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Creamy Overnight Oats with Brown Butter Banana and Walnuts

creamy overnight oats - featured image

A cozy and indulgent overnight oats recipe featuring the rich flavor of brown butter, sweet ripe banana, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for a quick, healthy breakfast that feels special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (45 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) milk of choice (whole milk, almond, or oat milk)
  • ¼ cup (60 g) Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
  • 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (15 g) chopped walnuts, toasted if desired
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon (14 g) of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as it melts and foams until it turns golden brown with nutty brown bits forming. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
  2. Peel and mash 1 medium ripe banana with a fork in a mixing bowl or jar until smooth but still a bit chunky.
  3. Add ½ cup (45 g) rolled oats, ¾ cup (180 ml) milk of choice, ¼ cup (60 g) Greek yogurt, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the mashed banana. Pour the warm brown butter over the mixture and stir well to combine.
  4. Stir in 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey if extra sweetness is desired. Taste and adjust as needed.
  5. Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the oats to soak and soften.
  6. Just before serving, stir in or sprinkle 2 tablespoons (15 g) of chopped walnuts. Toast walnuts in a dry pan for 2 minutes beforehand for extra crunch and flavor if desired.

Notes

If oats are too thick in the morning, add a splash of milk and stir to loosen. Be careful not to burn the butter—remove from heat as soon as it turns golden brown. Use ripe bananas with brown spots for best flavor and creaminess. For vegan version, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives and use vegan butter or coconut oil for browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: overnight oats, brown butter, banana, walnuts, healthy breakfast, easy breakfast, creamy oats, gluten-free, vegetarian