These Banana Cream Pie Protein Overnight Oats are a tasty way to start your day! With creamy yogurt, ripe bananas, and a sprinkle of vanilla, they taste just like dessert.
Plus, they are super easy to make. Just mix everything in a jar, let it sit overnight, and voilà! You get a delicious breakfast ready in the morning. Who knew healthy could be this fun? 🍌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: They provide the base for your overnight oats. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider using quick oats, but they might soak up liquid faster. Steel-cut oats take longer to soften, so they’re not ideal for this recipe.
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is great for keeping the oats light. You can swap it with any dairy milk or milk alternative like oat milk or soy milk, depending on your taste or dietary needs.
Greek Yogurt: For creaminess and protein, Greek yogurt is my go-to! If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt is a delicious substitute.
Chia Seeds: These add thickness and nutrition. If you don’t have them, you can use ground flaxseed, but the texture will be a bit different.
Peanut Butter: I love using peanut butter for its flavor. If you want a different taste or to avoid nuts, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even pumpkin puree can work well.
How Do You Get the Best Texture for Your Overnight Oats?
The texture is key to making delicious overnight oats. Here’s how to achieve that perfect creamy consistency:
- Mix the dry ingredients (oats, chia seeds, protein powder) well with the liquid to prevent clumping.
- Use enough liquid so the oats can absorb and expand. A 1:1 ratio of oats to liquid usually works well.
- Let it soak overnight; this allows the oats to soften and the chia seeds to swell, creating a creamy texture.
- Before serving, stir gently to mix everything. You can adjust the thickness by adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
Banana Cream Pie Protein Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 small ripe banana, mashed (reserve a few slices for topping)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Whipped topping or coconut cream, for garnish (optional)
- Crushed graham cracker crumbs or granola, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 4 hours for chilling, preferably overnight. It’s great for a quick breakfast that’s ready when you are!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl or a jar with a lid. Combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, vanilla protein powder, and unsweetened almond milk. Stir everything together really well to make sure the oats and seeds are evenly combined. This will help prevent clumping later on!
2. Adding Creaminess:
Next, add in your Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and the mashed banana. Mix them thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This adds a delicious banana flavor and a nice creamy texture!
3. Sweetening It Up:
If you’d like your oats a bit sweeter, now is the time to stir in your honey or maple syrup. Taste it and see if it’s sweet enough for your liking!
4. Refrigerating the Mixture:
Cover your bowl or jar and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill overnight, or at least for 4 hours, so the oats and chia seeds can soak up all that liquid and soften perfectly.
5. Preparing to Serve:
The next morning, take your oats out of the fridge and give them a gentle stir to mix everything up. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
6. Adding Peanut Butter:
If your peanut butter is a bit stiff, warm it up slightly in the microwave so it’s easier to drizzle or spread. Top your oats with this luscious peanut butter for that delightful flavor!
7. Finishing Touches:
Now comes the fun part! Add a dollop of whipped topping or coconut cream on top of your oats, then decorate with banana slices. For that banana cream pie feel, sprinkle some crushed graham cracker crumbs or granola on top!
8. Enjoy Your Creation!
Your banana cream pie protein overnight oats are ready to eat! Dig in and enjoy this delightful breakfast packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for a busy morning or an easy treat!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use instant oats! However, they will absorb liquid more quickly than rolled oats, so you may want to adjust the almond milk slightly and check the consistency before refrigerating.
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftover overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give them a good stir before serving, and you can add a splash of almond milk if they’ve thickened up too much!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Just use plant-based protein powder and ensure your yogurt and milk are dairy-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of the banana cream pie oats!
What Can I Use Instead of Chia Seeds?
If you don’t have chia seeds, you can use ground flaxseed as a substitute. It’ll provide a similar thickening effect, although the texture will differ slightly. You could also omit them entirely, but the oats may not be as creamy.
