Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats Recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s as satisfying as dessert, these banana cream pie overnight oats are about to be your new favorite. Imagine waking up to the flavors of creamy vanilla, sweet banana, and a crunchy graham cracker crust—all in a wholesome bowl of oats that’ll keep you energized for hours. This recipe combines the nostalgia of a classic banana cream pie with the convenience and health benefits of overnight oats. And the best part? It takes just minutes to prepare the night before, so you can enjoy a ready-to-eat breakfast in the morning.

I still remember the first time I tried banana cream pie as a kid; it was pure heaven. The creamy filling, layered with fresh bananas and that perfect graham cracker crust—it was almost too good to be true. Since then, banana cream pie has been one of my favorite desserts, but it’s not exactly what you’d call an “everyday food.” So when I stumbled upon the idea of banana cream pie overnight oats, I couldn’t resist. It’s like having pie for breakfast but without the guilt!

this RECIPE

The story behind banana cream pie

Banana cream pie is a classic American dessert, dating back to the early 20th century. Originally, custard pies were popular, and bananas—still considered an exotic fruit at the time—made the perfect addition. The recipe evolved over the years, with whipped cream or meringue often added on top to give it an extra layer of decadence. Fast forward to today, and banana cream pie is a beloved treat with countless variations. This overnight oats version brings all those flavors together in a way that’s healthier and super easy to make!

Let’s talk ingredients: Flavor, texture, and easy swaps

Each ingredient in these banana cream pie overnight oats brings something special to the table. Here’s what you need to know:

• Graham cracker crumbs: This forms the “crust” at the bottom, giving you that classic pie experience in a jar. If you’re out of graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or even crushed granola can work as a substitute.
• Banana: The star of the show! A ripe banana will give you natural sweetness and that unmistakable banana flavor. No ripe bananas? You could use banana-flavored yogurt or a touch of banana extract as a backup.
• Milk: This makes the oats creamy and smooth. Use any milk you prefer—almond, oat, or even coconut milk add different flavors that can elevate the taste.
• Maple syrup: Just a hint to sweeten things up naturally. You could also try honey or agave syrup, but maple gives it a nice, mild sweetness.
• Vanilla Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang. Regular Greek yogurt with a bit of vanilla extract works too if that’s what you have.
• Oats: Quick oats, rolled oats, or minute oats all work well here. Choose what you like, but remember rolled oats will be a bit chewier.
• Chia seeds: These little seeds help thicken the mixture and add a boost of fiber and healthy fats. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip them, but the texture might be slightly thinner.
• Vanilla protein powder: This ingredient not only adds protein but also a bit of extra vanilla flavor. If you don’t have protein powder, you can leave it out or add an extra spoonful of yogurt for thickness.

Essential kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can skip)

The great thing about overnight oats is that you don’t need any fancy equipment. Here’s what will make the process easier:

• 10 oz mason jar or glass container: A mason jar with a lid is perfect for this recipe because it keeps everything contained, and it’s easy to grab and go in the morning. If you don’t have one, any small container with a lid will work.
• Spoon for pressing the crust: Use the back of a spoon to press the graham cracker crumbs into the jar—it doesn’t need to be perfect, just compacted.
• Whisk or fork: For mixing the wet ingredients with the oats. A whisk makes it easier to get a smooth consistency, but a fork will do the trick too.

Step-by-step: Making banana cream pie overnight oats

1. Create the graham cracker crust

Start by mixing 1/4 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 2 tablespoons of milk. The crumbs should be moist enough to stick together but not soggy. Once it’s ready, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your jar or container to create a crust layer. (Tip: If it feels too wet, add a few more crumbs; if too dry, add a few drops of milk.)

2. Prepare the banana oat mixture

In a medium bowl, mash half of a ripe banana until it’s nice and smooth. Add 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of vanilla Greek yogurt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until combined. The mixture should smell like dessert already!

3. Add the dry ingredients

Add 1/3 cup of oats, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla protein powder to the banana mixture. Stir everything together until the oats and chia seeds are fully incorporated. The mixture might look a bit loose, but don’t worry—the chia seeds will thicken it up as it sits.

4. Pour over the crust and chill

Carefully pour the banana oat mixture over the graham cracker crust in your jar. Make sure it covers the crust evenly. Pop the lid on your jar and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 3 hours, though overnight is ideal for the best texture.

5. Add toppings in the morning

In the morning, top your oats with an additional 2 tablespoons of vanilla Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Add some fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs if you’re feeling fancy. And that’s it—your banana cream pie overnight oats are ready to enjoy!

Delicious variations and adaptations

• Vegan option: Use a dairy-free yogurt and plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, and choose a vegan protein powder or skip it altogether.
• Gluten-free version: Swap the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or granola.
• Nutty twist: Add a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter to the banana mixture for a rich, nutty flavor.
• Tropical vibe: Mix in some shredded coconut and a splash of coconut milk to give the oats a tropical flair.
• Extra crunch: Stir in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts just before serving.

These variations give you lots of options to suit your taste, and you might be surprised at how each little tweak brings out different flavors!

Serving and presentation ideas

For a fun presentation, layer the sliced bananas in a spiral on top, like you would with a banana cream pie. A sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top adds a nice touch, too. If you’re making these for brunch, consider serving them in mini glass jars for individual servings—perfect for a cute and easy breakfast option.

Pair these oats with a few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped coconut cream if you want to go all out on the pie theme. Serve with a spoon and a smile, and watch your family or guests be impressed!

Beverage pairings

A comforting beverage can elevate your breakfast experience. Here are a few drink ideas that go well with these banana cream pie oats:

• Classic coffee: A cup of black coffee or a latte brings out the sweetness of the banana and graham cracker.
• Chai tea latte: The spices in chai, like cinnamon and cardamom, complement the banana and vanilla flavors beautifully.
• Vanilla almond milk: For a lighter, non-caffeinated pairing, try vanilla almond milk on the side—its subtle vanilla notes will blend perfectly with your oats.
• Banana smoothie: Double down on the banana flavor with a light smoothie. Just blend some banana with milk or yogurt for a simple, creamy treat.

Storage and reheating tips

These banana cream pie overnight oats are best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days, so feel free to make a few jars ahead if you want breakfast ready for the next few days. Just keep them covered in the fridge, and add the toppings fresh each morning to keep things from getting soggy.

If you prefer a warm breakfast, you can gently heat the oats in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute, but keep in mind that the graham cracker crust will lose some of its crunch.

Scaling up the recipe for more servings

To make multiple servings, just multiply each ingredient by the number of jars you’d like to prepare. The recipe scales easily, but make sure each jar gets an even layer of graham cracker crumbs and enough room for the oat mixture and toppings. If you’re making a big batch, I recommend using larger mixing bowls and lining up your jars for an easy assembly line!

Common questions about banana cream pie overnight oats

Q: Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Steel-cut oats don’t soften as well in overnight recipes, so I’d stick with quick oats or rolled oats for the best texture.

Q: Can I skip the protein powder?
A: Absolutely! The protein powder just adds extra nutrition and a hint of vanilla. If you skip it, consider adding an extra spoonful of yogurt to keep the oats creamy.

Q: Will the bananas turn brown?
A: Bananas may darken slightly, but the yogurt and milk help slow down the browning. For the freshest look, add sliced bananas on top right before eating.

Q: Can I make this recipe without chia seeds?
A: Yes, you can leave out the chia seeds. The texture will be a little thinner, but still delicious!

Q: How can I make these oats less sweet?
A: Simply reduce the maple syrup or use unsweetened Greek yogurt to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Give these banana cream pie overnight oats a try, and make them your own by experimenting with toppings and flavors. There’s nothing like starting your day with a breakfast that feels like a treat!

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