Banana Overnight Steel Cut Oats are creamy and satisfying with the goodness of steel cut oats, chia seeds and Greek yogurt for a protein boost! They’re a hearty meal prep breakfast that takes 5 minutes to make!

Overnight steel cut oats in a jar with banana on top

I’ve been a big fan of overnight oats for years. My blueberry overnight oats were the first recipe that I shared here, and they’ve been a reader favorite ever since.

I’ve created several versions since, including coconut and peanut butter, and they all include rolled oats because I had no idea that they would work with steel cut oats too.

One day I decided to give it a shot and these Overnight Steel Cut Oats were born.

They’re thick and creamy with a slightly chewy texture that I love. They include Greek yogurt and banana, which makes them reminiscent of my favorite banana cream pie.

Overnight steel cut oats

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Steel cut overnight oats are creamy and satisfying with chia seeds, Greek yogurt and sliced banana to take them over the top.
  • They come together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
  • This recipe is easily customizable with ingredients that you have on hand.
  • It makes a healthy meal prep breakfast option.

Recipe ingredients

Overnight steel cut oats recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

  • Steel cut oats. I prefer to use quick cooking steel cut oats as they’re not as chewy as regular steel cut oatmeal. Either one will work….this is just a personal preference.
  • Chia seeds. The chia seeds add a boost of nutrition and they help thicken the oats.
  • Milk. Use your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk.
  • Greek yogurt. Use plain Greek yogurt to control the sweetness. Feel free to sub with your favorite dairy or non-dairy yogurt, or omit altogether.
  • Maple syrup. Sub with your favorite sweetener.
  • Banana. Sub the banana with your favorite fruit or toppings such as coconut flakes, nuts or seeds.

How to make overnight oats with steel cut oats

This recipe is so easy to prepare, and it’s the perfect meal prep breakfast!

Pro tip:  Use quick cooking steel cut oats in this recipe as they’re less chewy than regular steel cut oats. 

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

How to make overnight oats with steel cut oats
  1. Place all ingredients except the banana into a large bowl.
  2. Stir until well combined.
  3. Cover with plastic wrap place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight.
  4. Add the optional toppings and serve!
Mixing bowl of steel cut overnight oats with banana and almonds

FAQs

Are rolled or steel cut oats better for overnight oats?

I’ve found that steel cut oats and rolled oats may be used interchangeably in all of my overnight oats recipes, but the difference is in the texture.
Rolled oats become much softer once they’ve been soaked in liquid, while steel cut oats are chewier in texture.  Use quick cooking steel cut oats as they’re less chewy than traditional.

Are overnight steel cut oats healthy?

They’re whole grain, a good source of fiber, with a protein boost from chia seeds and Greek yogurt.

They’re not a low carbohydrate food, however, so check with your doctor to make sure that this recipe is right for you if you’re following a special diet.

Recipe notes

  • Pro tip:  I prefer to use quick cooking steel cut oats in this recipe as they’re less chewy than regular steel cut oats. 
  • These overnight steel cut oats are on the thicker side, so add 1/4 – 1/2 cup more liquid before serving if desired.
  • The Greek yogurt is completely optional but it adds a nice protein boost.  
  • Customize the oats with your favorite toppings such as berries, nut butter, protein powder, chocolate chips, nuts or seeds.
  • Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days in jars for the perfect meal prep breakfast.
Jar of banana overnight steel cut oats

More oat recipes you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

Overnight steel cut oats in a jar with banana on top

Banana Overnight Steel Cut Oats

Banana Overnight Steel Cut Oats are creamy, satisfying and includes just 6 ingredients! It's a healthy meal prep breakfast that takes 5 minutes to make!
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups steel cut oats regular or quick*
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk or your favorite
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup or your favorite sweetener
  • 7 ounces plain Greek yogurt sub with dairy-free yogurt if desired or omit altogether to make this recipe dairy free
  • 1 large banana add mashed or sliced just before serving as it will discolor over time; sub with favorite fruit if desired
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds optional

Instructions 

  • Place the steel cut oats, chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup and yogurt in a large bowl and stir well to combine.
  • Cover with plastic wrap for 6 hours or overnight until softened. Add mashed or sliced banana and almonds, if desired or customized with your choice of toppings!

Notes

  • Pro tip:  I prefer to use quick cooking steel cut oats in this recipe as they’re less chewy than regular steel cut oats. 
  • These overnight steel cut oats are on the thicker side, so add 1/4 – 1/2 cup more liquid before serving if desired.
  • The Greek yogurt is completely optional but it adds a nice protein boost.  
  • Customize the oats with your favorite toppings such as berries, nut butter, protein powder, chocolate chips, nuts or seeds.
  • Store in the refrigerator for 3-5 days in jars for the perfect meal prep breakfast.

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal, Carbohydrates: 51g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 2mg, Sodium: 149mg, Potassium: 195mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 18IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 236mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

**This recipe was originally published in January 2019. Step by step photos have been added, and the text has been modified to include more recipe information.

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