When I first tried making Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Banana and Nuts Recipe, I was instantly hooked by how effortlessly delicious and comforting it felt the next morning. It’s that perfect little breakfast treat that feels cozy like fall, but is also refreshing and light enough to enjoy any time you want a nutritious, no-fuss start to your day. I love this recipe because it blends creamy pumpkin butter, warming spices, and naturally sweet banana with crunchy nuts for texture—a combo that always makes my mornings feel special.
You’ll find that Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Banana and Nuts Recipe works beautifully whether you’re prepping for a busy weekday or treating yourself on a lazy weekend. Besides tasting amazing, it’s packed with fiber, protein, and good fats that keep you energized for hours. Plus, the prep is so simple, you literally make it the night before, and wake up to breakfast ready to go—talk about winning the morning routine game.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Prep: Just mix, refrigerate overnight, and you’ve got breakfast ready to enjoy.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you full and fueled.
- Perfectly Spiced Pumpkin Flavor: The pumpkin butter and spices create that iconic cozy fall taste.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily swap nuts, use different milk, or add extras to personalize.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Banana and Nuts Recipe come together to create a harmonious balance of creaminess, sweetness, and crunch. Look for quality pumpkin butter and fresh bananas to make your oats extra special.
- Organic quick oats: I prefer these because they soak up the liquid fast and get that perfect creamy texture overnight.
- Unsweetened milk of choice: Oat milk is my go-to for its mild flavor and creaminess, but almond or dairy milk works fine too.
- Pumpkin butter: If you’re using store-bought, I recommend using a bit less because those tend to be sweeter. Homemade pumpkin butter is fantastic if you have it!
- Chia seeds: These thicken the oats and add a nice boost of omega-3 and fiber.
- Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice: A pinch of each brings out that classic pumpkin flavor we all crave.
- Banana: Sliced fresh on top for natural sweetness and creaminess; freeze extra bananas for smoothies later.
- Raw hulled pecans, pepitas, walnuts (or any nut): Toast them lightly if you want an extra crunch and deeper flavor.
- Whipped cream or dairy-free cream (optional): I only add this on lazy mornings when I feel like treating myself to something extra decadent.
Variations
I love tweaking this Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Banana and Nuts Recipe to fit everyone’s taste and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
- Dairy-free: Using plant-based milk like oat, almond, or coconut milk keeps it creamy and allergen-friendly—I always keep oat milk stocked for this reason.
- Nut-free: Swap nuts for seeds such as pepitas or sunflower seeds to maintain crunch without allergy worries.
- Extra protein: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or some Greek yogurt for an extra energizing breakfast.
- Added sweetness: If you like things sweeter, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey blends beautifully with the pumpkin spices.
How to Make Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Banana and Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Base Ingredients
Start by combining the organic quick oats and half a cup of your chosen unsweetened milk in a jar or a bowl. Stir well so the oats get evenly moistened, which helps them soak properly overnight. This is the base that makes your oats creamy without heating. If you skip this step or don’t mix well, you might end up with dry clumps in the morning, which nobody wants.
Step 2: Add Pumpkin Butter, Chia, and Spices
Next, stir in the pumpkin butter, chia seeds, a pinch of cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This is where the magic happens—the pumpkin butter blends into the oats creating that rich, velvety texture, while chia seeds thicken the mixture overnight. I like to give the jar a good shake or stir to get everything well combined before popping it in the fridge.
Step 3: Let It Chill Overnight
Cover the jar with a lid and refrigerate overnight—at least 6 to 8 hours is best. I learned that this step is crucial because it allows the oats to absorb all those flavors and soften perfectly. Don’t skip this, or your oats won’t have that creamy consistency we love.
Step 4: Breakfast Time—Add Banana, Nuts, and Toppings
The next morning, take your oats out of the fridge and let them sit on the counter for 30 minutes to warm up slightly, or zap them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds if you prefer warm oats. Then add sliced banana on top, sprinkle a bit more cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, and finish with a handful of raw nuts like pecans or walnuts for that satisfying crunch. I sometimes add a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch, but it’s just as good without.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Banana and Nuts Recipe
- Use Quick Oats for Creaminess: Quick oats soak up liquid faster than rolled oats, giving you creamy, soft oats without a long wait.
- Adjust Pumpkin Butter to Taste: Store-bought pumpkin butter can be sweeter or more concentrated, so start with less and add more if needed.
- Freeze Banana Slices Then Add Fresh: I freeze the other 3/4 of the banana for smoothies so I’m not wasting fruit while keeping the fresh slices for topping.
- Don’t Overload Chia Seeds: Too many chia seeds can make the texture gummy—stick to about a teaspoon for balance.
How to Serve Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Banana and Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
I love garnishing my pumpkin overnight oats with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice for that warm aroma. A handful of toasted pecans or walnuts adds crunch and a lovely nutty flavor. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of pure maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream makes it feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
To keep breakfast balanced and hearty, I often pair these oats with a side of fresh fruit like berries or a sliced apple. A warm cup of chai tea or coffee complements the spices beautifully as well, helping me start the day cozy and satisfied.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, I’ve served this Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Banana and Nuts Recipe layered in clear parfait glasses—alternating oats with banana slices and nuts for a beautiful breakfast parfait. It’s perfect for weekend brunches or when you want to brighten up your morning table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftovers in the fridge, covered tightly in the jar or sealed container, for up to 2 days. The oats will continue to thicken as they sit, so just stir in a splash of milk before eating if they seem too dense in the morning.
Freezing
I haven’t found freezing overnight oats to be the best method, as the texture can get mushy after thawing. I recommend freezing just the banana slices or nuts separately if you want to prep parts ahead.
Reheating
If you prefer your oats warm, microwave them for 20-30 seconds and then stir in your banana and nuts. This quick warming really enhances the pumpkin and spice flavors and feels extra cozy on chilly mornings.
FAQs
-
Can I make Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Banana and Nuts Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite plant-based milk like oat or almond milk and opt for dairy-free whipped topping if you want that extra creamy touch. The recipe is naturally vegan-friendly otherwise.
-
What’s the best pumpkin butter to use?
I like homemade pumpkin butter for its pure flavor and less sugar, but store-bought brands are convenient—just remember to use a bit less if store-bought because they can be sweeter and thicker.
-
Can I prep multiple servings at once?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients and portion into individual jars or containers. This is perfect for meal prepping so you have breakfast ready for several mornings in a row.
-
Is it okay to use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
You can, but rolled oats require longer soaking time, so it’s best to let them sit overnight or even 12 hours for a softer texture. Quick oats absorb liquid faster and tend to get creamier more easily.
-
How long does Pumpkin Overnight Oats keep in the fridge?
They’re best eaten within 2 days of making, as the texture and freshness start to decline after that. Just give them a stir and add a splash of milk if they’re too thick.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Banana and Nuts Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it’s so easy, tasty, and versatile. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just want a wholesome breakfast to power you through the day, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try—you might just find yourself excited to wake up and dig in every morning like I do!
PrintPumpkin Overnight Oats with Banana and Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and nutritious Pumpkin Overnight Oats made with organic quick oats, pumpkin butter, chia seeds, and warm spices. This easy no-cook breakfast is perfect for busy mornings, topped with fresh banana slices, nuts, and optional whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/4 cup organic quick oats*
- 1/2 cup unsweetened milk of choice (such as oat milk)
Flavoring
- 2 tbsp pumpkin butter (use less if store bought)
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- Pinch cinnamon
- Pinch pumpkin pie spice
Toppings
- 1/4 sliced banana (freeze the rest for smoothies)
- Pinch cinnamon
- Pinch pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tbsp raw hulled pecans, pepitas, walnuts, or any nut
- Whipped cream or dairy free cream (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a jar, combine 1/4 cup organic quick oats with 1/2 cup unsweetened milk of your choice.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in 2 tablespoons pumpkin butter, 1 teaspoon chia seeds, and a pinch each of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice until well incorporated.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the jar, shake it to mix well, and refrigerate overnight (about 8 hours) to allow the oats to soften and flavors to meld.
- Prepare to Serve: The next morning, remove the jar from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to take off the chill, or microwave a few seconds if you prefer it warm.
- Add Toppings: Top with 1/4 sliced banana, additional pinch of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, 1 tablespoon raw nuts (pecans, pepitas, walnuts, or your choice), and finish with whipped cream or a dairy-free alternative if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free oats to avoid any cross-contamination.
- Use less pumpkin butter if using store-bought as it may be sweeter than homemade.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for meal prepping multiple servings.
- Freezing leftover banana slices is great for future smoothies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 269 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 165.5 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.5 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg