If you love banana cream pie but want something easy and filling for breakfast, this is it. These Banana Cream Pie Protein Overnight Oats are creamy, lightly sweet, and packed with protein. They taste like dessert, but they keep you full for hours. I make these on busy nights when I know the next morning will be rushed. Just grab from the fridge and go.
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (mostly hands-off)
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this, I had a few overripe bananas sitting on the counter. I didn’t want to bake again. I wanted something simple. I mashed one up, stirred it into oats with a scoop of vanilla protein powder, and hoped for the best. The next morning, it tasted just like banana cream pie filling. Creamy, sweet, and comforting.
Now it’s one of my favorite meal prep breakfasts.
Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- It tastes like dessert but fuels you like a solid breakfast
- It’s high in protein and fiber, so you stay full longer
- No cooking required
- Easy to prep ahead for busy mornings
- You can change the toppings depending on what you have
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Oats absorb liquid as they sit. When you mix rolled oats with milk and yogurt, they soak it up overnight and soften. Chia seeds help thicken the mixture because they absorb liquid and form a gel.
The mashed banana adds natural sweetness and moisture. Protein powder blends in and thickens the oats even more. By morning, everything comes together into a creamy, pudding-like texture that feels like pie filling.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 scoop (about 30 grams) vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers (for topping)
- 1/2 banana, sliced into rounds (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream (optional topping)
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork (for mashing banana)
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 2 jars or containers with lids
- Knife and cutting board
Recipe and Instructions
Step 1: Mash the Banana
In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 medium ripe banana. Use a fork to mash it until mostly smooth with just a few small lumps.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the mashed banana, add 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Add 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, and 1 tablespoon chia seeds to the bowl. Stir well until everything is fully combined and no dry powder remains.
Step 4: Portion and Chill
Divide the oat mixture evenly into 2 jars or containers. Cover with lids and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
In the morning, top each jar with sliced banana rounds from 1/2 banana, 2 tablespoons whipped cream divided between jars, and 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers. Serve chilled.
Pro Tips
- Use a very ripe banana with brown spots. It’s sweeter and mashes easier.
- Stir really well after adding protein powder so you don’t get dry clumps.
- If it’s too thick in the morning, add 1–2 tablespoons almond milk and stir.
- Let it chill at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better for texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use dairy milk instead of almond milk.
- Swap maple syrup for honey.
- Use chocolate protein powder for a chocolate-banana twist.
- Add a tablespoon of peanut butter for a richer flavor.
- Use vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt for extra sweetness.
Make Ahead Tips
These are perfect for meal prep. Make a double batch and store in sealed jars in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add fresh banana and graham crackers right before eating so they don’t get soggy.
Macros Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 8g
Values may vary based on protein powder and toppings used.
Common Mistakes
- Not stirring enough after adding protein powder. This causes clumps.
- Using quick oats. They can get too mushy. Rolled oats work best.
- Skipping the chill time. The oats need time to soften.
- Adding toppings too early. Bananas can brown and graham crackers can soften.
What to Serve With
- A hot cup of coffee
- A side of scrambled eggs for extra protein
- A smoothie for a bigger breakfast
- Fresh berries on the side
Leftovers and Storage
Store in airtight jars in the fridge for up to 4 days. If the oats thicken too much, stir in a splash of almond milk before serving. Add fresh toppings right before eating for the best texture.
FAQ
Can I use steel-cut oats?
No, they won’t soften enough overnight. Stick with rolled oats.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
Can I skip the protein powder?
Yes, but the texture will be thinner and protein will be lower. You may want to reduce the milk slightly.
Can I freeze it?
It’s not recommended. The texture changes once thawed.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Cream Pie Protein Overnight Oats recipe is simple, creamy, and so satisfying. It feels like a treat, but it’s made with wholesome ingredients that keep you full and energized. Give it a try this week. When you make it, come back and share how it turned out or any fun twists you added. I’d love to hear about it.
