Chia Overnight Oats with Caramelized Bananas and Walnuts Recipe

Introduction

Chia Overnight Oats are a creamy, nutritious breakfast that’s easy to prepare the night before. With the richness of peanut butter and a sweet, caramelized banana topping, this dish is a delicious way to start your day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk (or milk alternative, such as almond milk)
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter (or any creamy nut butter)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Kosher salt, as needed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2 tbsp + 1 tsp chia seeds (leveled)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tsp real rum extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 medium firm bananas (peeled and sliced into coins)
• 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped, substitute pecans if desired)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the oat and chia pudding by whisking together the milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, peanut butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large resealable jar. Add the oats and chia seeds, then stir vigorously or seal the jar and shake well to combine. Close the jar tightly.
2. Step 2: Refrigerate the chia seed oat pudding for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to thicken.
3. Step 3: Prepare the banana topping by melting the butter in a large, deep-sided skillet over medium heat until foamy. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the rum and vanilla extracts and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Add the banana slices to the skillet and stir to coat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bananas soften and caramelize slightly. Stir in the chopped walnuts and a pinch of salt, cooking for another minute until glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Step 5: Before serving, stir the overnight oats well to combine. Spoon the pudding into jars or bowls and top with the warm caramelized bananas. Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use any milk alternative like oat or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
• Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter to vary the flavor.
• Add fresh berries or a drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness.
• For a vegan option, substitute butter with coconut oil and ensure extracts are alcohol-free.

Storage

Store leftover overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The banana topping is best served fresh but can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days and gently reheated before serving. Stir the oats well after refrigeration as chia seeds may settle.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the oats without chia seeds?

Yes, but chia seeds help thicken the mixture and add extra fiber and nutrients. Without them, the oats may be less creamy and slightly looser in texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a whole week?

It’s best to prepare individual portions and add the banana topping fresh each day. The oats will keep well for up to 3 days, but the banana topping may become soggy or lose its caramelized texture over time.

Chia Overnight Oats with Caramelized Bananas and Walnuts Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 58 reviews

A wholesome and delicious recipe for Chia Overnight Oats featuring creamy peanut butter, sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar, infused with cinnamon and vanilla, and topped with warm caramelized bananas and crunchy walnuts. This easy no-cook breakfast is prepared by soaking oats and chia seeds overnight, then served with a luscious spiced banana topping for a perfect start to your day.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including soaking time)
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Chia Overnight Oats

• 1 Cup Milk (or milk alternative, such as almond milk)
• 1 TBS Pure Maple Syrup
• 1 TBS Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1 TBS Creamy Peanut Butter (or any creamy nut butter)
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Kosher Salt
• 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats
• 2 TBS + 1 tsp Chia Seeds (leveled)

Caramelized Banana Topping

• 3 TBS Unsalted Butter
• 2/3 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
• 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 3 tsp Real Rum Extract
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 3 medium Firm Bananas (peeled and sliced into coins)
• 1/2 Cup Walnuts (chopped, substitute: Pecans)
• Pinch of Kosher Salt

Instructions

1. Make the Oat and Chia Pudding: In a large resealable jar, whisk together the milk, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. After mixing well, add the rolled oats and chia seeds to the jar. Stir vigorously or tightly seal the jar and shake vigorously to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Seal the jar and set aside.
2. Refrigerate Chia Oatmeal Pudding Overnight: Place the sealed jar in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and develop a creamy pudding-like texture.
3. Make the Banana Topping: In a large deep-sided skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly foamy. Stir in the pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon until the sugar dissolves. Add the rum extract and vanilla extract, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook this syrup for 1-2 minutes while stirring occasionally. Next, add the banana slices and stir to coat them evenly in the syrup. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bananas are caramelized and softened. Stir in the chopped walnuts and a pinch of kosher salt, cooking for about 1 more minute until everything is glossy and well coated. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Serve Oats and Chia Seed Pudding: Before serving, stir the chia oat pudding thoroughly to mix any settled ingredients. Spoon the pudding into individual jars or bowls, then generously top with the warm caramelized bananas and walnuts. Optionally, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top and serve immediately for a delightful breakfast experience.

Notes

• Brown sugar should be packed firmly when measuring to ensure accuracy.
• You can substitute rum extract with vanilla extract if preferred, but the rum extract adds a distinctive flavor to the banana topping.
• Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or your favorite nuts.
• This recipe can be adapted with any milk alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk to suit dietary needs.
• Overnight soaking time should be at least 4 hours, but soaking overnight yields a smoother, creamier pudding.

Keywords: chia overnight oats, overnight oats recipe, healthy breakfast, caramelized bananas, peanut butter oats, no-cook breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, vegan alternative oats