Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is hands down one of my favorite grab-and-go breakfasts. Imagine waking up to creamy peanut butter, sweet banana, and a hint of chocolate all mingled with oats that soak up overnight magic—it’s basically breakfast perfection without any fuss.

The image shows a clear glass jar filled with creamy, light beige oats mixed with small dark chia seeds, creating a speckled texture. On top, there are round slices of pale yellow banana arranged in a single layer, drizzled with a smooth light brown peanut butter sauce, and sprinkled with small dark brown chocolate chips. The jar sits on a small rectangular wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Surrounding the jar, other glass jars feature different toppings like sliced almonds, dark dried fruit, and fresh red strawberry pieces, all resting on the same white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats recipe countless times, and I never get tired of it. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, plus it’s adaptable and ready when you are. Trust me, mornings get a whole lot easier with a jar of this in the fridge!

Super creamy, no cooking required: The oats soak up the milk and peanut butter overnight for that rich, creamy texture you crave in the morning.
Balanced flavors: The natural sweetness of banana pairs perfectly with peanut butter and chocolate for a breakfast that feels indulgent but is totally wholesome.
Easy to customize: Whether you want it sweeter, nuttier, or thicker, it’s simple to adjust to your taste buds.
Great for busy mornings: Just prep it the night before and you’re golden—no rushing or morning mess.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is simple, but each ingredient plays an important role in flavor, texture, or nutrition. Plus, it’s easy to find these in most grocery stores and swap out depending on your preferences.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of rolled oats, a small white ceramic bowl of chia seeds, a pinch of coarse salt on the marble surface, a small white ceramic bowl of golden pure maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of almond milk, a few pieces of diced fresh banana, a dollop of creamy peanut butter on a white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded unsweetened coconut, a small white ceramic bowl of mini chocolate chips, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rolled oats: They absorb the liquid overnight and soften perfectly without becoming mushy. Choose gluten-free oats if you need to keep it gluten-free.
Chia seeds: These tiny powerhouses thicken the oats and add fiber and omega-3s, contributing to that creamy, pudding-like texture.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Pure maple syrup: Adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the bananas or peanut butter.
Plant milk: Whether almond, cashew, oat, or coconut, it gives the base creaminess and makes the recipe totally vegan.
Banana (diced): Provides natural sweetness and that classic Chunky Monkey flavor. Ripe bananas work best!
Peanut butter: Brings richness, protein, and a cozy nuttiness that makes this breakfast a treat.
Shredded coconut: Adds a light tropical hint and a little texture contrast—unsweetened keeps it natural.
Mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs: These tiny bursts of chocolate take it over the top without being too much.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe is how flexible it is. I love trying little twists, depending on what I have on hand or my mood.

Nut butter swap: I sometimes use almond or cashew butter for a different nuttiness — still delicious and creamy!
Sweetener tweak: If you prefer, a bit of agave or date syrup works just as well instead of maple syrup.
Add some crunch: Sprinkling crushed peanuts or even granola on top just before eating adds a fantastic texture contrast.
Seasonal spins: Toss in some chopped strawberries or frozen blueberries during warmer months for freshness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

The image shows a white marbled oval board with a wooden section on the right side. On the board, there are four white small bowls and two silver spoons arranged neatly. One bowl is filled with pale oat flakes at the top left, another bowl contains black chia seeds at the top right, the third bowl at the bottom left holds pieces of chopped banana, and the fourth bowl is a glass bottle filled with white milk at the top center. A spoon on the right side is holding light brown peanut butter, resting on a small pile of white shredded coconut spread on the board. Below all the items is a second spoon with dark amber honey. The soft natural lighting highlights the textures and colors of each ingredient against the clean white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix the magic ingredients

Start by combining rolled oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, and maple syrup in a bowl. Stir in half a cup of your preferred plant milk along with diced banana, peanut butter, shredded coconut, and mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs. I always give it a good stir to make sure everything’s well combined—this helps the chia seeds start thickening early on. Taste it here: if it needs a bit more sweetness or milk, now’s the time to add it. That way, when it’s ready in the morning, the flavors are just right.

Step 2: Chill and let it transform

Transfer your mixture into a jar or container with a tight lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 to 40 minutes, but for the best results, let it sit overnight. The oats soak up the milk and soften beautifully, while the chia seeds create a velvety texture. This hands-off step means you can sleep in a little or prep breakfasts for the week all at once.

Step 3: Serve and enjoy

When you’re ready to eat, pop open your jar. If it looks a bit thick, drizzle a little extra plant milk on top. I love adding the remaining banana, a swirl of peanut butter, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut and chocolate chips to finish it off — it’s that little extra that makes it feel special.

Top Tip

From my many attempts at perfecting this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe, I learned a few tricks that make all the difference:

Measure your milk carefully: Too much and the oats get watery, too little and they’re dry and crumbly. Start with ½ cup and adjust after mixing.
Ripe bananas only: The riper, the better — they naturally sweeten and soften the mixture.
Mix in a bowl first: I find stirring ingredients in a bowl helps distribute things evenly before transferring to a jar.
Add toppings fresh: Keep extra chocolate chips or coconut to sprinkle just before serving for texture and visual appeal.

How to Serve Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe

vegan overnight oats - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about those little finishing touches! I usually top my oats with a few slices of fresh banana, a drizzle of peanut butter, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut and mini chocolate chips. It makes every bite exciting and looks super inviting too.

Side Dishes

To make a fuller breakfast, I sometimes pair this oat jar with a side of fresh fruit or a handful of nuts. A small green smoothie or a cup of black coffee also complements the rich, nutty flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or special occasion, I love serving these oats layered in clear glasses with extra banana slices and chopped nuts between layers — it looks beautiful and feels fancy without extra work. You can even add a dollop of coconut yogurt for a creamy topping twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Just be aware they’ll get softer over time as the oats continue absorbing the liquid. I usually give the oats a quick stir and add a splash of milk before eating leftovers to revive their creaminess.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing overnight oats because the texture can change quite a bit. The banana and peanut butter separate when frozen and thawed, so I prefer to keep it fresh in the fridge.

Reheating

You can eat these oats cold or warm them up slightly. If warming, I pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds with a splash of plant milk — just enough to loosen them without turning them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nut butters besides peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond or cashew butter work wonderfully in this recipe and add their own unique flavor. Just make sure the nut butter is creamy for easy mixing.

How long can I store this Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe in the fridge?

It keeps well for about 2 to 3 days in an airtight container. The oats will become softer over time, so give it a good stir and add a splash of plant milk before eating leftovers.

Can I substitute the rolled oats with a gluten-free option?

Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Is it okay to eat this recipe cold, or should I reheat it?

It’s delicious both ways! Many people enjoy it straight from the fridge for a refreshing breakfast, but if you prefer it warm, just microwave it for 20-30 seconds with a little plant milk.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe has become one of those comfort breakfasts I turn to again and again. It feels like a little morning hug—warm, rich, and just the right amount sweet. I hope you give this a try and that it simplifies your mornings as much as it has mine. It’s an easy, wholesome way to start your day with a smile, and trust me, once you make it your own, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.