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.
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.
- 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.
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
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
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:
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.
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.
Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to keep this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
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.
Print
Vegan Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chunky Monkey Overnight Oats is a creamy, gluten-free, and vegan breakfast featuring peanut butter, banana, shredded coconut, and mini chocolate chips. This easy make-ahead recipe combines rolled oats and chia seeds soaked overnight for a delicious, nutritious start to your day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ⅓ cup rolled oats (gluten free, if needed)
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- pinch salt
- 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- ½-3/4 cup milk (almond, cashew, oat, or coconut)
- ¼-1/2 banana (diced)
- 1-2 Tablespoons peanut butter
- ½-1 Tablespoon shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Optional Toppings
- crushed peanuts
- extra chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, mix rolled oats, chia seeds, a pinch of salt, maple syrup, ½ cup of your choice milk, diced banana (2-4 tablespoons), peanut butter (1 tablespoon), shredded coconut (½ tablespoon), and mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust sweetness with additional syrup or add more milk to reach desired consistency.
- Refrigerate: Transfer the mixture into a jar or airtight container, then cover it. Refrigerate for at least 30-40 minutes or preferably overnight to allow the oats and chia seeds to soak and soften.
- Serve and Store: When ready to eat, add a little extra milk if needed for creaminess. Top with the remaining diced banana, an extra drizzle of peanut butter, shredded coconut, and chocolate chips or cacao nibs. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, noting the texture will soften with time.
Notes
- Use gluten-free rolled oats if necessary to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- For vegan sweetness, use pure maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey.
- Adjust the amount of milk to get the consistency you prefer, thicker or more pourable.
- Add crushed peanuts or extra chocolate chips as toppings for added texture and flavor.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for meal prep.
- Use natural peanut butter for a healthier option without added sugar or oils.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 398 kcal
- Sugar: 13.8 g
- Sodium: 176.5 mg
- Fat: 16.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46.9 g
- Fiber: 9.2 g
- Protein: 10.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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