Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats Recipe

If you love chocolate but still want a healthy and delicious breakfast option, then this chocolate banana overnight oats recipe is what you’re after. Creamy, chocolatey oats combine with chunks of beautiful banana and a surprise burst of protein. It’s a nutrient-packed and delicious sweet treat that will get you on your feet to start your day the right way! 

Why I Love This Delicious Recipe

Chocolate and banana is one of my favorite flavor combinations. So it was really just a matter of time until I incorporated that great combo into one of my overnight oat recipes. And I am so glad I did.

This totally totable breakfast is like chocolate chip banana bread in overnight oat form. Plus, there are few better feelings than waking up in the morning knowing breakfast is already ready. This easy breakfast recipe is the perfect option for hectic mornings or for when you have overnight guests.

And as with all my overnight oat recipes, this recipe is quick to make with just a few minutes of prep time, absolutely delicious, and cleaning up is a breeze. 

• Prep it the night before in just about 5 minutes time
• A nutritious breakfast is already waiting when you wake up the next morning
• Great for meal prep or when you have overnight guests
• Chocolate for breakfast? I definitely won’t say no to that!!
• For being such a super indulgent breakfast, these overnight oats are actually packed with healthy, nourishing ingredients

Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats Recipe Ingredients

This recipe only requires a few fresh and simple ingredients. 

Milk - any variety of regular milk or non-dairy milk; use chocolate milk if you really love chocolate.

Oats - use rolled oats (aka old-fashioned oats) for best results.

Banana - I like to use slightly firmer, ripe banana for this recipe.

Cocoa Powder - I use unsweetened cocoa powder and add a natural sweetener.

Protein powder - Great for a nice boost of protein.

Sweetener - pure maple syrup or honey work great.

Toppings - Milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate chips add extra indulgence. to this recipe and/or top with extra banana slices!

How to Make Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats

These Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats come together as easy as 1,2,3.

Step 1

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl (minus chocolate chips) and mix well. 

Step 2

Transfer to a mason jar and seal tightly. 

Step 3

Place in the refrigerator overnight.

Optional: Top with chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired just before serving. See the section below for more options.

Toppings and Add-Ins for Overnight Oats

This is where it gets really fun! You can use all your favorite toppings and mix-ins to add a personal touch to your easy overnight oats. These are just a few of my favorites, but the options are almost innumerable.

• You can never go wrong with some fresh fruit and berries.
• Add a handful of chocolate, peanut butter, or toffee chips.
• Nuts - crushed cashews, peanuts, or almonds are great add-ins to go with these delicious overnight oats. 
• Seeds - sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds or flax seed, etc
• Crunchy or creamy peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butters. I mean, chocolate, banana and peanut butter!
• Add a little more chocolate or vanilla protein powder for an extra protein boost.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Leave a little room in the overnight oat jars so the oats have some space to expand overnight.
• Use rolled oats instead of quick oats or steel cut oats for the next texture.
• If the oats get too thick overnight, add a little additional milk before eating.
• Try this recipe with chocolate milk or a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor to your oats.
• To make vegan overnight oats, use a plant-based milk like cashew milk, oat milk, or soy milk and choose a whey-free, vegan protein powder.

How to Serve Banana and Chocolate Overnight Oats

Sometimes I just like this overnight oat recipe as a grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings. It’s also great for a weekly meal prep option. 

And then sometimes I like to serve the overnight oats as part of a larger breakfast. That’s when i’ll serve them with some fluffy pancakes or rich, olive oil scrambled eggs. And of course, a big batch of crispy and delicious billionaire bacon.

But these oats aren't just for breakfast. It also makes a great and healthy dessert option!

How to Store Overnight Oats

Store your prepared overnight oats in a well-sealed mason jar or other airtight container. Place the containers in the coldest part of your refrigerator. (That’s usually in the back of the fridge. Stored properly, overnight oats will be good for up to 5 days. 

How Long Does Oatmeal Last

These oats will be good for up to 5 days when refrigerated in a well-sealed, airtight container. Store in a container that leaves the smallest amount of extra space so air doesn’t accumulate. Watch for severe liquid separation or mold for obvious signs of spoilage

Vanilla vs Chocolate Protein Powder

For a really chocolatey flavor, I definitely recommend using chocolate protein powder mixed in with the oats. If you want something a little more subtle, opt for the vanilla flavored protein powder.

You can also use a mix or blend of the two until you achieve your desired balance and flavor perfection!

Milk for Overnight Oats

Any type of milk can be used to make overnight oats. From whole milk to skim, to non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk. If you do avoid dairy, make sure you are also using a dairy-free, whey-free protein powder.

How To Store Bananas to Prevent Fruit Flies

Bananas should be stored around 55°F. The warmer the environment they are stored in, the faster they ripen. The faster they ripen, the more likely they are to attract fruit flies if not eaten.

Store bananas in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and away from other vegetables and fruits. (Some have the ability to release gasses that will ripen the bananas quickly.

You can even store ripened bananas in the fridge, and that will slow the process exponentially. The peel may turn black from the cold, but the banana will still be good.

When purchasing, look for evident cracks or gaps in the banana skin that may harbor fruit flies or their eggs. Do not purchase bananas with obvious signs of damage.

When you get home, wash the bananas - yes! - to remove any larvae or eggs that may still be present on the peels. Dry the skins well and store.

Do not store bananas in a plastic bag. This causes them to ripen rapidly. If you do use a produce bag when you purchase them, be sure to remove them from the bag and wash the peels.

More Overnight Oat Recipes

Banana and Blueberry Overnight Oats
Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats
Mulberry Overnight Oats
Brownie Batter Overnight Oats