Name: Banana Chia Overnight Oat and Yogurt Parfaits
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup old fashioned oats (quick-cooking oats work, too); 1 tbsp chia seeds; 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk (or cashew milk, or skim milk); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp coconut sugar; 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp coconut sugar; 1 banana (sliced); optional: chocolate chips

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These banana chia overnight oat and yogurt parfaits are the perfect healthy and nutritious breakfast. In under 10 minutes, you can prep breakfast for the week. These parfaits feature oats and nutritious chia seeds soaked with milk and sweetened with coconut sugar. The oats are layered with protein-packed Greek yogurt, notes of cinnamon, and topped with sliced banana. You can also add chocolate chips for some extra sweetness and crunch. As the parfait sits in the fridge, the flavors combine; the oats soak up the milk and other liquids and “cook” without cooking. When all mixed together, these ingredients form the most delicious and satisfying breakfast. You can make different varieties of these oats depending on what you have on hand, too. If you are looking for a no-fuss breakfast prep with no heating required, this is it.

What makes oatmeal “overnight oats”?

Overnight oats have been a “thing” for a while now, but any time I made them, I was left feeling unsatisfied. I love the health benefits of eating oatmeal, but always felt the need to “bulk up” my oats with other ingredients in order for it to keep me full. Originally I started pairing my oatmeal with yogurt and fruit in a bowl. I realized that combining oats and yogurt provided that extra protein I needed to stay full. When it came time to meal prepping these oat and yogurt bowls, I decided to make these overnight oat and yogurt parfait jars, so that I could prep breakfast for the week.

Making the oats “overnight” style really just means that I combined the oats with milk, and let them steep in the liquid. No cooking required. This made for the ultimate easy meal prep breakfast.

Layering the oats, milk, yogurt layer, and a fruit layer together in a convenient mason jar was the icing on the cake. These jars store really well in the fridge, and make for an easy transport to work, school, or to any activities outside the home. They do not require any heating (I eat them cold), and they are the perfect meal for on the go. I love not having to sacrifice eating healthy when I want something convenient and quick.

About this recipe for banana chia overnight oat and yogurt parfaits

The recipe below is for one parfait. You can multiply the number of servings by sliding the serving bar over to the number of servings you wish to make. Or, you can just follow the below recipe and make one jar at a time until your desired number of servings is met.

It takes the same amount of time to make one of these parfaits as it does to make 6, or even 12. Which is why I recommend making a batch of them at once, to set yourself up for the week ahead.

These are also husband and kid-approved, too. So make a bunch!

This recipe is also very versatile; you can change out the fruit for any fruit you want, or whatever you have on hand.

Here are other variations I have made:

Mixed Berry Overnight Oat and Yogurt Parfaits

Blueberry Overnight Oat and Yogurt Parfaits

Chocolate Banana Overnight Oat and Yogurt Parfaits

Apple Pie Overnight Oats

What you will need to make banana chia overnight oat and yogurt parfaits

old fashioned oats
unsweetened almond or cashew milk; for nut-free, use oat milk or any other milk of choice
chia seeds
- Chia seeds have so many health benefits; they are packed with antioxidants and a great source of fiber.
- The chia seeds plump up along with the old fashioned oats in the milk, and this parfait becomes a cross between overnight oats and chia seed pudding. It’s delicious!
- This is the brand of chia seeds I use.
cinnamon
coconut sugar
- Coconut sugar is such a great option for when recipes call for sugar.
- It is real sugar, not a zero calorie sugar option, but it has a lower glycemic number, which also brings down the WW points.
- If you prefer, you could replace the coconut sugar with a zero calorie sweetener.
vanilla extract
plain non-fat Greek yogurt
banana
optional: chocolate chips
- I love the no sugar added chocolate chips from Hu, which are sweetened with dates.

How to make banana chia overnight oat and yogurt parfaits

This method is broken down into three steps: 1) the oat layer, 2) the yogurt layer and 3) the topping. First, you have to create the oat layer. To create the oat layer, combine the oats, chia seeds, milk, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp coconut sugar on the bottom of your mason jar (I use a 12 oz mason jar). Stir to combine.

Next, it’s time for the yogurt layer. Add the yogurt on top of the oat layer, and sprinkle on another 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of coconut sugar. For the topping, slice the banana on top, and if you wish, add chocolate chips.