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Overnight Oats Banana Bread

overnight oats banana bread - featured image

This easy, wholesome banana bread combines the hearty texture of overnight-soaked oats with sweet ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts. It’s a cozy breakfast or snack that’s moist, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (or coconut oil/vegan butter)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for extra lift)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans, sunflower/pumpkin seeds for nut-free)
  • Optional: 1/3 cup chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, milk, and 1 large mashed banana. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours).
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  3. Let soaked oats come to room temperature while prepping the rest.
  4. In a large bowl, mash 3 medium bananas until mostly smooth. Add brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour (if using).
  6. Stir the soaked oats mixture into the wet banana mixture until well combined.
  7. Add dry ingredients and fold gently until no streaks remain. Do not overmix.
  8. Fold in chopped walnuts and any optional mix-ins.
  9. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle extra walnuts if desired.
  10. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  11. If loaf browns too quickly, tent with foil at the 40-minute mark.
  12. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use very ripe bananas and soak oats overnight. You can substitute nuts, add chocolate chips, or make gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations. Let the loaf cool before slicing for neat pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana bread, overnight oats, healthy breakfast, walnuts, easy baking, moist banana bread, wholesome snack, dairy-free, gluten-free option