Hi, friends! Stir everything together tonight and breakfast can be waiting tomorrow. Oats, chia, yogurt, banana, and cocoa soften in the refrigerator, giving you a creamy spoonable breakfast. Fresh toppings go on just before eating so they keep their texture.
- Prep
- 10 minutes
- Cook or chill
- 6–8 hours chilling
- Yield
- 2 jars
Ingredients
The original recipe uses a 240 ml cup and 15 ml tablespoon. U.S. cup volumes and oven settings are rounded; use listed grams and milliliters for accuracy. Sweetener conversions come from the specific product’s label.
Base
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 170 g plain yogurt (6 oz)
- ¾ cup milk or plant-based milk (180 ml)
- 1 teaspoon honey, or a properly dosed sweetener, optional
Topping
- ½ banana, sliced when serving
- Nuts or unsweetened coconut to taste
How to make it
- Use two clean, dry jars of about 350 ml (12 fl oz) each. Mix the oats, chia, and cocoa, breaking up lumps.
- Stir in the mashed banana, yogurt, and milk until even.
- Taste and add the optional honey or label-measured sweetener only if wanted.
- Divide between the jars with room at the top, close, and refrigerate immediately.
- Chill for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Stir before eating, loosen with a little milk if thick, and add the fresh banana and crunchy toppings.
Small details that help
Thick rolled oats stay chewy; quick oats become smoother. Chia thickens the base, so do not double it without adjusting liquid. Use pasteurized milk and yogurt, and follow the refrigeration label on plant-based drinks. Honey adds sugar; the optional spoonful is not required for the oats to set.
Serving and storing
Refrigerate covered at 40°F or below and use within 2–3 days. Count from the earliest prepared ingredient, including previously cooked chicken. Refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F. Divide hot food into shallow containers for prompt cooling rather than waiting for it to become fully cold on the counter. Reheat savory leftovers to 165°F. USDA storage and reheating guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a plant-based drink?
Yes. Flavor, thickness, allergens, and added sugar differ, so check the product and yogurt separately.
Can I keep the crunchy toppings in the jar?
Add nuts just before serving for the best crunch.
Why did the banana darken?
Some browning is normal, but color alone does not establish food safety. Refrigerate promptly and use within 2–3 days.