Brown Sugar Overnight Oats Recipe

I recently experimented with this brown sugar overnight oats recipe and was surprised by how simple it turned out to be. I mixed old fashioned rolled oats with mashed banana, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, creating one of my favorite Non Dairy Overnight Oats recipes that makes morning meals something special.

I’ve been working on a new breakfast idea lately and this brown sugar overnight oats recipe totally blew my mind. I mix 1/2 cup of old fashioned rolled oats with 1/2 cup milk, be it dairy or non dairy, and then I mash a ripe banana really well.

I fold in a tablespoon of brown sugar, a pinch of salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a splash (about 1/4 teaspoon) of vanilla extract. The mashed banana not only adds a natural sweetness but also helps when you dont have yogurt on hand.

Somehow, the flavors just blend so perfectly that its almost addictive. I find it perfect for meal prep, or even when youre heading out camping, and want a healthy cold breakfast waiting for you in the morning.

Its a quick, tasty and low sugar start to an active day that always keeps me curious for more.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s really easy to make. I mean, all I gotta do is mix a few ingredients, leave it in the fridge overnight and bam, breakfast’s ready. I also love the flavor combo of brown sugar, mashed banana, and cinnamon; it just feels comforting and sweet at the same time. Another reason is that it’s perfect if you don’t have yogurt on hand or don’t really care for it, so it fits my pantry perfectly. Plus, it’s so adaptable – if it’s too thick in the morning, I can just add a splash of milk and it’s good to go.

Ingredients

• Old fashioned rolled oats offer hearty fiber and slow burning carbohydrates to keep you full.
• Milk provides protein and calcium for a creamy texture while supporting strong bones.
• Ripe banana add natural sweetness, potassium and moisture to balance this simple dish.
• Brown sugar gives a deep caramel note and enhances the overall taste profile.
• Ground cinnamon introduces warm spice and adds extra antioxidants to this meal.
• Vanilla extract lifts flavors by adding a smooth, rich aroma to each spoonful.
• A pinch of salt intensifies every flavor, balancing both sweet and creamy notes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non dairy, whichever you like)
• 1 ripe banana, mashed well
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

How to Make this

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats and 1/2 cup milk so they mix well.

2. Mash the ripe banana until there are minimal lumps and add it to the oats and milk.

3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar making sure it’s evenly distributed.

4. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract.

5. Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

6. Mix all the ingredients well until you see they are fully combined.

7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture into a jar with a lid.

8. Refrigerate the mixture overnight or for at least 6 hours.

9. In the morning, give the oats a good stir and check the consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.

10. Enjoy your comforting brown sugar overnight oats straight out of the fridge or gently warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups for the oats and milk
3. Measuring spoons for the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract
4. A fork or a potato masher to mash the banana
5. A spoon or spatula for stirring the ingredients
6. Plastic wrap or a jar with a lid to cover the mixture
7. A refrigerator for the overnight chilling
8. A microwave (optional, if you want to warm up the oats)

FAQ

Brown Sugar Overnight Oats Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Old fashioned rolled oats: you can sub quick oats if you dont have time, but they might get a bit mushy
• Milk: try almond milk, coconut milk, or even soy milk if you wanna keep it dairy free
• Brown sugar: you can swap it with maple syrup if you’re after a slightly different sweetness
• Ripe banana: unsweetened applesauce makes a good alternative, just note the flavor might change a little

Pro Tips

1. If your oats end up too thick in the morning, try stirring in a little extra milk. Sometimes it takes a couple stirs to get the right consistency and you dont want it clumpy.
2. You can mix in other things like chopped nuts or berries when you wake up to add a bit more flavor and texture. Its a fun twist that makes it less boring.
3. Experiment with the sweetness by adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you think the brown sugar isnt enough. Adjusting the sugar can really amp up the flavor in a subtle way.
4. Letting the oats soak for over 6 hours can really change the texture, so if you have time, leave them overnight and even give them an extra hour if possible. Sometimes a little extra time helps bring out the flavors even more.