Description

Enjoy the comforting essence of baked banana bread in a wholesome, chilled breakfast. This make-ahead recipe blends fiber-rich oats and heart-healthy pecans into a rich, pudding-like treat ready to grab and go. Inspired by DASH principles, this version focuses on natural sweetness and bold spices without added sodium.

Ingredients

Scale

Pantry

1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup roughly chopped raw pecans
3 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (ensure no added sugar or salt in the blend)

Produce & Liquids

1 ½ large very ripe bananas (divided)
1 ⅔ cups approx. 395 ml unsweetened almond milk
2 tbsp date paste
1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

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Instructions

Awaken the Nuts: Place the chopped pecans in a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat immediately and set aside to cool.
Combine the Dry Staples: In a medium mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir with a fork to distribute everything evenly.
Create the Flavor Base: In a separate, smaller bowl, peel and mash one full banana until it forms a smooth pulp. Add the date paste and vanilla bean paste, whisking vigorously until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
Hydrate the Base: Pour the unsweetened almond milk into the banana mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the base is smooth and fully liquefied.
Marry the Mixtures: Pour the wet banana-milk mixture into the bowl with the dry oat blend. Use a silicone spatula to fold everything together until no dry spots remain. Stir in about three-quarters of the toasted pecans, reserving the rest for garnish.
Portion and Chill: Divide the oat mixture evenly among the three jars. Seal the lids tightly. Transfer the jars to the refrigerator to set for a minimum of 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency.
Garnish and Serve: When ready to eat, slice the remaining half banana. Top the chilled oats with the fresh banana slices and the reserved toasted pecans. Enjoy directly from the jar.

Notes

Storage: These oats are best consumed within 3 days. Keep them sealed and refrigerated.
Protein Boost: To increase protein and calcium content further, you can substitute the almond milk with skim milk or unsweetened soy milk. The texture will remain very similar.
Spice Variations: If you do not have pumpkin pie spice, a blend of ¾ tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp nutmeg works beautifully.
Troubleshooting: If your oats seem too thick after chilling, stir in an extra splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency.

These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and preparation. Sugars include natural fruit sugars.

Nutrition

Calories: 445