I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe turns out every single time — it’s creamy, perfectly spiced, and just the right balance of natural sweetness and crunch. When I first started making overnight oats, I struggled to find a flavor that felt cozy yet exciting, and this pumpkin version quickly became a favorite, especially as the weather cools down. You’ll find that it works brilliantly as a grab-and-go breakfast or a wholesome snack that keeps you full and energized for hours.
What really makes this recipe worth trying is how simple it is to prepare but how sophisticated the flavors taste. The pumpkin butter adds a luscious touch without being overpowering, and pairing it with sliced bananas and nuts gives it that comforting texture contrast I crave in the morning. Trust me, once you make these Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe your routine, you’ll wonder how you ever had breakfast without it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Yet Flavorful: You only need a handful of ingredients for a breakfast that feels indulgent.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it the night before, and it’s ready when you are.
- Great for Any Diet: Easily customizable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan preferences.
- Balanced Nutrition: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in the Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe come together so well — each one adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes waking up to this breakfast feel like a treat. When you shop, look for good-quality pumpkin butter and fresh nuts for the best results.
- Quick oats: Using organic quick oats lets them soak up liquid fast for that creamy texture you want.
- Milk of choice: I love using oat milk here for its subtle sweetness, but almond or any unsweetened milk works great too.
- Pumpkin butter: If store-bought, use it sparingly since it’s often sweeter; homemade is even better if you have time.
- Chia seeds: These help thicken the oats and add a nice nutritional boost of omega-3s.
- Cinnamon: It brings out those warm fall vibes and pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Just a pinch adds that signature cozy flavor.
- Banana: Use fresh or frozen slices; I usually freeze some banana slices ahead for smoothies too.
- Raw nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or pepitas add crunch and healthy fats that keep your energy steady.
- Whipped cream (optional): For a little breakfast indulgence, I sometimes add whipped cream or a dairy-free alternative on top.
Variations
I like to mix things up by swapping in different nuts or trying alternative sweeteners depending on what I have on hand. Remember, this Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe is super flexible — feel free to personalize it based on your cravings or dietary needs!
- Nut-Free Version: I’ve swapped nuts for seeds like hemp or sunflower seeds when my family had allergies, and it’s just as delicious
- Vegan Friendly: Choosing plant-based milk and skipping the whipped cream keeps it vegan with no loss in flavor.
- Extra Protein: Adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder in the mix makes it a post-workout powerhouse.
- Spiced Up: Sometimes I add a dash of ginger or nutmeg for a spicy twist that’s especially nice on chilly mornings.
How to Make Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients
Start by combining your quick oats with half a cup of your chosen milk directly in a jar or bowl that can be sealed. I always use something with a lid to shake everything together — it helps distribute the pumpkin butter, chia seeds, and spices evenly. Stir in the tablespoon of pumpkin butter, the teaspoon of chia seeds, and a pinch each of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Make sure you use just a little pumpkin butter if it’s store-bought since it tends to be quite sweet.
Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight
Seal the jar and give it a good shake before tucking it into your fridge overnight. This resting period allows the oats to soak and soften, while the chia seeds help thicken the mix into that dreamy pudding-like consistency I love. Pro tip: if it looks too thick in the morning, just stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Step 3: Add Fresh Banana and Nuts
In the morning, take your jar out and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to take off the chill (unless you like it cold, then skip this step). Top your oats with fresh or thawed sliced bananas, a sprinkle of cinnamon and pumpkin spice for more aroma, and a tablespoon of your favorite nuts — I love raw, hulled pecans the best for their crunch and flavor. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or dairy-free cream makes it even more special.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe
- Use Quick Oats: They absorb liquid faster and create that creamy texture without being mushy.
- Don’t Overdo Pumpkin Butter: Store-bought varieties can be sweet, so start with less and adjust to taste.
- Let Oats Warm Slightly: Allowing the oats to sit out for a bit makes the flavors more pronounced and the texture less chilly, which my family really appreciates.
- Layer Your Toppings: Add nuts last, just before eating, so they stay crunchy instead of soggy.
How to Serve Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a few crushed pecans or walnuts on top for that toasty crunch and sometimes a light drizzle of maple syrup if I want it sweeter. A sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice right before serving adds a lovely aroma that makes your breakfast feel extra cozy.
Side Dishes
Since this overnight oats recipe is pretty filling on its own, I usually pair it with a cup of hot chai tea or black coffee. But on weekends, I enjoy it alongside a side of fresh fruit or even a slice of whole grain toast for extra energy.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served these overnight oats layered in mason jars with alternating amounts of oats and chopped nuts, then topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch — guests loved both the flavor and the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since this recipe is designed to be made ahead, leftovers store beautifully in the fridge up to 3 days. I keep mine covered in a sealed jar, and I find the texture holds up really well — just stir well before eating and add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
Freezing
I haven’t personally frozen my Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe because the bananas tend to turn mushy after thawing, but you can freeze the base oats without fruit or nuts for up to a month. Then just thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh toppings before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your oats warm, I gently microwave them for about 20 seconds after removing the chill. Adding the banana and nuts after reheating keeps the texture and flavor fresh, so don’t microwave those extras.
FAQs
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Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats for Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute rolled oats, but keep in mind they’ll require a longer soaking time—typically overnight or even up to 24 hours—to soften properly. The texture will be a bit chewier compared to quick oats, which get creamy faster.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Oats themselves don’t naturally contain gluten, but cross-contamination can occur, so check the labels if you’re avoiding gluten.
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How long will Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe keep in the fridge?
It keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before eating, and add more milk if needed to restore creaminess.
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Can I prepare this recipe without pumpkin butter?
If you don’t have pumpkin butter, you can use canned pumpkin puree mixed with some sweetener and spices as a substitute. Keep in mind that pumpkin butter is thicker and sweeter, so adjust the amount and sweetness accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe has become one of my go-to breakfasts for a reason — it’s comforting, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do, whether you’re easing into chilly mornings or just craving a wholesome start to your day. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll make breakfast a little brighter and a lot tastier!
Print
Pumpkin Overnight Oats with Bananas and Nuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 8 hr 10 min
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Overnight Oats are a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that combines creamy oats with pumpkin butter, warming spices, and a touch of sweetness. This easy no-cook recipe is perfect for meal prepping and provides a wholesome start to your day.
Ingredients
Oats Base
- 1/4 cup organic quick oats*
- 1/2 cup unsweetened milk of choice (I like oat milk)
Flavorings
- 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, for topping)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a jar, combine the quick oats and 1/2 cup of your chosen unsweetened milk. Stir them together until well mixed.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the pumpkin butter, chia seeds, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice to the oat mixture. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the jar, shake gently to mix, and refrigerate it overnight to allow the oats to soak up the flavors and soften.
- Prepare to Serve: The next morning, remove the jar from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes to take the chill off. Alternatively, microwave it for a few seconds if you prefer a warm breakfast.
- Add Toppings: Top the oats with sliced banana, an additional sprinkle of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, and your choice of nuts. Optionally add whipped cream or dairy-free cream for an indulgent finish. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
- You can adjust the amount of pumpkin butter to taste, especially if using store-bought which may be sweeter.
- Freezing extra bananas is an excellent way to have smoothie ingredients ready.
- Feel free to swap nuts for your favorite crunchy topping like granola or seeds.
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: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.5 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
