Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl until most of the chunks are out (you can leave it chunky if you prefer).
Stir in the almond butter until well-combined.
Add in the milk, vanilla extract, (and the pure maple syrup if you're adding it) and stir well.
Stir in the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, protein powder (if adding) and sea salt until everything is combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or transfer the oat mixture to a large (1-quart) mason jar and seal it up. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Store overnight oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Note: You can also pour the oat mixture into individual small jars if you’re making this a grab and go breakfast or meal prep recipe.
Just before eating the oatmeal, give it a good stir to ensure everything is well-mixed and add in anything you like, such as a splash of almond milk or a bit of honey. I enjoy it with sliced bananas, any type of nut butter, and hemp seeds.
Notes
If you are not gluten-sensitive, you can also use regular rolled oats. Just be sure you don't use quick or instant oats for the best texture.