: To keep this recipe fully vegan, use a plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. Coconut yogurt adds a nice hint of tropical flavor that pairs well with the bananas.
• Nut-free option: If you can’t have nuts, swap the almond butter for sunflower seed butter in the caramel sauce. It’ll give a similar creamy texture.
• Gluten-free: Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you have a sensitivity.
• Pumpkin spice twist: Replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice, and add a spoonful of pumpkin puree into the oat base for a seasonal twist.
• Chocolate lover’s version: Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the oats for a chocolatey base, or top with dark chocolate shavings for a decadent touch.

Serving suggestions: Make it extra special

For a lovely presentation, serve your Banoffee Overnight Oats in a clear jar or glass bowl to show off the layers. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top if you’re feeling fancy. Sliced almonds or walnuts make a great topping for added crunch, and if you’re looking for extra decadence, a handful of cacao nibs or chocolate chips wouldn’t hurt!

Perfect drinks to pair with

Since these oats have a rich, dessert-like quality, I recommend pairing them with something light and refreshing in the morning. Here are a few ideas:

• Iced matcha latte: The earthy flavor of matcha balances the sweetness of the oats, and the caffeine is a nice bonus if you need a morning pick-me-up.
• Chai tea: A warm chai complements the cinnamon in the oats and enhances the cozy, spiced flavor. Try it with a splash of almond or soy milk.
• Fresh orange juice: For something bright and zesty, fresh orange juice is a classic morning option that adds a refreshing contrast.
• Herbal tea: A mild peppermint or chamomile tea would pair well with the caramel flavors without overpowering them.

Storage tips for busy mornings

These overnight oats will last in the fridge for up to three days, making them perfect for meal prep. If you’re planning to make several servings, just layer everything in separate jars and refrigerate. The oats will actually get creamier as they sit, so don’t worry about making them a day or two in advance.

For a quick reheat option, you can warm the oats in the microwave for about 30 seconds if you prefer them slightly warm. Just make sure to add the fresh banana slices after heating, so they don’t get mushy.

Scaling the recipe for more (or less!)

This recipe is designed for one serving, but it’s super easy to adjust. If you’re making it for a family, just double or triple the ingredients and layer the oats in a large bowl for everyone to serve themselves from. Just remember to add a bit more milk if you’re scaling up significantly, as the chia seeds and oats will absorb a lot of liquid.

On the other hand, if you want a lighter portion, reduce the oats to a third of a cup and adjust the milk accordingly. It’ll still be plenty satisfying, especially if you load up on the toppings.

Potential hiccups and how to avoid them

• Too thick? If your oats turn out thicker than you’d like, add an extra splash of milk in the morning and stir. The chia seeds can sometimes make it extra thick.
• Forgot the caramel sauce? No worries! You can quickly stir together almond butter and maple syrup in the morning if you forgot to make the caramel sauce the night before.
• Soggy bananas? To avoid mushy bananas, wait to slice and add the second half of the banana until just before serving.

Ready to indulge in a healthier way?

This Banoffee Overnight Oats recipe is sure to become one of your breakfast go-tos. It’s creamy, satisfying, and gives you all those cozy banoffee pie vibes in a much healthier package. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable – so feel free to put your own spin on it! I’d love to hear about any creative variations you come up with, so don’t hesitate to share.

FAQs

1. Can I make this with instant oats?
Yes, instant oats will work, but they may turn out a bit mushier. Rolled oats have the best texture for overnight oats.

2. Can I skip the chia seeds?
Absolutely. If you skip the chia seeds, just reduce the milk slightly as it won’t need as much to thicken.

3. Is there a substitute for almond butter?
Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter both work well as a substitute, though they will change the flavor slightly.

4. Can I use flavored yogurt?
Yes! Vanilla or even banana-flavored yogurt would be delicious. Just be mindful of added sugars if you’re watching that.

5. How long can I store these in the fridge?
These oats will keep for up to three days in the fridge, so feel free to prep a few servings in advance.

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