Creamy Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats

Published on: December 18, 2025

Delicious creamy chocolate banana overnight oats in a bowl topped with banana slices

Creamy Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats are a luscious fusion of rich cocoa and ripe banana, perfect for breakfast or a snack. This simple, no-cook recipe results in a beautiful, velvety bowl of oats that offers a delightful aroma with every spoonful. The sweet, chocolatey flavor combined with the creaminess of banana makes it an indulgent yet healthy choice you can feel good about. Ideal for a busy weekday morning or a weekend brunch gathering, these overnight oats are not just easy to prepare; they celebrate the goodness of seasonal ingredients and sustainable cooking.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Creamy Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats are perfect for those who want a delicious yet health-conscious option to start their day. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or planning a cozy weekend brunch, this recipe provides the sweet comfort of chocolate and banana all in one. The versatility of the ingredients allows for various adaptations, making it a delightful treat for everyone to enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences. Plus, the convenience of preparing it the night before means you’ll wake up to a scrumptious breakfast waiting for you.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

This recipe shines with the freshness of bananas, a reliable staple available year-round, yet especially sweet and flavorful during their peak season. Their vibrant yellow hue brings a cheerful touch to your breakfast, while the earthy richness of unsweetened cocoa powder harmonizes perfectly with the fruit’s natural sweetness. The creamy consistency of almond milk adds a smooth texture, making each bite a delicious experience. By using local and seasonal ingredients, you enjoy not just the flavor but also the benefits of sustainable eating, supporting local farmers and minimizing your environmental footprint.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need for the Creamy Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats:

1 ¼ cups unsweetened almond milk (or soy, oat, or coconut milk; adds creaminess)
1 small banana, mashed (about ⅓ cup; sweet and buttery)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (rich chocolate flavor)
1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (provides heartiness)
2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional; great for added nutrition)
1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional; adjust sweetness to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (aromatic depth)
¼ teaspoon salt (optional; enhances chocolate flavor)

Feel free to make substitutions if needed. For gluten-free oats, be sure to choose certified gluten-free oats!

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Begin by combining the mash of one banana with almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, filling your kitchen with an inviting chocolate aroma.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl or a sealable container, mix together the rolled oats and chia seeds. This is where the oats will absorb the moisture and flavors, transforming into that luscious overnight treat.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the chocolate banana mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is thoroughly combined. The consistency should be rich and thick, ready to absorb the flavors overnight.

Step 4: Refrigerate

Cover your bowl or container and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This waiting time allows the oats to soften and absorb the flavors, creating that creamy texture you crave in the morning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

In the morning, give your oats a good stir and add toppings like banana slices, dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of peanut butter for an extra layer of indulgence.

Essential Tools

To create your Creamy Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats, you’ll need a blender to smooth the banana mixture, a mixing bowl or container for combing ingredients, and a refrigerator to allow the oats to set overnight. Optional items like measuring cups and spoons will help ensure perfect measurements!

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

These oats are perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can make a double or triple batch at once, ensuring you have a quick breakfast on hand. If you want to prepare them further in advance, consider freezing portions for up to a month; just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Perfect Pairings

Enjoy your Creamy Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a refreshing smoothie to kickstart your day. You might also want to indulge in crispy bacon or a slice of homemade banana bread on the side for a varied brunch experience. These pairings will create a delightful harmony of flavors that is visually appealing and gastronomically satisfying.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Grainy Texture: If your oats are too dry, add a splash of milk right before serving to revive the creaminess.
Too Sweet: If your oats have become overly sweet, balance the flavor by adding a touch more cocoa powder.
Bland Taste: Ensure you use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and adjust your maple syrup to your preference.

Pro Tips for Best Results

For an even richer flavor, let the mixture sit for 8-12 hours in the fridge, allowing the oats to absorb every bit of deliciousness. You might also consider adding a tablespoon of nut butter for a protein boost and a satisfying creaminess that will make each bite even more fulfilling.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Feel free to experiment with your Creamy Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats! Consider adding nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm spice twist. You can substitute the banana with applesauce for a different fruity taste or add berries for a fresh pop of color and flavor. For a nutty variation, use almond butter instead of maple syrup!

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

These oats are naturally vegan and can easily be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats. Ensure that any ingredients you add, like toppings, are free from common allergens if needed. Adjust ingredients to accommodate various dietary needs, making this recipe versatile for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these oats without a blender?
Yes! You can mash the banana by hand and thoroughly mix the ingredients in a bowl.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

3. Can I freeze overnight oats?
Yes! You can freeze individual portions. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before consuming.

4. What can I use instead of cocoa powder?
You can substitute carob powder for a caffeine-free option, or use a flavored protein powder if you want to boost nutrition.

5. Is there a way to make this low-calorie?
You can use less maple syrup or omit it entirely, relying on the natural sweetness of the banana. Opt for unsweetened almond milk as well.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Give your mornings a delightful start with these Creamy Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats! We’d love to hear how your version turns out. Share your comments, tips, or photos and don’t forget to tag us on social media! For more delicious breakfast ideas, check out our recipes page.

Creamy Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats

Author: meta-savory
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¼ cups unsweetened almond milk
1 small banana, mashed (about ⅓ cup)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 teaspoons chia seeds (optional)
1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Base: Combine the mashed banana with almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl or a sealable container, mix together the rolled oats and chia seeds.
Combine Everything: Pour the chocolate banana mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined.
Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Serve and Enjoy: In the morning, stir your oats and add toppings like banana slices, dark chocolate chips, or nuts.